Charleston in Bradley County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Preparing for Removal

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 24, 2021

1. Preparing for Removal Marker

Inscription.

I have all necessary preparations made, having upwards of 600,000 rations on hand, and boats and wagons sufficient to my command to carry [the Cherokee] off comfortably.

— General Nathaniel Smith to C.A. Harris, Cherokee Agency East (Charleston, TN), May 17, 1838

Captions:
• Top: From foodstuffs to guns, thousands of items were needed to carry out the Cherokee removal. This document shows the quantity of flour, bacon, bread, salt, soap, candles, beans, vinegar, and coffee rations at Fort Cass in April 1838, including the number needed for 496 men for 82 days and the number turned over to the Indian Department. Courtesy of Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
• Bottom: Letter dated April 6, 1838, listing guns and ammunition sent from the Mount Vernon Arsenal to Fort Cass, which included 600,000 musket ball and buckshot cartridges, 100,000 musket flints, 20 barrels of rifle powder, and 10,000 rifle flints, among others. Courtesy of Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1838.

Location. 35° 16.872′ N, 84° 45.597′

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W. Marker is in Charleston, Tennessee, in Bradley County. Marker is on Market Street NE north of Hiwassee Street (U.S. 11), on the left when traveling north. Marker is on the Voices from the Past trail at Hiwassee River Heritage Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8746 Hiwassee Street, Charleston TN 37310, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Preparing for Removal (a few steps from this marker); Anticipation Grows (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Anticipation Grows (a few steps from this marker); Prisoners (a few steps from this marker); Spare Our People (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Prisoners (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Spare Our People (within shouting distance of this marker); A Warning and a Protest (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

More about this marker. It is double-sided, with each side identical to the other.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 24, 2021

2. Preparing for Removal Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.