Pigeon Forge - The Zuraw Wagon, the only known surviving wagon from the Cherokee Indians’ historic Trail of Tears, will be displayed at Dollywood throughout the park’s Harvest Celebration (Sept. 26-Nov. 1, 2003) as part of a living showcase of Native American life.

As a special gift to the Museum of the Cherokee, the park’s Valley Carriage Works wagon makers are building a replica of the Zuraw Wagon. Upon completion, the replica will be presented by Dollywood to the Museum of the Cherokee for display at the facility located in Cherokee, NC.

“Dollywood is so proud to provide the Cherokee people with this wagon, truly a missing link in their rich heritage,” said Dolly. “Not only is it a gift to our Cherokee neighbors, but also to future generations so that they, too, will always know the historical significance of the Trail of Tears.”

The Zuraw Wagon is on loan from the Foxfire Museum and Center in Mountain City, GA. Named for its donor Retta Pickelsimer Zuraw, the Zuraw Wagon is a late-1700s freight wagon known as a “tar grinder,” its name taken from the tar-like substance used to lubricate the wooden hubs. The Zuraw Wagon is completely handmade, most likely of Pennsylvania Dutch construction, as evidenced by the forged metal parts. The wagon’s design, featuring raked ends on the bed and bows, is not commonly found in Southern examples.

“We are honored to provide the historic Zuraw Wagon for display at Dollywood,” said Ann Moore, Foxfire Director. “It is certainly rewarding to know that the Cherokee people will receive a replica of their own as a result of everyone’s efforts.”

According to Cherokee historians, 701 wagons were used on the Trail of Tears. The Zuraw Wagon and others were most likely used for hauling supplies and to transport those who were sick or the elderly and the very young on the Trail of Tears. More than 14,000 Cherokees were a part of the historic six-month, 2,200-mile journey that began in October of 1838; more than 4,000 perished. The presentation of the newly constructed wagon will be made at a special ceremony in mid October commemorating the 165th anniversary of the Trail of Tears. It was in October of 1838 that the majority of the Cherokees were taken on the Trail of Tears, leaving from East Tennessee at the major internment camp near Charleston, TN.

The Zuraw Wagon will be on display at the Valley Carriage Works wagon shop throughout Dollywood’s Harvest Celebration which includes the Native American living showcase as well as the Southern Gospel Jubilee, the Woodcarving Showcase and National Caricature Carving Competition. All Harvest Celebration events are included with park admission. The Harvest Celebration gets under way Sept. 26 and runs through Nov. 1 (except. Sept. 30 & each Thurs. in Oct.).

Zuraw Wagon Facts
Larger Photo of Zuraw Wagon