Cherokee Indian Removal

Under the provisions of the Cherokee Removal Act of 1830, a log stockade was built two hundred yards northeast of Big Spring, whose abundant water supplied the Cherokees, the soldiers, and livestock. Fort Payne served as both an interment camp and a removal fort. It was built by Capt. James H. Rogers on a site chosen by Capt. John G. Payne. Rogers and 22 soldiers began construction of the fort on April 13, 1838, and remained until the departure of the last group of Cherokees on October 3rd. This group of 1,103 was conducted to Indian Territory by Cherokee leader John Benge. Alabama remains the home of many Cherokee Indians today.

Fort Payne, Alabama · United States