Historic Crossing

Savannah stands at the junction of the north-south Tennessee River and the east-west road of Memphis. Its secure high ground and deep water made it an important port, and for decades pioneers and area farmers found the water route faster and more economical than land travel. The road leading to the landing is still visible along the stone wall to your right. James Rudd operated the first ferry here in 1815, and over the next forty years thousands of westward emigrants and local travelers crossed the Tennessee River at Savannah. In 1838, more than 600 Cherokees crossed here during the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation to the Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. The routes they used are collectively known as the nunahi-dunatlo-hilu-i, "trail where they cried."

Savannah, Tennessee · United States