Trail of Tears Interpretive Center - Pulaski, TN - History Museums on Waymarking.com

County of center: Giles County
Location of center: E. College St., Rhodes St. & Stadium St.,Pulaski
Marker Erected By: Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

THE TRAIL OF TEARS
INTERPRETIVE CENTER Popularly known as The Rock Church, this beautiful chapel of Gothic architecture design was constructed of native limestone and was dedicated as the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on August 10, 1941. A significant financial contribution towards the construction of the church was made by Mrs. Ethel V. Mars and her daughter Mrs. Allan Feeney. The donation was made in memory of Mr. Frank Mars, founder of the Mars Candy Company and owner of Milky Way Farms.

The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church was located at 416 South First Street and was the center of worship for the Catholic congregation until July 10, 1984 when the building was sold to the adjacent First Baptist Church. The building was renamed Mars Chapel and was used by the First Baptist Church as a wedding chapel and youth activity center.

In 2002 the congregation of First Baptist Church donated the building to the Trail of Tears Memorial Committee with the stipulation that the building be relocated. The Trail of Tears Association then announced plans to utilize the rock church building as a Trail of Tears Interpretive Center and dedicate it to the Native Americans moved from their land by the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Community activists raised the necessary funds for relocating the building and on October 31, 2002 the entire 300 ton structure was placed on a 122-wheel trailer and moved three blocks to its present location.

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"Exhibits on the grounds of the memorial and inside the Trail of Tears Interpretive Center give an excellent overview of the Trail of Tears in general and the Benge and Bell Routes in particular. The Interpretive Center isn't open on a regular schedule, but visitors can contact the Giles County Tourism Foundation at 931-424-4044 to make an appointment to visit the center." ~ Native History Association

Theme: The Trail of Tears and specifically the Bell Route. "Inside you will find a video on the Trail of Tears and information panels that give the background on the Indian Removal Act of 1830. While much of the information is standard Trail of Tears history, half of the information panels are specific to the Benge and Bell Parties." ~ NP Planner Street Address: 220 Stadium St., Pulaski, TN 38478 Food Court: no Gift Shop: no Hours of Operation: Call for personal tour, all visits are on a call basis. (931) 424-4044 Cost: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Museum Size: Small Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]

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