Murfreesboro in Rutherford County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Passing Through Murfreesboro

Photographed by Shane Oliver, January 16, 2021

1. Passing Through Murfreesboro Marker

Inscription. In fall 1818, over 11,000 Cherokee in nine organized groups passed by here as they continued on their Trail of Tears toward Indian Territory in the West. The Cherokee had been traveling for a few weeks but had already crossed the Tennessee River and the perilous Cumberland Plateau. Ahead lay greater dangers. They would have to cross the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and the winter of 1838-1839 would be one of the harshest in memory.

The majority of Cherokee were literate in the Cherokee language and many spoke and wrote in English, but few chose to leave a record of their experiences of the Trail of Tears. Most of the records that survived were left by American missionaries or soldiers who sometimes accompanied the Cherokee. Captain B.B. Cannon of the Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, who traveled with a group of Cherokee a year before the forced removal, described passing through the Murfreesboro area.

Oct. 24, 1837, Marched at 1/2 after 7 co. A.M. arrived at Mr. Yearwood’s at 4 oc. P.M. rained last night and to day made 15 miles. Issued corn & fodder, cornmeal and bacon.

Oct. 25, 1837, Marched at 800 buried Andrews child at 9 1/2 oc. A.M. Passed through Murfreesboro and arrived at overalls Creek 4 oc. P.M. 14 miles today. Issued corn and fodder.
Trail of Tears by Brummett Echohawk

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Trail of Tears National Historic Trail National Trail System National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.

Location. 35° 52.835′ N, 86° 26.07′ W. Marker is in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in Rutherford County. It can be reached from 3501 Old Nashville Highway. Located at the along the sidewalk behind the Visitor Center of Stones River National Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Murfreesboro TN 37129, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee

and in Greater Nashville.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once 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: The Charge Kept Coming, Coming Like the Sea (here, next to this marker); Their Longest, Coldest New Year’s Eve (here, next to this marker); God has granted us a Happy New Year! (a few steps from this marker); Why Fight Here? (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle at Stones River (within shouting distance of this marker); Stand Fast! (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); This "Precious Dust" (about 400 feet away); U.S. Regulars Memorial (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murfreesboro.

Other markers no longer nearby. Chicago Board of Trade Battery (was about 300 feet

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, August 25, 2015

2. Passing Through Murfreesboro Marker

away but has been confirmed missing); Stones River National Cemetery (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 993 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 13, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on November 17, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.