Fort Payne Cabin Historic Site — Attraction in Fort Payne

There is something so eerie and quiet about this simple site. Like maybe ghosts of the Native American Indians are still trapped here inside the stockades built by Captain John G. Payne ("Fort Payne"). In 1838 the land, homes, freedom, and possessions were stolen from the Cherokees right here. The Trail of Tears started here, as the Native people were forced to walk to Oklahoma without adequate supplies. Sequoyah-- who helped Americans defeat the Creek Nation, and created the first written alphabet for a Native American language-- walked with his people on the Trail of Tears. One out of seven died on the journey away from their homeland. You would never even notice this site if you weren't looking for it. Fence needs mending, and brush and vines are creeping in from all around. A chimney remains from the cabin which was stolen by government troops from a Native minister who owned it. There are a few placards with information. It is definitely worth a stop, as well as the other spots marked in the area. (Especially the small unassuming Cherokee cemetery at the former Will's town, which is now part of a...

Being a half blood Oglala Lakota Sioux, This was a bitter sweet place to visit. Talk about a special place surrounded by the modern world. On this sight you will find the remains of an old cabin potentially it was used by the Cherokee and or used by the troops stationed at the fort. The out line of the original cabin and the chimney can be seen. You'll also have the opportunity to see early stacking construction techniques in the form of the amazing well on sight. There is also lots of little bits of information included on guide signs. I spent quite a bit of time here just sitting and passing time with the relatives of the past. If you happen to stop by please remove any trash you might find as the sight can also use a little extra help staying cleaned. This is a place I would highly recommend as part of the original trail of tears route and is part of our nations history. Those who don't remember history are doomed...

There is not a tremendous amount left at the Fort Payne Cabin Historic Site, but remnants. The original chimney is there and the site is well marked with explanatory signs. A tree has fallen and the site is closed but it is very simple to walk to it from the parking area and we...