CLEVELAND, Tenn. — People with artifacts, mementos and memories of Red Clay State Historic Park will be there to share them Saturday.
IF YOU GOWhat: Red Clay HomecomingWhere: Red Clay State Historic ParkWhen: Saturday. Park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset.Admission: FreeInformation: 423-478-0339 or www.tnstateparks.com/RedClayTo get there: Take Interstate 75 north to exit 20, go east on APD 40 (U.S. 64 bypass), then south on state Route 60 to state line and follow signs.
During the second Red Clay Homecoming, anyone with photos, letters, newspaper articles or other artifacts related to Red Clay can have them photographed so copies can be filed at the park. Anyone with memories of Red Clay before, during or after it became a park is asked to come share those and sit for videotaping, Red Clay resident Anna McAlister said.
“Red Clay State Historic Area is attempting to build an oral history library which future residents and researchers can use to learn firsthand information,” said Sylvia Idom of Friends of Red Clay.
Red Clay was the seat of Cherokee government from 1832 to 1837. It was where 11 of the last 12 Cherokee Council meetings were held before the forced removal known as the Trail of Tears.