Field Trip: New Echota Cherokee Capital

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, join Heritage for a field trip to New Echota, the site of the former Cherokee capital.

New Echota is one of the most significant Cherokee Indian sites in the nation and was where the tragic “Trail of Tears” officially began. In 1825, the Cherokee national legislature established a capital called New Echota at the headwaters of the Oostanaula River. During its short history, New Echota was the site of the first Indian language newspaper office, a court case that carried to the U.S. Supreme Court, one of the earliest experiments in national self-government by a Native American tribe, the signing of a treaty which relinquished Cherokee claims to lands east of the Mississippi River, and the assembly of Indigenous Peoples for removal west on the infamous Trail of Tears.

Our field trip will begin in the visitor center where students will view interpretive exhibits and a brief film. During the outdoor portion of our visit, students will have an opportunity to see 12 historic and reconstructed buildings on a ¾ mile walk around the historic grounds, including the Council House, Court House, Print Shop, Missionary Samuel Worcester's home, and an 1805 store, as well as outbuildings such as smoke houses, corn cribs, and barns.

Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Address: New Echota State Historic Site (1211 GA-225, Calhoun, GA 30701)

Target ages: 2nd - 8th grades (siblings are welcome)

Pricing

Adults: $7.50

Youth: $5.50

Children 5 and under: free

We currently have 30 spots reserved. If we reach that number, please email amber@heritagehomeschoolers.org to be added to the waiting list, and we'll request an increase in the reservation number, if possible. Please do not sign up unless you're sure you will attend.