TRAIL OF TEARS NATIONAL TRAILS PARK, HOPKINSVILLE, KY

I am a volunteer at the Trail of Tears National Trails Park in Hopkinsville, KY.  The Cherokee stopped here as a ration station in 1838-39.  Chief Whitepath and Fly Smith are buried here in the Latham family cemetery.  This page is meant to promote the park, make people aware of its importance, and raise desperately needed funds for repairs from storm damage as well as much needed maintenance.  Please follow along, and,  as much as you can, be generous.

This year's Powwow was a big success.. This was the 38th year for this wonderful annual event. The participants come from across North America, so it is a time for all people to get to know other regions, other tribes, and other customs. Since we are a registered site on the circuit (which means that dancers get points toward national titles) we have phenomenal dancer, great vendors, outstanding activities and displays, and great food. Put next year's Trail of Tears Powwow on your calendar. Just off the I-165 and 41 exchange in Hopkinsville, Kentucy it is always the first weekend after Labor Day. See you there! 

The museum and visitors center at The Trail of Tears will be closed until March. BUT, if you are in town and would like to visit, stop by the Hopkinsville-Christian County Visitor's center and they'll call one of us to give you a personal tour. We don't want anyone to miss seeing our wonderful park and we want to get the message out. 

Chief Whitepath was a warrior chief and very much of a traditionalist on the Cherokee National Council. He was in one of the first detachments to arrive in Hopkinsville in November of 1838.  He and Councilman Fly Smith died about the same time and are buried in the Latham family cemetery just up the hill from where the people were camped along the Little River.  

Trail of Tears Commemorative Park in Hopkinsville was the first Trail of Tears park registered by the National Park Service. We are on twelve acres of the site where the Cherokee stopped for rest and rations. We are on the northern most route of the Removal.

  It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our Cherokee story-teller and Heritage Center manager, Kristina Adkins-Scott.  She was the second generation of Adkins to guide our park and she will be sorely missed.