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

"To Learn and not Forget"

By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

1. "To Learn and not Forget" Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In the spring of 1838, American military forces evicted the Cherokee Nation from its homeland. Nearly 16,000 women, men, and children - including nearly five hundred Muskogee Creek Indians, and slaves belonging to Cherokee owners -- were forced from their houses and fields and marched to Gunter's Landing in Alabama, Ross's Landing and the area around Charleston, Tennessee. From these points they departed for the land designated by the United States as Indian Territory.

"Nearly two-thirds of those driven from their lands followed routes that crossed the Tennessee River here at Blythe Ferry."

Picture caption
Traces of the route taken by the Cherokee remain across Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Arkansas.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list.

Location. 35° 24.423′ N, 85° 0.383′ W. Marker is near Birchwood, Tennessee, in

By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

2. "To Learn and not Forget" Marker

Marker is second from left in this view.

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. General Winfield Scott (here, next to this marker); "Orders No. 25" (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 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.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 445 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.