The July 2012 announcement of a $ 246 million expansion to create a 20-story hotel and casino at the site caused further outcry from the Muscogee Creek Nation and the threat of legal action . The Poarch denied that the historic site itself was affected by their development , stating in a news release that it was " protected land that is not part of a casino expansion . " The dispute over the development of Hickory Ground is part of a wider disagreement between the Poarch Band and the Oklahoma Muscogee ; some in the Oklahoma tribe view themselves as ' traditionalists ' and see the Poarch Band , who stayed behind in Alabama when the rest of the Muscogee were removed during the Trail of Tears , as being " questionable Indians "
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Hickory Ground