Growing up in north Georgia, I have always been surrounded by Cherokee history. When it comes to Cherokee landmarks, many know New Echota the capitol of the Cherokee Nation prior to Indian Removal and the Trail of Tears. Far fewer know about Red Clay however. Just over the Tennessee border is Red Clay State Historic Park, where the final capitol of the Cherokee Nation was located. Today, the park boasts a small museum, replica buildings, and the Eternal Flame of the Cherokee Nation: making this one of East Tennessee’s underrated gems.

Some Historical Background for Red Clay State Historic Park

In the 1830s, tensions between the Cherokee Nation and the state of Georgia escalated, especially after the discovery of gold on Cherokee land. With many citizens clamoring for plots near the newfound gold, Georgia had every incentive to drive the Cherokees out. Facing discriminatory laws and attacks on their sovereignty, the Cherokee Nation moved to Red Clay, Tennessee, beyond Georgia’s jurisdiction.

In all, Red Clay hosted 11 general councils, sometimes with over 5,000 Cherokee citizens in attendance while it was the capitol. Unfortunately, it was at one of these councils that the Cherokee learned of their imminent, forced removal. Thus began the Trail of Tears where up to ¼ of all Cherokee people died along the way.

How Do We Reconcile the Past?

Now I know what you’re thinking. Doesn’t this seem a little dark for a spot you want me to visit on vacation. It certainly does. However, the James F. Corn Interpretive Museum in the visitors center does a really great job of informing visitors without being too grim. Besides, being aware of the past, even a dark one, is important. Remember, thousands of tourists visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam each year, fully knowing the dark history of what happened there, for this very reason.

I don’t want you to think that Red Clay State Historic Park is solely a place of tragedy. In fact, Red Clay is a beautiful and verdant place where the Cherokee people lived, danced, and sang too. Just approach this park with an open mind and be willing to learn about Cherokee history, warts and all.

What does Red Clay State Historic Park encompass?

The park itself has 263 acres of land that can be explored, but the main sites are within about a 75-yard radius of the visitors center I mentioned earlier. Behind the visitors center are some replicas of Cherokee buildings from the 1830s including a barn, farmhouse, council house, and blacksmith shop. It was especially interesting to tour the interior of the farmhouse and see the period furniture, textiles, and other furnishings. Additionally, the park staff were fonts of information and were quite eager to assist visitors with any questions.

Close to the replica council house is Blue Hole Spring, where the Cherokee sourced their water during council meetings. Aptly named, the beginning of the spring is a pretty striking shade of blue that my picture could not do justice. Thankfully, there is a boardwalk that brings you quite close to the water so you can get the best view.

On the other side of the spring and up a small hill is the Eternal Flame of the Cherokee Nation. The Eternal Flame is a monument dedicated both to those who died on the Trail of Tears and to the reuniting of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and the Eastern Band at the site in 1984.

Overall, Red Clay Historic State Park was excellent and well worth the visit if you’re in the area.