Near Birchwood in Meigs County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
"Not a treaty at all"
The agreement promised that the Cherokee would quit their land and relocate to the Indian Territory within two years of the laws ratification by two-thirds majority, in May 1836. The majority of Cherokee, however, fought to overturn the false treaty.
"The instrument in question [Treaty of New Echota] is not the act of our Nation; we are not parties to its covenants; it has not received the sanction of our people. The makers of it sustain no office nor appointment in our Nation, under the designation of Chiefs, Head men, or any other title, by which they hold, or could acquire, authority to assume the reins of Government, and to make bargain and sale of our rights, our possessions, and our common country." - Principal Chief John Ross to the United States Congress, September 1836
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1836.
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 to this marker); "A Desire to Possess" (here, next to this marker); "Forced from this country" (here, next to this marker); "They drove us out of our house" (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 564 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.