Fort Hetzel (East Ellijay), GA - Trail of Tears on Waymarking.com

Fort Hetzel marker located on the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway (US 76) at 1st Ave east of Ellijay, GA.

Granite marker inscribed as follows:
Fort Hetzel
1838 1868
In 1838 1100 Cherokee Indians were assembled on this site to take the trail of tears to Oklahoma.



One of fifteen roundup posts in Georgia, Ft. Hetzel was one of the earliest established (October, 1837), one of ten that were stockaded, and one of three occupied and stockaded by the winter of 1837. Commanded by William Derrick, captain of a Georgia mounted company, the post gained a second company (infantry) by early spring. Ft. Hetzel was assigned to the eastern Military District commanded by Gen. Abram Eustis.

Located in a densely populated area of the Cherokee Nation, Ft. Hetzel briefly housed an unusually high number of prisoners. By late May 1838, Derrick had captured 425-450 prisoners and by early June thought he could start about 500 from Ft. Gilmer to Ft. Cass. He later reported he had sent 84 additional prisoners, "in all 884."

Significant Dates: Oct. 21, 1837 - July 20, 1838

Significant Persons:
Capt. William Derrick, commanding officer
Source: Georgia Trail of Tears - fort (visit link)

Routes: Water Route Marker Website: [Web Link] Additional Coordinates: Not Listed Address if available: Not listed Additional Information: Not listed

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