I am disappointed in Macon County's decision to desecrate such a noted significant historical site in pursuit of economic development. Dugan said that the Cherokee people are still being removed 150 years after the Trail of Tears. In her statement she said, 'For many years the policies of the United states government have been attempts to assimilate or marginalized American Indians in this great society we all share. 500 B.C. This represents that fact that the Cherokee were here. It's wonderful proof of our existence.
Graves are sacred.
Macon County has agreed to provide land for the remains that have been removed. Dugan said that because economic development caused this removal, she can't be guaranteed it won't happen again. She called it a second Trail of Tears.