Here are historic sites and interpretive facilities on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail in Illinois for you to visit:

Camp Ground Cemetery, Anna

Location: adjacent to the Camp Ground Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at 50 Tunnel Lane, six miles east of Anna, Union County.

Telephone: 618-833-9000 (church office)

Hours: no restrictions

Historical Significance: wintertime camping spot for thousands of northern-route Cherokee during the Trail of Tears, and ad hoc graveyard for those who died during their encampment.

To Learn More: www.campgroundcp.com

 

Crabb-Abbott Farm, Grantsburg

Location: Route 1, Box 99, on Hound Ridge Road, four miles southeast of Grantsburg

Telephone: (618) 949-3355

Hours: Private property. Visit arranged in advance by contacting owner.

Historical Significance: Property has segments of the Northern Route, including the rock crossing and ford of Sugar Creek. These segments are contiguous with trail segments on the adjacent Shawnee National Forest.

Website: none

 

Trail of Tears State Forest, Jonesboro

Location: 3240 State Forest Road, Jonesboro, Union County.

Telephone: (618) 833-4910

Hours: unrestricted

Historical Significance: In 1838-39 the Cherokee nations was forced to move from the southeast to reservations in Oklahoma (then known as Indian Territory). They overwintered at makeshift camps 4 miles south of the Forest's southern boundary. Bitter cold and starvation claimed hundreds of lives. The cruel trek came to be known as the "Trail of Tears." The State Forest's name commemorates the tragic event.

Available activities: camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife observation

To learn more: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r5/trltears.htm