Oklahoma is the final destination of the Trail of Tears.
The Trail of Tears follows the route the Cherokee Nation took after the U.S. Army forced them from their southeastern homelands into Indian Territory, what is now Oklahoma. The journey led to the death of more than 4,000 Cherokee Indians. Today, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, their destination, is the tribal capital for the Cherokee Nation. In 1987, Congress sanctioned the trail as a National Historic Trail and the National Parks Service maintains it. Whether it is a day trip to a historic site or following the entire trail from Georgia to Oklahoma, traveling the Trail of Tears will acquaint you with the travails that the Cherokee Nation endured.
Geographic Considerations
The Trail of Tears stretches from Georgia to Oklahoma, but not in a direct route. The trail stretches as far north as Illinois, arching through Missouri. Deviations also wind through central Tennessee and follow the Mississippi River down into the border of Arkansas and Tennessee. The trail unites in Arkansas, close to the border or Oklahoma. The states included in the trail are North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The course of the trail resulted from the foraging of food on the long trip West and following water routes. When planning a trip on the Trail of Tears, consider the geographic implications and time constraints.
Following Trail Markers
A trip on the Trail of Tears could last anywhere from a day or two of touring the sites to a complete tour following the automobile route. The National Parks Service has six markers set up along the route to denote the significance of certain sites and to let travelers know they are on the right path. The Auto Route sign is set up to guide drivers along all-weather roads from Georgia and North Carolina to Tennessee. The Local Tour Route markers denote an area off the main trail, through small sections of the state. The roads on this route are varied and include off-road terrain. Crossing markers alert travelers of existing roads on the trail. Original Route marks are set up on what is accepted as the original path the Cherokee followed. Historic Site Name markers point to historic sites. Site identification markers let travelers know they are at the entrance to a park or other important site. Keep an eye out for any signs along the way.
Attractions
Various historic sites are set up along the Trail of Tears -- both federally run and privately owned. The sites include museums dedicated to the Cherokee tribe and national parks. The attractions have varied opening and closing times, amenities and restrictions. Some are road-side attractions off the main auto route and some are harder to access. The National Parks Service lists 56 attractions across nine states. Three sites are in North Carolina, 11 in Tennessee, eight in Arkansas, six in Georgia, seven in Illinois, six in Missouri, five in Alabama, seven in Kentucky and three in Oklahoma.
Accommodations
The trail passes through several major cities on the tour. Securing accommodations in local hotels or motels is an option in those cities. Camping off the trail is also an option, as several of the national parks have options that include primitive camping, campgrounds with facilities and sites with recreational vehicle hook-ups.
Tags: Trail Tears, Cherokee Nation, from Georgia, National Parks Service, North Carolina