Yesterday, the High School co-op my daughter takes part in went on a field trip to the Junaluska Museum and Memorial. Junaluska was a Cherokee Indian who was who was thought of highly not only by the Cherokee, but the Whites at the time.
We then were taken to a section of the Trail of Tears. All I can say is that it was very humbling. Words can not describe what we heard from the guide. Words and stories that are not mentioned in the History books. What the Cherokee Indians went through and were forced to do. Can you imagine just being forced from your home and told to walk hundreds of miles to a place that you have never heard of much less seen? Losing family members to sickness, starvation and hypothermia. Sometimes a whole family was lost along the trail. Then to listen at how some Indians hid in the mountains from soldiers and how some managed to stay behind and actually make a life.
The pictures tell a little about Junaluska and major events that happened in his life. At the bottom of each monument, it also has the name of a clan from the Cherokee Indians.
The burial site of Junaluska and his wife.
Even though you can’t really see it, this is a section of the Trail of Tears.
The kids are listening to the guide.
If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop by and visit this place. I know you will enjoy it as much as we did.