Westville in Adair County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
The End of the Journey
Westville and the Trail of Tears
| | Trail of Tears National Historic Trail | |
Photographed by Marc Hayot, June 28, 2026
1. The End of the Journey Marker
The End of the Journey
Between June 1838 and March 1839, more than 16,000 Cherokee Nation citizens trekked west from their traditional eastern homeland to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) over the "Trail of Tears." More than 1,000 died during the journey westward and there may have been as many as 4,000 that died as a result of their forced migration. Once they arrived in their new homeland, Cherokee detachments disbanded at one of seven disbandment depots, the most popular being the sites near present-day Spavinaw, Westville and Stilwell.
In accordance with the Treaty of New Echota, the new arrivals were promised one year of substinence provisions, to be distributed at one of five depots in the Cherokee Nation. That year proved exceedingly trying, however. The delivery of provisions proved halting, and most Cherokees spent the year 1839 living in tents and other temporary quarters while awaiting their first year's harvest.
"The number was found to be 489 ... I have issued a sufficient quantity of cotton domestic to Indians for Tents to protect them from the weather ... as they were for the most part
this page online
Lt. Edward Deas, June 1838
1830s Indian Removal Policy
Federal Indian removal policy aroused fierce and bitter debate. Supporters claimed it was a benevolent action to save the tribes east of the Mississippi River from being overwhelmed and lost in the onslaught of an expanding American population. Opponents decried its inhumanity and the tragic consequences it would have for American Indians. One thing was certain; millions of acres of Indian land were given to white settlers.
Today
Despite the hardships of the journey, members of the five civilized tribes established new lives in the West. The tribes stand as successful sovereign nations, proudly preserving cultural traditions, while adapting to the challenges of the 21st Century.
Cherokee Nation citizens who survived the Trail of Tears joined those who removed earlier to form a new government for their sovereign nation in present-day Oklahoma. Some Cherokee remained in North Carolina and formed the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Erected 2014 by Trail of Tears Association, National
Photographed by Marc Hayot, June 28, 2026
2. The End of the Journey Marker
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1838.
Location. 36° 2.117′ N, 94° 35.017′ W. Marker is in Westville, Oklahoma, in Adair County. It is on Old Mission Mountain Road, on the right when traveling north. A second marker "Home in the West" is located next to this marker. The marker is located at the entrance of Baptist Mission Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Westville OK 74965, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Cherokee Nation and in Northeast Oklahoma Green Country. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Ozarks, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. 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 and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby
Photographed by Marc Hayot, July 5, 2026
3. The End of the Journey Marker Surrounding Area
More about this marker. There are two other versions of this marker. One is located at Stilwell Cemetery and the second is located in front of the Kansas City Southern Rail Depot in Stilwell.
Regarding The End of the Journey. The Trail of Tears seem to have multiple markers called "The End of the Journey" in multiple areas of northeastern Oklahoma,.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on July 19, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on July 4, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. 3. submitted on July 6, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
