A Georgia state park in Northwest Georgia will offer free admission Saturday to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
New Echota once served as the capital of the former Cherokee Nation. On Saturday, the park’s festivities will include guest speakers, living history demonstrations and Native American arts and crafts.
According to a news release:
New Echota is one of the most significant Cherokee Indian sites in the United States and was where the tragic “Trail of Tears” officially began. In 1825, the Cherokee legislature established a capital called New Echota on the Oostanaula River. During its short history, New Echota was the site of the first Indian language newspaper and one of the earliest experiments in national self-government by an Indian tribe. It was here where the treaty relinquishing Cherokee claims to lands east of the Mississippi River was signed.
During the 50th anniversary celebration, Jim Langford of the Coosawattee Foundation will speak. A temporary cache will be hidden for geocachers who enjoy history-based treasure hunts. Visitors will be able to tour 12 original and reconstructed buildings, including the Court House, Print Shop, missionary home and an 1805 store. In the visitor center, guest can purchase souvenirs, books, music and view interpretive exhibits and a 17-minute film. A one-mile nature trail leads visitors to New Town Creek, a small beaver pond and the Worcester House.
For more information, visit: http://www.gastateparks.org/NewEchota.