Trail of Tears Memorial

Description:

The Trail of Tears Memorial was built by Larry Baggett to memorialize the plight of the Cherokee Nation’s forced march and relocation from the southeastern United States to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Most of the concrete work is encrusted with local stone. Mr. Baggett studied Indian culture, astrology and numerology, and told visitors he created the monument to memorialize the plight of Native Americans, to whoms' ghosts he could speak with.

LocationMem:

Jerome, Missouri Heading west on I-44, exit 172 (Jerome). Turn immediately north, then right at the T-intersection at Hwy D toward Jerome. The Trail of Tears Memorial is a few hundred yards on the left.

Institution:

Larry Baggett

Official/Unofficial:

Unofficial

Group Acknowledged:

Native Americans forced to relocate

Historical Subject:

The Native Americans forced to relocate, specifically during Andrew Jackson's presidency, and those before/after

Physical Aspects:

The entrance to the site is marked by a stone archway. The site itself consists of concrete figures: a seated man, wishing well, man with water pouring from his mouth, and white buffalo. It also has a number of rock gardens. The memorial has began to deteriorate after Baggett's death in 2003, but has since been bought and reopened to the public

Place Location:

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