The Trail of Tears is considered one of the most regrettable and tragic episodes in American history. It refers to the forced relocation in 1838 of the Cherokee Nation in North Carolina and Georgia to the Oklahoma Territory. It's estimated over 4000 Cherokees died during this migration. It was brought about by President Andrew Jackson's signing of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Congress designated the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail in 1987 which stretches over 2200 miles over nine states.
The photo here depicts the approximate crossing place of one of the routes taken in the removal, which crossed the Cumberland River. The original toll bridge over which they crossed is no longer standing.
The city of Nashville, hovering in the background, has plans to recognize this site as an historically signifcant place on the Trail of Tears.