Trail of Tears MemorialLarry Baggett (1925-2003)

Along a quiet, remote stretch of Route 66 near Jerome, MO is the now deteriorated Trail of Tears Memorial. It was built by Larry Baggett to memorialize the plight of the Cherokee Nation's forced march and relocation from the southeastern United States to Indian Territory in Oklahoma.

Baggett often spoke to visitors of hearing a voice that told him to create the monument on behalf of the Native Americans who suffered and died near his land. Mr. Baggett studied Indian culture, astrology and numerology, fusing his beliefs into this monument. The site consists of concrete figures, including a seated man, wishing well, a man with water pouring from his mouth, and a spectacular white buffalo. Most of the concrete work is encrusted with local stone.

After Mr. Baggett's death in 2003, the site was sold and was in disrepair. In 2018, the site was reopened to the public and has open hours from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Heading west on I-44, exit 172 (Jerome). Turn immediately north, then right at the T-intersection at Hwy D toward Jerome. The Trail of Tears Memorial is a few hundred yards on the left.

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