Savannah in Hardin County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Historic Crossing

Photographed by Brandon Stahl, April 28, 2017

1. Historic Crossing Marker

Inscription. Savannah stands at the junction of two major corridors- the north-south Tennessee River and the east-west road of Memphis. Savannah's secure, high ground and deep water made it an important port. For decades pioneers and area farmers found the water route faster and more economical than land travel. The road leading to the landing is still visible along the stone wall to your right. James Rudd operated the first ferry here in 1815. Over the next forty years thousands of westward emigrants and local travelers crossed the Tennessee River at Savannah.

In 1838, more than 600 Cherokees crossed here during the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). The routes they used are collectiveley known as the nunahi-dunatlo-hilu-i- "trail where they cried."

Erected by Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1815.

Location. 35° 13.558′ N, 88° 15.431′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Tennessee, in Hardin County. It is on West Main Street. West Main dead ends at the historic Cherry Mansion.

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A walkway leads about 30 yards down to the river and the Trail of Tears Overlook Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah TN 38372, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: War on the River (here, next to this marker); The Cherry Mansion (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Cherry Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Grant at Cherry Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); War Comes to Savannah (approx. ¼ mile away); The Lost Petrified Forests of Savannah, Tennessee (approx. 0.4 miles away); Howard "Cedric Rainwater" Watts (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hardin County Confederate Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.

Also see . . . The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people, forcefully removed from their homelands in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee to live in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. They traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or steamboat in 1838-1839. (Submitted on April 30, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia.)

Photographed by Brandon Stahl, April 28, 2017

2. Historic Crossing Marker

The Historic Crossing Marker is the center marker

The Ferry at Savannah image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon Stahl, April 28, 2017

3. The Ferry at Savannah

The ferry at Savannah, circa 1900, when it was operated by Alex Haley (grandfather of author Alex Haley, best known for Roots). The Cherry Mansion stands in the background. Alex Haley and his wife, Queen - also the subject of a book by her grandson - are both buried in Savannah.

Trail of Tears Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon Stahl, April 28, 2017

4. Trail of Tears Map

The "Bell Party," one group of Cherokees trudging overland to "Indian Territory," crossed here in 1838. Other Cherokees traveled on rivers, including the Tennessee. As many as 8,000 Cherokees may have perished during this "Trail of Tears."

The Tennessee River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon Stahl, April 28, 2017

5. The Tennessee River

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,794 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 30, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.