The Passage

The Passage in Chattanooga is more than just a fun fountain you can play in-- it's also a touching memorial to the Trail of Tears. But why Chattanooga? Before this Southern Tennessee town was founded, the area was inhabited by the Cherokee tribe-- until they were forced out by the US government in 1838. Roughly 4,000 Cherokee alone died on the brutal journey to Oklahoma. The "weeping" staircase is a fitting tribute to the Cherokee who lost their lives during the cruel march they were forced to take as they were removed from their native lands-- also known as the Trail of Tears. Along the sides of the stairs are circles with scenes that tell the story of the seven clans of the Cherokee Nation in the Southeast, and there are also depictions of people playing stickball along another wall facing the river. Stickball is a rough-and-tumble game similar to lacrosse that Native Americans like the Cherokee played, often to settle disputes between tribes. It's one of those places that young and old can enjoy-- children can cool off in the water, and those who are older can learn about and pay respect to the Cherokee culture and history. -Roadtrippers The Passage is a pedestrian link between downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River and marks the beginning of the Trail of Tears. The Trail of Tears refers to the journey which forced the removal of the Cherokee tribes from Ross' s Landing in Chattanooga to Oklahoma. Some 4000 Cherokees died before reaching Oklahoma. The Passage is a permanent outdoor exhibit, with symbolism of the seven clans of the Cherokee Nation. There is a 'weeping wall' representing the tears shed as the Cherokee were driven from their homes and removed on the Trail of Tears. Seven, six-foot ceramic disks tell the story of the Cherokee Nation from hundreds of years of Native American habitation in the southeast. Seven, 14-foot tall stainless steel sculptures of stickball players will grace the wall facing the river, educating visitors about the game and its importance to Cherokee culture.