Willstown Mission Cemetery: Echoes of Cherokee History

Nestled in Fort Payne, Alabama, the Willstown Mission Cemetery stands as a testament to the complex history of the Cherokee Nation and the early missionary efforts in the region. In 1823, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions established a mission and school in Willstown, seeking to educate and Christianize the local Cherokee population. Influential Cherokee leaders like John Ross supported the mission's establishment, recognizing the value of education.The cemetery, however, is believed to predate the mission, potentially serving as a burial ground for the Cherokee community long before the arrival of missionaries. Local legend suggests that prominent Cherokee figures, including the Chickamauga warrior John Watts, may be buried here, though this remains unconfirmed. Reverend Ard Hoyt, the mission's first superintendent, is among those buried in the cemetery. His death in 1828 was mourned by both the missionary community and the Cherokee people, who affectionately called him "Father Hoyt".The cemetery also holds the remains of other missionaries and settlers who lived and worked in the area during the 19th century. Military records indicate that 41 Cherokee people died in a camp at Fort Payne between June and September 1838 while awaiting their forced relocation to the West. It is believed that some of these individuals may have been buried in the Willstown Mission Cemetery, their final resting places unmarked and largely forgotten. Today, the cemetery is managed by Landmarks of DeKalb County and is certified by the National Park Service as part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Visitors can explore the grounds and reflect on the history and the injustices endured by the Cherokee people.