In 1837 federal troops arrived in this area to select a fort location for the collection, holding, and removal of the Cherokee. As part of a much larger compound, this site contained a cabin seized by the troops for use as part of the fort. By late summer 1838, more than 1100 Cherokee were held here in open encampments as soldiers patrolled the perimeter. Most of the Cherokee forced to leave their homes in Alabama were held at Fort Payne and departed in groups with the Benge Detachment from September 29 through October 3, 1838. They had no military escort or armed guards but were led by Cherokees John Benge and conductor George Lowery, assistant conductor, as they set off west to Indian Territory on an 800 mile journey that became known as the Trail of Tears.

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse