New Echota

Cherokee Capital

State: Georgia County: Gordon County Founded: 1825 Abandoned: 1838 Peak Population: Cherokee capital

New Echota was the capital of the Cherokee Nation and site of the first Cherokee newspaper (The Cherokee Phoenix). The forced removal order (Trail of Tears) was signed here in 1838. Today, it is a Georgia State Historic Site with reconstructed buildings.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 2 hours

Quick Facts

  • Cherokee Nation capital
  • First Cherokee newspaper
  • Trail of Tears began here

Location

Address: New Echota State Historic Site, GA

Coordinates: 34.6833, -84.9333