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

"Farewell to our native land"

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

1. "Farewell to our native land" Marker

Inscription.
In addition to losing their land to the American government, many Cherokees fell prey to robbers and thieves who operated near the camps and along the roads leading west.

"We are now about to take our final leave and kind farewell to our native land the country that the Great Spirit gave our Fathers, we are on the eve of leaving that Country that gave us birth…we know that it is a laborious undertaking, but with firm resolutions we think we will be able to accomplish it, if the white citizens will permit us, but since we have been on our march many of us have been stopped and our horses taken from our Teams for the payment of unjust and just Demands.... Our property has been stolen from us by white men and no means given us to pay our debts…" - George Hicks [Ninth Detachment], Mouse Creek, November 4, 1838

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 4, 1838.

Location. 35° 24.423′ N, 85° 0.383′ W.

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Marker is near Birchwood, Tennessee, in Meigs County. It 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.

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: General Winfield Scott (here, next to 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"

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

2. "Farewell to our native land" Marker

The native land the Cherokee left behind included some of the most beautiful mountains in North America.

(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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birchwood.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

3. "Farewell to our native land" Marker

Third from the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 930 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 7, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.