Background

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail (Springfield, MO)

Reflect on the tragic history of the Cherokee Nation's forced removal along this segment of the Trail of Tears in Springfield, Missouri.

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A portion of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail passes through Springfield, Missouri, commemorating the forced removal of Cherokee people from their homelands in the 1830s. This segment offers a chance to reflect on this tragic history and the resilience of the Cherokee Nation.

A brief summary to Trail of Tears

Local tips

  • Visit the History Museum on the Square in Springfield for exhibits about the Native American history of the Ozarks.
  • Access the paved portion of the trail from the South Creek Greenway at Nathanael Greene Park.
  • Be aware that the natural surface trail sections have limited neighborhood access and parking.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Trail of Tears Greenway has multiple segments. To access the paved portion, start at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park (2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield) and follow the South Creek Greenway. The paved segment parallels the Trail of Tears south towards Battlefield. To access the natural surface trail, find neighborhood access near Republic Road and Golden Avenue. Note that parking is limited in that area.

  • Public Transport

    Springfield's public transportation, City Utilities (CU) Transit, has bus routes that serve areas near Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Check the CU Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules to plan your trip to the park. From the park, you can access the paved portion of the Trail of Tears Greenway. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park (2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield). Parking is available within the park. From the park, you can access the paved portion of the Trail of Tears Greenway. Parking at the park is free. Please note there is only neighborhood access to the natural surface trail section and parking is limited.

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Discover more about Trail of Tears

The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail serves as a poignant reminder of the forced removal of over 16,000 Cherokee people from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in 1838-1839. This tragic event, resulting from the Indian Removal Act of 1830, is remembered as the Trail of Tears due to the immense suffering and loss of life endured by the Cherokee during and after their relocation. The trail spans approximately 2,200 miles across nine states, including Missouri, and commemorates the various routes taken by the Cherokee. The Springfield, Missouri, segment marks one of the paths traversed during this forced migration. While the trail isn't a continuous, easily navigable path, several preserved sections and interpretive sites offer opportunities for remembrance and education. In Springfield, you can find portions of the Trail of Tears Greenway, including a natural surface trail near Republic Road and Golden Avenue, and a paved segment that parallels the historic route, beginning at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park and continuing south. These segments provide a space for reflection and learning about the area's Native American history.

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