PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Trail PAID of LITTLE ROCK, AR Tears PERMIT 196 Association Trail of Trail News 1100 N.University, Suite 143 Tears Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 Association Partners Produce Draft Interpretive Plan One of the several action items identified ing on a long-range vision for trail-wide during the strategic plan for the Trail of interpretive programming that will take us Tears National Historic Trail (TRTE) in into the next five to ten years. The final Memphis last summer was the develop- CIP document is intended to define and ment of a Comprehensive Interpretive Plan guide the trail-wide interpretive program (CIP) for the Trail. The first step in devel- consistent with achieving the Trail’s goals oping that plan was taken this April when for interpretation—increasing people’s a group of partners gathered again in Memphis. Representatives from the tribes, “The comment period for the national office and state chapters of the CIP is June and July. . . . Trail of Tears Association, researchers, the Don’t miss this opportunity National Trails System Office – Santa Fe, to provide your input!” Sharon Brown (left) and Kim Sikoryak (right) facili- the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the tate the CIP meeting in early April. USDA Forest Service spent two days work- understanding and appreciation of the sig- Completion of the draft CIP is scheduled nificance of the TRTE. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA for early June. The draft will then be cir- INSIDE THIS ISSUE culated to a wide scope of Trail partners Interpretive Planners/Specialists, Kim for review. The comment period is June Sikoryak, from the National Park Service and July, with all feedback needed by • CIP Meeting...... 1 Intermountain Regional Office in Denver,  Message from Trail of Tears August 1, 2003. A core team will incorpo- Association President...... 2 rate the feedback and present the final $$$$ Challenge Cost-Shaarr e PPrr ogram - 2003 $$$$  Message from NPS plan at the Trail of Tears Association $$$$ $$$$ Superintendent...... 2 annual conference in Cherokee, North  Advisory Council Ends...... 3 Carolina, October 6-9, 2003. As you read through the many Projects should support the resource protection, manage-  Association Chapter projects mentioned in this programs and goals of the Trail ment, visitor use facilities, News...... 4-5 newsletter, you might notice of Tears National Historic Trail interpretation, education, or  Two Association Board The completed plan will guide the work of that quite a few are receiving as set forth in the Comprehen- research. Projects require a Members Pass Away...... 6 all Trail partners for the next decade. It is  Association Board Meets... 6 an important step in helping us get even funding from the National sive Management and Use 50/50 match of Federal and  Certified Trail Sites...... 7 closer to our vision for the Trail becoming Park Service Challenge Cost- Plan. non-Federal funding. How-  Chapter Contacts...... 7 a reality. Take a close look at the draft doc- Share Program. Your project ever, the non-Federal match  Association Office Update.. 8 Thomas Yahola (left) from the Muscogee (Creek)  Interpretive Publications.... 8 Nation and Sue Folsom from the Choctaw Nation ument when it is circulated and don’t miss might qualify, too. Give us a Remember, Challenge Cost-Share can include the value of represent two of the four tribes that participated call and we can send you a funds are not a grant, but volunteer time and other in-  10th Anniversary of Trail in the CIP meeting. The other two tribes represent- this opportunity to provide your input! of Tears Association.....10-11 ed at the meeting were the Cherokee Nation and project proposal form and rather are funds for mutually- kind services, donated equip-  Signing the Trail...... 12-13 the Chickasaw Nation. instructions. agreed-upon national historic ment and supplies, and so  2002 Conference Review...14 trail projects. forth. If you're not sure  GIS Webpage ...... 15 and Sharon Brown from Santa Fe, facili- If you have a possible project, whether or not your project  MPDF Up for Approval..... 15 tated the work group in compiling foun-  Trail of Tears Exhibit contact John Conoboy by mail Site-specific projects can gener- will qualify, call us anyway, dational information for the Trail. This Award...... 15 included formulating vision, purpose, and or phone (505-988-6733) right ally only be funded for certified and let's talk.  Congressional meetings.... 16 significance statements; identifying pri- away. sites. Projects can be related to  2003 Conference Info...... 17  Chapter Evaluation mary interpretive themes; defining Trail Project proposals should be received Form...... INSERT visitors and their expectations; defining at the National Trails System Office - Santa Fe goals for interpretation; and finally, identi- fying the steps needed to implement a Participants in the CIP meeting prioritize goals for by June 2, 2003. trail-wide interpretive program. interpreting the National Historic Trail.

