Bridgeport in Jackson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Trail of Tears

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 5, 2022

1. Trail of Tears Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

May 23, 1838 the deadline for the Cherokee to move west to Oklahoma, Gen. Winfield Scott was sent in to AL, TN and GA to round up the Cherokee and place them in stockades near what is now Chattanooga, TN and Ft. Payne, AL. In June of 1838 about 5,000 Cherokee was removed from Ross' Landing, TN down the Tennessee River on flatboats and passed under where this bridge is now located. They would be forced on a steamboat and travel to the Ohio River, then go down the Mississippi River then head west on the Arkansas River to a reservation in Oklahoma. Then when the Tennessee River got so low, June 17, 1838 a detachment of 1,070 Indians left Ross' Landing and marched overland right near this bridge and followed closely to what is now U.S. 72 Highway. The group rebelled and refused to move and about 300 escaped near Woodville. U.S. Capt. Gus Drane was sent in to move them on to Waterloo, where they arrived in despicable condition. There were many escapes, births and deaths on these removals and this is why many people in Alabama has Indian heritage today.

This bridge was burned by the Union Army twice during the Civil War in the 186O's and

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rebuilt and used for train travel until 1998. A new bridge was built and this walking bridge was donated to the Town of Bridgeport, AL. Bridgeport received a grant from CSX and the DOT to restore and make into pedestrian bridge.

Much thanks to the participates in the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride

Erected by City of Bridgeport Don McCokney • Shadow Wolf, Inc. Jerry D. Davis • AL-TN Trail of Tears Corridor Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Native Americans • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is May 23, 1838.

Location. 34° 57.148′ N, 85° 42.254′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport, Alabama, in Jackson County. Marker is on Bradley Avenue, half a mile east of Hoffman Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Marker is at west end of the Historic Dual Railroad Tennessee River Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Bradley Ave, Bridgeport AL 35740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. In Rememberance of Those Who Served (approx. half a mile away); Bridgeport (approx. 1.3 miles away); a different marker also named Trail of Tears (approx. 2½ miles away); Rocky Springs Church of Christ (approx. 2.7 miles away); Birthplace of Jobyna Lancaster Ralston-Arlen

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 5, 2022

2. Trail of Tears Marker

(approx. 4.1 miles away in Tennessee); Christmas Night Shootout (approx. 4.1 miles away in Tennessee); James Thomas Fitz-Gerald, Jr. (approx. 4.2 miles away in Tennessee); Marion Post No. 62 (approx. 4.2 miles away in Tennessee). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.

View from bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 5, 2022

3. View from bridge

Some 5,000 Cherokee passed through this point on the Tennessee River during their forced removal in 1838.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 190 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.