Interactive Map - The Potawatomi Trail of Death Association

Trace the Journey

This interactive map offers a detailed exploration of the Potawatomi Trail of Death, a 660-mile forced removal of the Potawatomi people from their ancestral lands in Indiana to a reservation in Kansas. The journey, which took place from September to November of 1838, is a tragic chapter in American history during which more than 40 lives were lost, most of them children. This tool was created to honor their memory and help tell the story of their journey.

Use the Interactive Map below to navigate the 70+ historical markers along the route. Clicking on any location in the list will instantly zoom the map to that spot and open a popup with a summary of the events that occurred there. For deeper research, a “Learn More” button in the popup will take you to a page with more detailed records. You can easily find specific sites using the search and state filters.

Interactive Map Component

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Curious About the Trail Markers Near You?

Trace the path of the Potawatomi Trail of Death and honor the memory of those who made the journey. These detailed Google Maps provide a visual pilgrimage along this significant historical route, pinpointing the original campsites, historical markers, and related points of interest that tell the story of the removal. Follow the route at your own pace, pausing at campsites, historical markers, and places of remembrance along the way. The full journey spans four states — Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas — but you are welcome to explore any portion that calls to you. Whether you make the full trip or visit a single site, walking in the footsteps of those who were forcibly removed is a powerful act of remembrance.

Understanding the Map Key

Each symbol on the map represents a specific point of interest:

Campfire: Marks the location of an overnight camp.
Arrow & Star: Indicates a Trail of Death marker that is not at an overnight campsite.
Hiker: Represents a side trip to a related historical site.
Solid Line: Shows the driving route to follow the trail.

How to Navigate the Maps

Follow these steps to explore the interactive maps:

Select a State: Begin by choosing a state to view its portion of the trail.
Indiana Illinois Missouri Kansas
Explore Points of Interest: On the left side of the map, you'll see a list of sites and routes. Click on any item in the list to center the map on that location. A pop-up window will appear with more information and links to relevant pages on the Potawatomi Trail of Death Association website.
Navigate the Map: Use the controls on the map to look around. You can zoom in and out, move the map in any direction, and switch to a satellite photo view for a different perspective.
Access Adjoining Maps: From the first and last campsites in each state, find links in the pop-up windows to connect to the next state's map.

Important Notes

Street Names: The route was carefully traced turn-by-turn. However, because Google Maps automatically generates street names, you may see slight differences from older lists (e.g., 200S may appear as West CR 200 S). The mapped route itself is accurate.
Illinois & Missouri Maps: Due to their length, the maps for Illinois and Missouri are split into two pages. After viewing the first part of the trail, scroll to the bottom of the list on the left and click to the second page to see the rest of the route.
Printing Directions: If you wish to print the map and driving directions, use the "Print" option located above the map. This will generate a printable version of the section you are currently viewing.

Preserving Living History. Honoring Our Ancestors.

Contact

13416 County Road 44, Millersburg, IN