A Roadside Stop at the Anna–Jonesboro Trail of Tears Marker
As we were nearing the end of our journey following the Trail of Tears through southern Illinois, we came across a roadside historical marker near Anna-Jonesboro.
Like many of the smaller stops along the route, this wasn’t a large site—but it was one worth pulling over for. These markers often tell parts of the story that are easy to miss if you just drive by.
What the Historical Marker Tells
The marker shares the history of Union County and the towns of Anna and Jonesboro, along with their connection to the Trail of Tears.
Union County was created in 1818, before Illinois officially became a state. Jonesboro was established as the county seat, and the area later grew with the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s, leading to the founding of the town of Anna.
The marker also highlights an important moment in American history—the third debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, which took place nearby in 1858.
Connection to the Trail of Tears
During the harsh winter of January 1839, thousands of Cherokee passed through this area on their forced journey west.
With the Mississippi River frozen and filled with ice, many were unable to continue. Groups were forced to camp throughout southern Illinois, including near Dutch Creek in this area.
Of the roughly 13,000 Cherokee who began the journey, nearly 2,000 died along the way—many during these winter delays.
This marker is one of several in the region that helps tell the story of how widespread these encampments were across southern Illinois.
A Small Stop That Adds to the Story
Stopping at places like this may not take long, but they help fill in the bigger picture.
Each marker, each site, and each stop along the route adds another piece to understanding what happened during that winter.
It’s easy to pass these by—but taking a few minutes to read them can completely change how you see the area.
Our Thoughts on Visiting
This is exactly why we like to stop at historical markers during our travels.
You never know what you might learn—and sometimes it’s these smaller stops that connect everything together.
Slowing down, even for just a few minutes, can turn a simple drive into something much more meaningful.
Nearby Stops Along the Trail of Tears
You can continue exploring nearby locations along the route:
- Trail of Tears Route Guide – Maps, Historic Stops, and Travel Planning
- Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds in Illinois – A Historic Stop Along the Trail of Tears
- Campground Church in Southern Illinois – A Trail of Tears Encampment Site
- Exploring Dixon Springs State Park in Shawnee National Forest Along the Trail of Tears
Have You Stopped at a Roadside Marker?
Have you ever stopped at a historical marker like this during your travels? Sometimes the smallest stops tell the biggest stories.
