New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site is set to transport visitors back in time with its “Arts and Crafts on the Trail of Tears” event on Saturday, September 20, 2025. From 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., the historic grounds will come alive, offering a unique, hands-on journey into the traditional crafts of the Cherokee Nation and common skills of the early 19th century.

Visitors will have the extraordinary opportunity to step into history as they roam the reconstructed capital of the Cherokee Nation. Rangers and dedicated volunteers will be stationed throughout the different historic buildings, demonstrating intricate crafts that were integral to Cherokee life and culture, such as finger weaving, alongside a variety of common crafts from the early 1800s, including paper making.

A special highlight of the day will be the opening of the 19th-century reconstruction of the Phoenix Print Shop. Guests can witness live printing demonstrations and learn firsthand how the groundbreaking Cherokee Phoenix newspaper profoundly impacted the lives of the Cherokee people, serving as a vital voice for the Nation in the early 1800s. The demonstrations will illuminate the significant role of this publication in shaping Cherokee identity and advocating for their rights during a pivotal historical period.

The event offers more than just craft-making; it’s an immersive educational experience designed to foster a deeper understanding of the daily life, ingenuity, and resilience of the Cherokee people during a pivotal period in American history, preceding their forced removal on the Trail of Tears.

Admission to “Arts and Crafts on the Trail of Tears” is included with the regular site admission fee of $6-$8. This fee also grants access to the New Echota museum and a self-guided walking tour of the historic grounds.

Event Details:

What: Arts and Crafts on the Trail of Tears
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Where: New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site
Location: One mile east of Interstate 75 (Exit 317) on GA HWY 225 N., near Calhoun, Georgia.
Admission: $6-$8 (includes museum, historic grounds tour, and event activities).
Contact: Call 706.624.1321 or visit GaStateParks.org/newechota for further information.

Don’t miss this engaging opportunity to connect with history and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee Nation.

About New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site:

New Echota was the capital of the Cherokee Nation from 1825 to 1828 and the site of the signing of the Treaty of New Echota, which eventually led to the forced removal of the Cherokee people. Today, the site preserves historic buildings, including the Council House, Supreme Court, and the New Echota Phoenix printing office, offering visitors a poignant glimpse into a crucial era of American history.

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