Following the Trail of Tears Across the United States
The Trail of Tears marks one of the most significant and difficult chapters in American history.
Between 1838 and 1839, thousands of Cherokee were forced from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States and moved west to present-day Oklahoma. We need to reflect that these people who were forced from their ancestral land had houses, farms, and businesses that they were forced to leave behind. All of them had to buy or trade for all of their needs while on the pathways leading west.
Main Trail of Tears Routes
There was not just one route—there were several.
Some of the primary routes include:
- Northern Route (through Tennessee → Illinois → Missouri)
- Water Routes (using rivers like the Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi)
- Southern Routes (through Alabama and Arkansas)
Each route tells part of the story and passes through different landscapes and historic locations.
Today, this journey is remembered through the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, which spans multiple states and follows several different routes.
This page brings together the maps, routes, and stops we’ve explored to help you follow this historic path. We are bringing more places in one location to help you plan your next visit.
Our Adventures Along This Route
📖 Anna–Jonesboro Historical Marker – Trail of Tears Stop in Southern Illinois
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...
📖 Trail of Tears State Forest in Southern Illinois – Waiting on the Mississippi River
Exploring Trail of Tears State Forest in Southern Illinois As we continued following the Trail of Tears through southern Illinois, we made our way to Trail of Tears State Forest. This area is along the route where many Cherokee would have been delayed while waiting for the Mississippi River to thaw so they could continue...
📖 Campground Church in Southern Illinois – A Trail of Tears Encampment Site
Visiting Campground Church Along the Trail of Tears As we continued west along the Trail of Tears through southern Illinois, we made our way to Campground Church. Getting here took a little extra effort. We had to leave Illinois Route 146 and follow smaller back roads closer to the original route, since modern highways like...
📖 Exploring Dixon Springs State Park in Shawnee National Forest Along the Trail of Tears
A Stop at Dixon Springs State Park Along the Trail of Tears As we followed the Trail of Tears through southern Illinois, we came across Dixon Springs State Park tucked into the hills of the Shawnee National Forest. This quiet park turned out to be a peaceful place to stop, rest, and take in the...
📖 Berry’s Ferry and John Berry Homesite – Trail of Tears Crossing on the Ohio River
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...
📖 Following the Trail of Tears Through Kentucky – Ferry Crossings, Mantle Rock, and Historic Stops
Following the Trail of Tears Through Kentucky On this trip, we set out to visit several important Trail of Tears sites in western Kentucky. From where we live, reaching the northern Kentucky stops along the route can take some planning, especially when deciding where to cross the Ohio River. Looking at the map, the closest...
📖 Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Tennessee – A Trail of Tears Site at Blythe Ferry
Following the Trail of Tears in Tennessee As we followed the Trail of Tears route from Red Clay State Historic Park, we made our way to one of the most important and moving stops along the journey—the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park. This site sits just before the historic crossing at Blythe Ferry, where thousands of...
📖 Following the Trail of Tears Through Tennessee – Historic Route, Towns, and River Crossings
Following the Trail of Tears Through Tennessee – Historic Route, Towns, and River Crossings The Trail of Tears through Tennessee marks one of the primary overland routes used during the forced removal of the Cherokee people in 1838. This stretch of roadway carries deep historical significance, passing through council grounds, river crossings, mountain roads, and...
📖 Mantle Rock Nature Preserve – Hiking a Historic Trail of Tears Site in Western Kentucky
Discovering Mantle Rock Nature Preserve One of our adventures took us from Mount Vernon, Indiana, down into western Kentucky to explore Mantle Rock Nature Preserve. The drive took us about two hours, and part of the fun of the trip was crossing the Ohio River on the historic Cave-in-Rock Ferry. We had to wait a...
📖 Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds in Illinois – A Historic Stop Along the Trail of Tears
Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds in Illinois – A Historic Stop Along the Trail of Tears A Surprising Stop Along the Trail of Tears While traveling the Illinois portion of the Trail of Tears, we came across the Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds—an unexpected stop that blends two very different moments in American history. We...
📖 Bollinger Mill State Historic Site in Missouri – Trail of Tears History & Covered Bridge Visit
Exploring Bollinger Mill State Historic Site on the Trail of Tears We visited Bollinger Mill State Historic Site as part of our journey along the historic Trail of Tears route in Missouri. Once you cross into Missouri, there are three main routes you can follow, and this stop offers both history and a peaceful place...
