My father's family is from Tennessee near the border with Georgia, in other words, Cherokee country. We suspect the "Indian" woman who my great, great, great grandfather married was Cherokee. So it was perfect to honor my ancester by visiting the memorial during such a dramatic event--the first total eclipse to cross the U.S., and no other country, since the founding of our country.
While visiting from San Diego I wanted to find a good place to teach my (homeschooled) kids around the Trail of Tears, but the last time I tried I only found a plaque or something saying a location was historically, but unfortunately private property.
Picked this spot at the last minute to see the Totality during the August 2017 eclipse. It is a little way off the interstate but a great place to learn a little history, have a picnic by a river, and visit the boat launch at the Blythe Ferry landing, just 1/2 mile from the visitors center. The museum is small but the memorial just outside has good info. Do not neglect to read the sign at the Ferry landing.
I was surprised we were the only people here. My mother in law has lived nearby and never even heard of it! I hope more people discover how good it is and worthwhile to learn about this part of our (bad) history.
I found little to no information on this place online, but was highly pleased we went!
Lastly, there was a small tree memorial on Sam Houston and the ferry crossing memorial (think sticks in water for little kids) in the same area. It was a great small outing with lots of learning.
The visitor center also had a bathroom, was air conditioned, and a few gifts we could purchase. My older kids didn't stay long inside, but it was still worth going in. My toddler amused himself on the rocking chairs, and thankfully at least a good percentage of breakables we're behind glass. It was a good quick stop inside for some understanding of the Cherokee culture.
Just follow the brown history signs. The center/store is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Walk up the road, just above the memorial and there's a walkway to the lookout for seeing Hiwassee Island. Allow about 2 hours to enjoy everything. There are picnic tables so you can bring lunch. Also good shade. Good place for making and taking pictures.
Outside was more about the trail of Tears and it was very informative and great. We learned a lot. The kids enjoyed walking over the huge map in the ground to see where the nations were taken.
This place does an excellent job of explaining the removal of native Cherokee Indians and forceably migrating them west. There is no entrance fee. There is a small rustic museum which is open 6 days a week but you can tour the grounds any time to see the memorials that tell the whole history. It is a very emotional and educational experience.
In addition, there was a gorgeous lookout over the river just a small distance off (1/4th mile uphill, but we opted to drive for the Mother in Law). It was spectacular and great for pictures and kids exploration (although warning, keep an eye on the littles as it is a big cliff).
Would love to see more history of the Cherokee. Its out in the middle of no where. So much potential but I'm not not enough money.
I was expecting the same this time, but it was an actual visitor center and very informative outdoor creative memorial.
The docent was there too, helpful and not hawkish.
Cherokee Memorial Park is a US Park based in Birchwood, Tennessee. Cherokee Memorial Park is located at 6630 Blythe Ferry Ln, Birchwood, TN 37308, USA.
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