Exceptional!

We explored the Tennessee Aquarium and a Cherokee memorial today. A must do if you are planning on visiting the area.

The Tennessee Aquarium is considered one of the top destinations for aquatic exhibits in the United States, making it a must-visit for those interested in marine life and conservation.

The Aquarium in Tennessee is divided into two main buildings, with the River and the Ocean Journeys.

River Journey: The River Journey section focuses on freshwater habitats, tracing the journey of a single raindrop from the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico.

Ocean Journey: The Ocean Journey building was added in 2005 and expands the experience to include saltwater habitats. This building houses creatures like sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and a variety of colorful reef fish. One of the highlights is the butterfly garden, which was one of my favorite parts.

Also be sure to read up on the history of the Cherokee that belonged to this area.

The Trail of Tears memorial (located next to the Aquarium) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, commemorates the forced removal of Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee, from their ancestral lands during the 1830s. This tragic event is known as the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans were forced to relocate to what is now Oklahoma, leading to the death of an estimated 4,000 Cherokee people due to exposure, disease, and starvation.

The site is a powerful reminder of the resilience and enduring spirit of the Cherokee people and the importance of remembering this painful chapter in American history that is generally skipped in our schools history books and classes.