Tennessee's Red Clay State Park to Commemorate 175th Anniversary of the Trail of Tears

"Honor and Remember," an event to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Trail of Tears, will take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 3-4 at Red Clay State Park in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Re-enactors will demonstrate 18th and early 19th century Southeastern life, featuring Cherokee and non-native settlers, sutlers and blanket traders. Cherokee foods, music, dancing, storytelling and demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills will also be included.

Park rangers will lead hikes and speakers will give lectures discussing various topics related to the Cherokee and the Trail of Tears. A Birds of Prey program will also be offered each day. While the event is free and open to the public, there is a $5 donation fee per vehicle.

"Red Clay's commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the Trail of Tears is a great opportunity for visitors to view a depiction of Cherokee life in the 1700's and early 1800's," said Erin Medley, park manager for Red Clay State Park.

A Cherokee Summer Concert Series is being held each Saturday night in July leading up to the event. A Cherokee musician performs each Saturday night 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the park's large amphitheater. Tickets are $3.

Red Clay State Historic Park is located in the southwest corner of Bradley County, just above the Tennessee-Georgia state line, and is the site of 11 of the last 12 Cherokee Council meetings before the infamous Trail of Tears. The park encompasses 263 acres of narrow valley and forested ridges and features picnic facilities, a loop trail and amphitheater. The park also contains a natural landmark, the Blue Hole Spring, which arises from beneath a limestone ledge to form a deep pool that flows into Mill Creek. The Cherokee used the Blue Hole Spring as their water supply during council meetings.

Tennessee's 54 state parks and 82 state natural areas offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses.

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