Aug 26 2008
New Echota
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A few years ago, my husband and I decided to see more of our home state. We have always had a love for Native Americans and wanted to visit a place special to them. We chose to go to New Echota near Calhoun, Georgia.
In 1825, the Cherokee established a capital and named it New Echota. Its central location made it a great choice for the capital. The tribal council planned a community and the Cherokee surveyed the land. They built a two-acre town square, Council house, Supreme Court, print shop, private homes, stores, a ferry, and the Vann Tavern.
In 1832 Georgia’s sixth land Lottery gave away the Cherokee land to white settlers and
in 1838, the U.S. Army began the forced removal of the Cherokee to the west on the “Trail of Tears”. Later archeologists search through the capital and find type used to print the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper and the remains of buildings. The state of Georgia decided to rebuild the capital and turn it into a state park.
When we arrived at New Echota the first thing we saw was the Trail of Tears monument. While reading the encryption on the monument we both became intensely sad. We made our way through the Museum and out to the trails that wind through the town. As we walked, a small bird seemed to follow us and landed close to our feet several times. It was as if the bird was trying to tell us something. After touring the buildings, we took the trail to the river. Large bushes and trees grow on each side of the path. I became upset after walking through three spider webs. We stopped to look for a stick to clear them as we walked. We looked around but did not see anything useful. I did not want to go back but the thought of the webs on my face almost brought me to tears. I stood there debating what to do when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find there was no one there but there on the ground was a stick about two feet long. That stick was a gift from the spirits of the Cherokee. We continued our tour and left with an even greater appreciation for the Cherokee people. It was sad, beautiful, and wonderful. I encourage everyone to pay a visit to New Echota.
