Marketing Tennessee's Cherokee history

Cherokee history is new focus in southeast TennesseeLocal tourism professionals are working alongside scholars, citizens and history buffs in a movement that is uncovering new stories and raising awareness of southeast Tennessee’s extremely significant Cherokee history, a part of America’s Native American past.

Representatives from Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association and the Convention & Visitors Bureau of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce are unveiling new driving trail brochures highlighting the rich Cherokee history and encouraging visitation to the area. The Bradley County brochure is titled “Your Passport to Explore Cherokee Heritage.” The SETTA brochure is “Southeast Tennessee Cherokee Native American Guide.”

A remarkable convergence of events prompted this focused attention and cooperative effort, including the opening of the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park; this year’s 30th anniversary of Red Clay State Park; the 25th anniversary of the Joint Council Reunion with the lighting of the eternal flame, and the PBS series “We Shall Remain,” which focused one entire episode on the Trail of Tears and the Cherokee experience in and around southeast Tennessee. Portions of the film were shot at Red Clay, the last eastern capital of the Cherokee Nation.

“Southeast Tennessee’s Native American History is one of the true hidden gems in Tennessee,” said Cindy Milligan, tourism director for SETTA. “We are committed to putting the spotlight on this region’s Cherokee history so that it is no longer hidden, but in fact, is raised to national and international prominence.”Comment:  For a related subject, see Cherokee "Living History" Tours.

Below:  "The Bradley County brochure is titled 'Your Passport to Explore Cherokee Heritage.' It outlines the precise location of the Cherokee Agency where passports were required to enter into Cherokee territory."