Newsletter of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Partnership • May 2003 - Number 2 A Message from the Trail of Tears Association President Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Advisory Council “Sunsets”

My vision for the Trail of Tears National appeared in 1838-39. Interpretive waysides Duncan and Trail of Tears: A vivid image comes to mind nations removed at about the same time. his leadership, his dedication to the project, Historic Trail is to have numerous certified should also be placed here. Brett H. when I hear or read this phrase. When first This was an opportunity to educate the and his in-depth knowledge of the historical sites with interpretation all along the Riggs, identi- asked to represent Arkansas on the Trail of nation, and we wanted this to be a primary events, we could not have accomplished routes so that someone may travel the Congressman Zach Wamp held a meeting fies many Tears National Historic Trail Advisory focus of trail development. what we have to date. THANK YOU to all entire route without having to go a long on April 14 that brought together various Trail of Tears Council, I was hesitant because of the the Advisory Council members for your distance between sites. I believe that this groups with an interest in the Trail of sites in the images and sadness it brought to mind. But In the years that followed, the Advisory dedication and hard work! will happen within the next three to five Tears. Several counties in southeast East that it is difficult to tell your Governor, “No,” Council helped develop the Comprehensive years. Tennessee were represented, as well as are primarily when asked to represent him. (Especially if Management Plan,developed sitecertifica- Bobbie Heffington groups from Georgia and Alabama. associated you wish to continue to work!!!!!!!!!!) tion criteria, established the Trail of Tears The Northwest Arkansas Regional Various projects in that area include a new with the Association, and helped to monitor activities Advisory Council members: Planning Commission is working with var- interpretive center for Moccasin Bend beginning of Now, here we are 12 years later, with the in each state that might jeopardize any Dr. Duane King ious groups, including the Pea Ridge National Archeological Site, the Cherokee the Trail. Advisory Council’s work complete for the remaining parts of the original trail routes. Governor Anoatubby National Historic Park, Benton County Memorial at Blythe’s Ferry, and interpre- This book National Park Service. But for the members The Council members were advocates for Ms. Beverly T. Baker Historical Society, and the Trail of Tears tive exhibits in conjunction with the Jack Baker,President of the Trail shows what of the Council, our work has only just the trail in each state as well. There are Mr. Walter W. Baker Association, to form a “Friends of the Chattanooga Riverfront Development of Tears Association can be done begun. As members of the Trail of Tears now two major visitor centers with trail Mr. Jack Baker Heritage Trail” to recognize, mark, and Project. These projects, when completed, to identify and describe historical sites. I Association, I know we will continue to exhibits in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and in Ms. Jeannie Barbour promote trail sites in Benton and will make many more people aware of the look forward to the time when such a guid- work for what many of us have poured our Cherokee,NorthCarolina. And there are Mr. Ken Blankenship Washington counties, Arkansas, relating to story of the Trail of Tears, as well as pro- book is available for sites all along the Trail. hearts and souls into. plans for a video that can be used by all the Mr. H. Riley Bock the Civil War, the Butterfield Stage Route, viding destinations for those wishing to states for informational and promotional Dr. Frederick L. Briuer and the Trail of Tears. The Benton County retrace the Trail. I also pledge my support and that of the For a moment, let’s look back. The first purposes. Progress was slow, but progress Ms. Debra Charles Historical Society recently rededicated the Trail of Tears Association to identify and meeting of the Advisory Council was in has definitely been made. Mr. John Cook Cross Hollows Civil War Marker near Our Association members working with mark the Removal Trails of the Choctaw, Tahlequah, September 17-18, 1991. I was Mr. Bill Cunningham Lowell. This site was also a campsite for the National Park Service employees Muscogee (Creek), Chickasaw, and reticent about the meeting because I knew In 2002, the Advisory Council “sunset” Mr. David M. Dailey some of the removal detachments. It is (Steve Burns and Aaron Mahr) have been Seminole Nations. I look forward to the very little, if anything, had been done in and the NPS made the decision not to Mr. Kenneth Eastin hoped that an interpretive wayside telling identifying sites and extant Trail segments time when these trails may be traversed Arkansas regarding theTrail of Tears.Ialso