Routes through Kentucky and Illinois
Water Route
Cherokee on the land route traveled through a bitter winter that led to delays at icy river crossings and poor road conditions. In some cases, a road was built to provide a path for Indian Removal.
Land Route Benge
The Benge detachment left Fort Payne, Alabama, on Sept. 28, 1838. They crossed the river the Mississippi River from Columbus (Iron Banks), Kentucky, to Belmont, Missouri. It took 1,200 people on this journey 111 days to reach Indian Territory.
Water
Three detachments of nearly 3,000 Cherokee left Ross’ Landing in June 1838. The last detachment, which included Chief John Ross, departed in December 1838. The time it took for these detachments to complete their trip varied from 13 to 103 days. They followed the Tennessee, Ohio, Mississippi, and Arkansas rivers.
Northern
Eight Northern Route detachments left the Fort Cass, Tennessee, area in August and September 1838. The journey included more than 8,000 people and took between 125 and 188 days.
Northern with Variations
Three detachments of over 3,600 Cherokee took variations of the Northern Route in September and October, leaving from Fort Cass and Vann’s Town, taking between 152 and 189 days.
More Trail of Tears Trip Ideas
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service