Blythe Ferry
N 35° 24.567 W 085° 00.511
16S E 680828 N 3920272
This marker at Blythe Ferry describes the forced extraction of the Indian peoples. Some descriptions of their condition and treatment at the Tennessee River crossing is included. It is on the northern route of the "Trail of Tears".
Waymark Code: WM29CX
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 09/26/2007
Views: 30
BLYTHE FERRY
One of the worst acts of "man's inhumanity to men" took place when an entire race of peoples were driven from their lands in 1838. It was here at Blythe Ferry that approx. 9,000 Cherokees and Creeks camped while waiting to cross the Tennessee River on their forced removal. They had been held captive in stockades a few miles back. Many books have been written on the heart-wrenching description of what is now called, "The Trail of Tears". Butrick's journal describes their condition in the camps as "very much like brute animals - lieing down on the naked ground exposed to the wind and rain - like droves of hogs. "Butrick also states "But not only the Cherokees - the dear Creeks and Seminoles have fallen by the same means "fictitious treaties". He speaks of "Nanny as a slave" so this shows the diversity among the detachments. A mental picture of what happened here at Blythe Ferry can be drawn from these excerpts. Oct. 16th 1838 - 10 O'Clock AM "we have only succeeded in getting some twenty waggons across the river - proprietors of the Ferry - are determined to retard all exertions" J. Powell. The last detachment crossed Nov. 12th. 1838 "I reached Blythe's Ferry on Saturday Nov. 10 - found the great body of Mr. (Peter) Hildebrand's detachment of emigrating Cherokees quietly encamped - about twelve waggons had crossed - at dawn four boats were put in requisition and continued - until dusk - close of the day about sixty one waggons - across - this morning before 12 O'Clock eighteen waggons and all people were over." To Winfield Scott. This park is dedicated in memory to these peoples. May it serve as a touchstone for future generations.
Marker Name: Blythe Ferry
Marker Location: Roadside
Type of Marker: Other
Marker Number: No number code
Group(s) Responsible for placing Marker:
Alabama - Tennessee Trail of Tears Corridor Commission
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Visit Instructions:
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