Tennessee State Parks has officially dedicated the Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park in Meigs County, elevating the site from a county park formerly known as the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park. Located at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers near the historic Blythe Ferry crossing, the park preserves a solemn location where thousands of Cherokee and hundreds of Muscogee (Creek) people camped in harsh conditions during the forced westward removals of 1838.

State officials emphasize that the transition will utilize the resources of Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Division of Archaeology to ensure the site remains a dedicated place of reflection, remembrance, and historical education for future generations. As a recognized interpretive site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, the park aims to balance its crucial historical role with modern park amenities, expanding public awareness of this defining historical chapter while conserving cultural landscapes and providing recreational access to the Tennessee River.

Additionally, this dedication marks a milestone for the current administration under Governor Bill Lee, which is establishing a state record with a total of 14 new Tennessee State Parks to boost local economies, public health, and conservation efforts.