Port Royal in Montgomery County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Exploring the Trail of Tears

Photographed by Tom Bosse, October 2, 2026

1. Exploring the Trail of Tears Marker

Inscription.
Retracing the Trail of Tears
You are invited to walk along the same path the Cherokee traveled in 1838-1839.

During the harsh winter, 11 detachments containing more than 10,000 Cherokee passed through this area, not even halfway to Indian Territory.

As the detachments passed through Port Royal, they bought meal and fodder from the Port Royal Mills and other goods from local merchants.

Elijah Hicks wrote a letter to Chief John Ross from Port Royal indicating the poor health of the Cherokee. His detachment, and likely all others, camped here – very possibly where you are now standing.

These 11 detachments left Tennessee in 1838 with over 10,000 Cherokee, but due to exhaustion, illness and death, they numbered hundreds less when they arrived in Oklahoma.

Erected by Port Royal State Historic Park, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, Tennessee State Parks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 36° 33.401′ N, 87° 8.57′ W.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is in Port Royal, Tennessee, in Montgomery County. It can be reached from the intersection of Port Royal Road (Tennessee Route 238) and Old Clarksville Springfield Rd, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located at the Port Royal State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Adams TN 37010, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee

and in the Highland Rim.

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: …the acts of wicked men… (here, next to this marker); Masonic Lodge & General Store (approx. 0.2 miles away); Port Royal (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Enslaved at Port Royal (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Town of Port Royal (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker

Photographed by Tom Bosse, October 2, 2026

2. Exploring the Trail of Tears Marker

Marker is on the right.

also named The Town of Port Royal (approx. 0.2 miles away); General Store (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Port Royal (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Royal.

Another marker is no longer nearby. 1859 Masonic Lodge & General Store (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Trail of Tears Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, October 2, 2026

3. Trail of Tears Map

Trail of Tears Historic Route image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, October 2, 2026

4. Trail of Tears Historic Route

Trail of Tears Historic Road Bed image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, October 2, 2026

5. Trail of Tears Historic Road Bed

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 1, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.