Many members of the Cherokee Nation moved west in 1829 , but the majority stayed until removed by federal troops sent into the area during the summer of 1838 . The remaining Cherokee were gathered and held in forts until the removal could be completed . Present-day Cherokee County had the largest and most southerly of these forts , Fort Buffington , which stood east of Canton . Today nothing stands to identify its timber structure , but the area is marked by a large piece of green Cherokee marble quarried near Holly Springs . By autumn of 1838 , the federal troops had accomplished their mission , and the Cherokee at Fort Buffington were marched off to join other groups on the infamous " Trail of Tears , " a lengthy march in worsening winter weather to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Canton, Georgia