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.

Powwow is here again. This will be 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 the Trail of Tears Powwow on your calendar. Just off the I-165 and 41 exchange in Hopkinsville, Kentucy.

SEPT 6th and 7th 

In May 2025 a series of super-cell storms that went on for several days hit western Kentucky. Hopkinsville had tornadoes and straight-line winds clocked at 90 mph. Our 200 year old cabin, a treasure in itself, is our heritage center and museum. The roof was damaged and we're trying to raise the money to make repairs. Fortunately one of our commission members has the skills to repair the museum pieces that were damaged. There are two giant tarps covering the damaged roof, and now the tarps are beginning to tear. We still have a long way to go to have enough money to replace the roof.  If you can, please help us. 

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.

As you can see in this satellite photo, we have a large, flat parking lot next to lovely wooded area. We are starting a program where we will allow RVers to park overnight. This is not camping, but a place to pull over and rest.  We are near I-169 and is easy in and out. We allow only self-contained rigs because we have no electricity or bathrooms available.  We do not charge, but would appreciate a nice donation.