The Murphy Town Council approved a resolution authorizing the Town to convey Fort Butler Park and Historical Site to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at no cost, pending completion of the legal transfer process. Mayor Tim Radford said the decision reflects respect for the history connected to the land and a belief that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is best positioned to preserve and interpret that history for future generations. Once the process is finalized, the Town and the Eastern Band anticipate holding a formal ceremony to recognize the conveyance and the significance of the site.
Here is Principal Chief Michell Hicks’s statement regarding the transfer:
“I want to thank the Murphy Town Council, Mayor Tim Radford, and especially Tia Lambert for their advocacy and commitment in supporting the return of Fort Butler Park and the surrounding historic site to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. There have been many conversations with the Executive Office to help make this possible, and I am very thankful.
“Fort Butler served as the military headquarters for the Cherokee Removal in 1838. It was here that Cherokee families were detained before being forced from their ancestral homelands on the Trail of Tears. The opportunity to return places like Fort Butler to Cherokee stewardship is an important part of preserving our history and strengthening our sovereignty. It allows us to ensure that this story is told truthfully, that those who suffered here are honored, and that future generations understand both the hardships our people faced and the resilience that continues to define the Cherokee people today.
“Preserving Fort Butler in a way that honors its history and helps future generations better understand its significance remains an important priority. An official acceptance event will be planned soon, with the community playing a central role in this historic occasion.”
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