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

"The People were over"

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

1. "The People were over" Marker

Inscription. Moving the thousand's of people and about 5,000 horses and 500 wagons across the Tennessee River at Blythe's Ferry proved slow. Some crossings took as long as three days.

"I reached Blythe's ferry on Sunday evening last, and found the great body of Mr. [Peter] Hildebrand's detachment of Emigrating Cherokees quietly encamped on the South bank of the Tennessee river, and a portion with about twelve wagons, who had crossed, on the north bank. On yesterday morning at dawn of day the Emigrants were in readiness and Commenced crossing the river - four boats were put in requisition and continued running until dusk, two of them were manned by Cherokees themselves. At the close of the day about sixty one wagons of the detachment with the people were safely lodged across the river. The business of crossing was again resumed early this morning, and before 12 o'clock eighteen wagons, carriages...with all the people were over."
John Ross to Winfield Scott, November 12, 1838

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Native Americans • Wars, US Indian • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 12, 1946.

Location. 35° 24.423′ N, 85° 0.383′

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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 part of 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); "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.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

2. "The People were over" Marker

Peter Hildebrand, who served as conductor of the largest detachment that crossed at Blythe's Ferry lived in this house near the Ocoee River.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

3. "The People were over" Marker

Third marker from the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 578 times since then and 29 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.