Berry’s Ferry and John Berry Homesite – Trail of Tears Crossing on the Ohio River

A Historic Stop Along the Trail of Tears in Kentucky

Our travels took us to the Kentucky side of the Trail of Tears after crossing the Ohio River using the ferry at Cave-in-Rock. From there, we followed quiet, winding back roads along the river to reach the historic site of Berry’s Ferry.

This is one of those places where the scenery is peaceful today—but the history tells a much harder story.

History of Berry’s Ferry and the John Berry Homesite

Berry’s Ferry is located along the Ohio River about 15 miles from Salem, Kentucky. Established in 1798 by James and Sarah Lusk, the ferry later came under the ownership of John Berry, who held extensive land along the river.

For many years, this was a well-used crossing point between Kentucky and Golconda, Illinois.

During the winter of 1838–1839, thousands of Cherokee were forced to cross the Ohio River at this location as part of the Trail of Tears.

In late December 1838, freezing temperatures caused ice to build up on the river, forcing the ferry to shut down. As a result, large groups of Cherokee were stranded on both sides of the river, waiting—sometimes for weeks—for the ice to clear so they could continue their journey west.

Standing at the River Crossing Today

Today, Berry’s Ferry is a quiet and simple location. There is a small parking area and a boat ramp leading into the Ohio River.

Looking across the water, you can still see the outline of Golconda on the Illinois side.

Standing here, it’s hard not to think about what the Cherokee experienced. I’ve been on the river in winter before and heard the sound of ice breaking against the boat. It gives you a small sense of what conditions might have been like—but for them, this wasn’t a choice. They were forced to continue through it.

It helps you understand why so many people died during the journey.

The Winter of 1838 and Delayed Crossings

When the river froze, the removal process slowed to a stop at this crossing.

Many Cherokee were forced to wait in temporary encampments scattered throughout the surrounding area. Conditions were harsh, supplies were limited, and the delay only added to the suffering they were already enduring.

This area became one of several key bottlenecks along the Trail of Tears due to winter weather.

The artwork on the signage gives a glimpse into what this crossing may have looked like during that time.
But standing here today, it’s still difficult to fully imagine the cold, the waiting, and the uncertainty they faced.
The river would have looked much different during that winter.

AI-generated visual recreation of the Berry’s Ferry crossing during the winter of 1838–1839, when freezing conditions delayed thousands of Cherokee along the Trail of Tears.

Connection to Mantle Rock Nature Preserve

After seeing how difficult the crossing would have been during the winter, we continued on to Mantle Rock Nature Preserve, which is just a short distance away.

Mantle Rock is known as one of the major encampment areas where Cherokee waited during the winter while the river crossings were closed.

As you travel between these two sites, it becomes clear that this entire region was filled with groups waiting for the river to reopen. Each stop along the way adds another layer to understanding what happened here.

View more information on this place

Exploring the Trail of Tears in Kentucky

Berry’s Ferry is just one of several important stops along the Trail of Tears in western Kentucky.

We’ll be mapping the full route—including the ferry crossing at Cave-in-Rock and the roads connecting these sites—on our Trail of Tears Map page to help you follow the same journey.

Explore some places Near By

A Quiet Place with a Powerful Story

Today, Berry’s Ferry is easy to miss if you didn’t know it was there.

But once you understand its role in history, it becomes one of the more powerful stops along the Trail of Tears. It’s a place where you can stand, look across the river, and reflect on what happened here.

Have You Visited Berry’s Ferry?

Have you visited Berry’s Ferry or explored any part of the Trail of Tears?

We’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts—leave a comment below.

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