Princeton in Caldwell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Trail of Tears

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 13, 2018

1. Trail of Tears Marker

Inscription. At this point on the "Varmintrace" Road from Princeton toward Cumberland River the Cherokee Indians in 1838 camped on the 1200 mile "Trail of Tears." The enforced trek began in the Great Smoky Mountains and led westward to Indian Territory, costing the Cherokees nearly one-third of their population.

Erected by Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 142.)

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 1838.

Location. 37° 6.46′ N, 87° 52.895′ W. Marker is in Princeton, Kentucky, in Caldwell County. It is on East Washington Street west of Edwards Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Located in Big Spring Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: East Washington Street, Princeton KY 42445, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Jackson Purchase.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the South,

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally,

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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

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shandy Hall (Princeton) (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Shandy Hall (Princeton) (within shouting distance of this marker); William Prince (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Prince, 1752-1810 / Founder of Princeton (about 500 feet away); County Named, 1809 (about 500 feet away); Black Patch War (about 500 feet away); Courthouse Burned (about 600 feet away); Ogden Memorial United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Converging of Indian Trails (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Trail of Tears Marker is the foreground at the Big Spring Park. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 13, 2018

2. Trail of Tears Marker is the foreground at the Big Spring Park.

Site of Trail of Tears Cherokee Camp Site across street from marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 13, 2018

3. Site of Trail of Tears Cherokee Camp Site across street from marker.

One of the many stops of the Cherokees during their forced march in 1838 was at the "Big Spring" in Princeton. The spring still pours forth a huge amount of water.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,460 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 26, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.