What is the Trail of Tears Association?

The Trail of Tears Association (TOTA) is a non-profit, membership organization formed to support the creation, development, and interpretation of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. In 1987, Congress designated a national historic trail to commemorate the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their homelands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in 1838-1839. 

The Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association is one of nine state chapters which have been chartered to assist the Trail of Tears Association with its mission. Each chapter has its own board of directors, including officers. This body organizes the chapter for meetings, research, and activities. Activities of the Georgia Chapter include documenting sites relating to the Cherokee people and the Trail of Tears.