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

Blythe Ferry

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

1. Blythe Ferry Marker

Inscription. One of the worst acts of "man's inhumanity" took place when an entire race of peoples were driven from their lands in 1838. It was here at Blythe Ferry that approx. 9000 Cherokees and Creeks camped while waiting to cross the Tennessee River on their forced removal. They had been held captive in stockades a few miles back. Many books have been written on the heart-wrenching description of what is now called, "The Trail of Tears". Butrick's journal describes their condition in the camps as "very much like brute animals - lieing down on the naked ground exposed to wind and rain - like droves of hogs. "Butrick also states "But not only the Cherokees - the dear Creeks and Seminoles have fallen by the same means" fictitious treaties". He speaks of "Nanny as a slave" so this shows the diversity among the detachments. A mental picture of what happened here at Blythe Ferry can be drawn from these excerpts. Oct. 16th 1838 - 10 O'Clock AM "we have only succeeded in getting some twenty waggons across the river - proprietors of the Ferry - are determined to retard all exertions" J. Powell. The last detachment crossed Nov. 12th, 1838

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"I reached Blythe's Ferry on Saturday Nov. 10 - found the great body of Mr. (Peter) Hildebrand's detachment of emigrating Cherokees quietly encamped - about twelve waggons had crossed - at dawn four boats were put in requisition and continued - until dusk - close of the day about sixty one waggons - across - this morning before 12 O'Clock eighteen waggons and all the people were over." To Winfield Scott. This park is dedicated in memory to these peoples. May it serve as a touchstone for future generations.

Erected by Alabama-Tennessee Trail of Tears Corridor Committee.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 12, 1809.

Location. 35° 24.564′ N, 85° 0.514′ W. Marker is near Birchwood, Tennessee, in Meigs County. It is on Blythe Ferry Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the Blythe Ferry site on the south bank of the Tennessee River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Birchwood TN 37308, United

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

2. Blythe Ferry Marker

The Blythe Ferry site looking north across the Tennessee River.

States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

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: "Your Fate is Decided" (approx. 0.2 miles away); General Winfield Scott (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Orders No. 25" (approx. 0.2 miles away); "To Learn and not Forget" (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named "Your Fate is Decided" (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Chains of Friendship" (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Given by the Great Spirit above" (approx. 0.2 miles away); "A Desire to Possess" (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birchwood.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Trail of Tears Cherokee

Blythe Ferry image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

3. Blythe Ferry

The Blythe Ferry landing on the north bank of the Tennessee River.

(was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Additional commentary.
1. Tennessee Civil War Trails
The Tennessee Civil War Trails map for Southeast Tennessee has the following information: "A company of the 5th Tennessee Infantry Regiment was stationed for over a year at the ferry to guard the mouth of the Hiwassee River. The war's official records note a skirmish at Blythe's Ferry on November 13, 1863. During an artillery duel on that date, Company A, 1st Ohio Light Artillery of the Union forces, suffered one heavily wounded casualty. A great deal of corn was stored on Jolly's Island adjacent to the ford which, since both sides were short of forage and flour, was highly desired by Union and Confederate armies alike."

— Submitted January 11, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama.

Tennessee River bridge and ferry image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

4. Tennessee River bridge and ferry

The Tri-County Veterans (TN-60) bridge as seen from the Blythe Ferry site.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,666 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on January 5, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 3, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.