📖 On the Trail in Dayton, Tennessee – Historic Downtown & Trail of Tears at Blythe Ferry
On the Trail in Dayton, Tennessee – Historic Downtown & Trail of Tears at Blythe Ferry Continuing our journey along the Trail of Tears, we stopped in the historic town of Dayton, Tennessee. What began as a simple drive through town quickly turned into another meaningful stop along this historic route. Exploring Historic Downtown Dayton,...
📖 Red Clay State Historic Park – Native American Heritage and the Trail of Tears
Exploring Red Clay State Historic Park – Trail of Tears History in Tennessee On our journey tracing the Trail of Tears, one of our first stops was Red Clay State Historic Park in Tennessee. This park was the final seat of the Cherokee national government before the enforcement of the Indian Removal Act of...
📖 On the Trail in McMinnville, Tennessee – A Preserved Historic Downtown Along the Trail of Tears Route
On the Trail in McMinnville, Tennessee – A Preserved Historic Downtown Along the Trail of Tears Route While following the Trail of Tears route through Tennessee, we passed just outside the town of McMinnville. As we drove by, something caught our attention — a beautiful water fountain in what appeared to be a historic downtown...
Places to Explore from our Trip Planner
📖 Anna-Jonesboro Trail of Tears and Lincoln-Douglas Debate site
Anna-Jonesboro Trail of Tears and Lincoln-Douglas Debate site offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and the character of the...
View Full Listing about Anna-Jonesboro Trail of Tears and Lincoln-Douglas Debate site
📖 Berry’s Ferry and the John Berry Homesite on the Trail of Tears
Berry’s Ferry and the John Berry Homesite on the Trail of Tears offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and...
View Full Listing about Berry’s Ferry and the John Berry Homesite on the Trail of Tears
📖 Blythe Ferry: Trail of Tears
Blythe Ferry is one of the most significant Trail of Tears sites in Tennessee. Thousands of Cherokee crossed the Tennessee River here during their forced removal, making it an essential stop for those seeking to understand the route's history.
📖 Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
Bollinger Mill State Historic Site preserves one of Missouri's most impressive historic mills. Visitors can explore the mill, learn about rural industry, and discover how communities once depended on water-powered commerce.
📖 Buel House State Historic Site
The Buel House State Historic Site is closely connected to the history of the Cherokee Trail of Tears and the river town of Golconda, Illinois. Visitors can explore a site tied to local traditions, frontier life, and the stories that...
📖 Cairo Historic District
The Cairo Historic District showcases the rich history of one of America's most strategically important river towns. Visitors can explore architecture, transportation history, Civil War connections, and stories tied to the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
📖 Campground Church
Campground Church offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and the character of the Midwest will find this site a...
📖 Cherokee Removal Memorial Park
Cherokee Removal Memorial Park preserves the memory of the Cherokee who crossed the Tennessee River during the Trail of Tears. This important historic site helps visitors better understand one of the most significant and tragic events in American history.
📖 Dayton Tn
Dayton, Tennessee combines scenic beauty with a rich historical legacy. Known for the famous Scopes Trial and its connection to the Tennessee River, the town offers visitors a variety of cultural and historical attractions.
📖 Dixon Springs State Park
Dixon Springs State Park offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and the character of the Midwest will find this...
📖 Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds
Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds commemorate Abraham Lincoln's connections to southern Indiana and provide a peaceful place to reflect on his early years. The site offers both historical significance and scenic surroundings.
📖 Mantle Rock Nature Preserve
Mantle Rock Nature Preserve is one of Kentucky's most significant Trail of Tears locations. Visitors can walk beneath the massive sandstone arch while learning about the Cherokee who camped here during their difficult journey west.
📖 McMinnville Tennessee
McMinnville, Tennessee offers small-town charm, local history, and easy access to some of the region's most scenic attractions. Its historic downtown and welcoming atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for travelers exploring Middle Tennessee.
📖 Red Clay State Historic Park
Red Clay State Historic Park preserves the last seat of the Cherokee national government before the Trail of Tears. Visitors can explore exhibits, historic sites, and beautiful grounds while learning about this important chapter in American history.
📖 Trail of Tears State Forest in Illinois
Trail of Tears State Forest in Illinois offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and the character of the Midwest...
View Full Listing about Trail of Tears State Forest in Illinois
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