Sacred Tears - Tuscumbia, AL
N 34° 43.795 W 087° 42.177
16S E 435644 N 3843317
Sacred Tears is a life-size statue of a Native American woman holding a baby and placing a cross on a grave. The statue represents all of those who were displaced by the Trail of Tears.
Waymark Code: WMRQG9
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 07/24/2016
Views: 5
Plaque Text:
Tuscumbia and much of the Shoals area played an integral part in the "Trail of Tears" with the Tennessee River route and the overland routes. In 1825, the U.S. government formally adopted a removal policy, which was carried out extensively in the 1830's by Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. The result was particularly overwhelming for the Indians of the southeast, primarily the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole. While some resisted removal by escaping, each tribe suffered numerous hardships, battles and deaths. This period of time is referred to in the Cherokee language as "nu du hi du na tlo hi lu i", ot "Trail Where They Cried", now called the "Trail of Tears". This was the start of one of the darkest chapters in relations with the United States Government and the Native Americans. In all, some 90,000 Indians were relocated to the West, while thousands died along the trail.
Creek Indians began to pass through Tuscumbia on their way west as early as 1827. Generally, the Indians were treated well in Tuscumbia. The newspaper reported that the citizens of Tuscumbia felt "sympathy and general admiration" for the Cherokees. A Creek chief, Chilly McIntosh described their stay here ass: "The citizens of Tuscumbia have treated us like brothers, and our helpless women were furnished by the good women of of the town with clothing...As long as our nation remains upon this earth, we will recollect Tuscumbia." November 30, 1827
Tuscumbia's citizens' positive acceptance and care of the Indians as they were moving through the area saved many lives, and is a proud part of the City's heritage.
Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Sacred Tears
Figure Type: Human
Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Branko Medencia
Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: September 19, 2003
Materials used: Bronze, stone
Location: Spring Park
|
Visit Instructions:
Please upload at least one photo you have personally taken of the sculpture and tell us a little about your impressions of the piece. Additional photos are always appreciated.