Near Birchwood in Meigs County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

General Winfield Scott

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

1. General Winfield Scott Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

General Winfield Scott followed John Wool (1836-1837) and William Lindsay (1837-1838) as commander of Federal troops in the Cherokee nation. Scott arrived at New Echota, Cherokee Nation on April 16, 1838 and assumed command of the "Army of the Cherokee Nation."

Following the orders of President Andrew Jackson and his successor Martin Van Buren, Scott began the forcible removal of the Cherokees from their native land to the Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. Scott divided the Cherokee Nation into three military districts: the Eastern District - commanded by Brigadier-General Abraham Eustis, the Western District - commanded by Colonel William Lindsay, and the Middle District - commanded by Brigadier-General Walker Keith Armistead. Within weeks, every Cherokee in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama had been captured and held at collection points or killed, with the exception of a few who escaped.

Prior to his appointment over the removal of the Cherokees, Scott's life and career positioned him as the most capable man for the job, in the opinion of President Martin Van Buren. Scott, born near Petersburg, Va., attended William

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

& Mary where he studied law. Scott left after one year, deciding to become a soldier rather than a lawyer. Scott rose to the rank of Colonel during the War of 1812. Scott was also involved in several Indian wars - the Black Hawk War, the Second Seminole War, and the Second Creek War.

"Scott began the forcible removal of the Cherokees from their native land..."

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #08 Martin Van Buren, and the Trail of Tears series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1944.

Location. 35° 24.423′ N, 85° 0.383′ W. Marker is near Birchwood, Tennessee, in Meigs County. Marker can be reached from Blythe Ferry Road, 2 miles north of Hiwassee Highway (Tennessee Highway 60), on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Birchwood TN 37308, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Orders No. 25" (here, next to this marker); "To Learn and not Forget" (here, next to this marker); "Your Fate is Decided" (here, next to this marker); "Chains of Friendship" (here, next to this marker); "Given by the Great Spirit above" (here, next

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

2. General Winfield Scott Marker

Marker is not shown in this view, but is on the far right of this 'garden', closest to the parking lot, and is the first marker you see when approaching the visitor's center.

to this marker); "A Desire to Possess" (here, next to this marker); "Not a treaty at all" (here, next to this marker); "Forced from this country" (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birchwood.

Also see . . . General Winfield Scott - Wikipedia. (Submitted on January 6, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 711 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 4, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.