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Gain a better understanding of one of the saddest chapters in American history at Trail of Tears State Park. This is where nine of the 13 Cherokee Indian groups being relocated to Oklahoma crossed the Mississippi River during harsh winter conditions in 1838 and 1839. The park’s visitor center tells the tale of the thousands who died on the forced march, as well as the park’s many natural features. The park also has a cheerier side such as shaded picnic sites, hiking and horse trails, as well as, opportunities to fish in both the Mississippi River and Lake Boutin, and majestic views of the Mississippi River and beyond. Its location right on the river makes the park one of the best places in Missouri for viewing migratory waterfowl.
INDIAN REMOVAL ACT
In 1830, President Andrew Jackson passed the Indian Removal Act, which called for the removal of American Indians living east of the Mississippi River to relocate west of the Mississippi River. Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the Cherokee Removal.
While some of the Cherokees left on their own, more than 16,000 were forced out against their will. In winter 1838-39, an endless procession of wagons, horsemen and people on foot traveled 800 miles west to Indian Territory. Others traveled by boat along river routes. Most of the Cherokee detachments made their way through Cape Girardeau County, home of Trail of Tears State Park. While there, the Indians endured brutal conditions; they dealt with rain, snow, freezing cold, hunger and disease. Floating ice stopped the attempted Mississippi River crossing, so the detachments had to set up camps on both sides of the river. It is estimated that over 4,000 Cherokees lost their lives on the march, nearly a fifth of the population.
Trail of Tears State Park is a certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The park’s visitor center features exhibits that interpret the forced relocation, as well as the park’s many natural features.
CAMPING
For visitors wishing to spend a night or more, basic campsites are located in the heavily wooded area of the park. Campsites with electrical hookups and electricity and sewer hookups are located in a campground near the river. Campground facilities include modern restrooms, laundry facilities, hot showers and a dumping station. For backpackers, a primitive camping area borders a loop of the Peewah Trail.
FISHING
Anglers can cast their luck in the Mississippi River, which offers three catfish species, rare sturgeon species, fresh water drum and American eels, while the 15-acre Lake Boutin is stocked with bass, sunfish, channel catfish and crappie. Popular lake activities, such as boating (electric motors only), canoeing and swimming, and scattered picnic sites make Trail of Tears State Park an excellent place to come for a day of relaxation.
PARK HOURS & FEES
Contact Park
PARK PHONE
573-290-5268
429 Moccasin Springs
Jackson, MO 63755
Have you visited this state park? If so, please leave a comment. Thanks.
BREATHE LIFE!
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