recharter. Some see a sunset as an ending, Ms. Patricia Ezzell about Cross Hollows significance in the all along the Trail. As these locations are with interpretation sites all along them. knew that there was little money available but to me it is only the beginning. The sun Mr. Tom Fetzer Trail of Tears can soon be placed there certified and interpreted, the Trail will in my state for the project. As I traveled to may set in the west, but at that same time it Ms. Melissa Sue Folsom beside the Civil War marker. Also, Pea truly become a recogniz able National Jack D. Baker that first meeting, my hope was that the becomes a beautiful sunrise in someone Mr. Robert Friedrich Ridge National Historic Park has some sig- Historic Trail. The new book, Cherokee NPS would have money for grants to assist else’s east. Mr. Harley Arapahoe Grant nificant segments of the Trail much as they Heritage Trails Guidebook, by Barbara R. the states. However, that dream was quick- Mr. Allan K. Green ly extinguished. After the first meeting, As our sun rises, I want to take this oppor- Mr. H. Roger Hamilton though, I felt much better about what this tunity to thank all of the Advisory Council Ms. B. Lynne Harlan A Message from the Superintendent of the National Trails System Office - Intermountain Region national historic trail was to become. members, past and present, who have Ms. Kathleen Hollabaugh devoted so much time and effort through Ms. Shirley Hoskins In the initial issue of Trail News, a rich and Last October, I was selected as Superinten- I want to express my thanks and apprecia- It was apparent that the success of the trail the last 12 years in the development of the Mr. Al Lemieux diverse selection of articles and announce- dent of the National Trails System Office – tion for all that the members of the was in the good hands of dedicated indi- Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. I Mr. Billy H. McAfee ments received wide circulation. Comment Intermountain Region. At that time I made Advisory Council have accomplished from viduals from each state that the trail especially want to thank Dr. Duane King, Ms. Susie Walker McNeal and feedback about the premiere edition a significant decision not to re-charter the inception to 2002. Your innumerable con- crossed—in the hands of people who the first Advisory Council Chair. Without Ms. Lawanda R. McCoy have been very positive. Trail of Tears Advisory Council. Though the tributions were integral to completion of believed in this effort. I had been con- Ms. Mary Ellen Meredith Jerra decision was difficult, I felt that the Council the Comprehensive Management and Use cerned that as a non-Cherokee I would Dr. Carmaleta L. Monteith Quinton had fulfilled its purpose in completing the Plan, and to launching and nurturing the have little to offer in the development of Mr. Troy Poteete and planning document and establishing the Trail of Tears Association. You made a dif- the trail. However, this fear was quickly Dr. James E. Price Andrea Trail of Tears Association. Dedicated and ference, and on behalf of the National Park forgotten as I met the other Council mem- Mr. Max Ramsey Sharon committed chapter members have increas- Service, I offer my most sincere and heart- bers; there were representatives from the Mr. Richard C. Sheridan deserve ingly assumed responsibilities in advocating felt thanks. Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and the Ross Swimmer recogni- for the protection of trail resources, inter- Eastern Band of the Cherokees--but there Dr. J. B. Tate tion for preting the stories of the Trail of Tears, and The partnership for the national trail is were also representatives of the Creeks and Ms. Mildred Taylor putting providing a forum to address issues and ongoing, and from other articles in this the Chickasaws. The Advisory Council Dr. Joseph D. Teaff together concerns. Other federal agencies, state gov- issue, you will identify specific examples of members were in consensus that this trail Ms. Mary Tidwell the first ernment, and private citizens have engaged our continuing cooperation. Together we was to be a commemoration of all the tragic Mr. Eddie Tullis partner- in meaningful ways to assist with the Trail will accomplish important work for the events that led up to and through all the Mr. Philip H. Viles, Jr. ship of Tears National Historic Trail. These val- Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. “trails of tears” that displaced the Indian Mr. Rickey Butch Walker newslet- ued partners will continue the course set Jere Krakow, Superintendent of the nations across America, but with a focus Mr. Thomas Yahola National Trails System Office - ter. by the Advisory Council. Jere Krakow Bobbie Heffington, former Chair, Trail of Tears Intermoutain Region on the Cherokees and those southeastern National Historic Trail Advisory Council Ms. Mary C. Young

2 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 3 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News (continued)

Oklahoma Georgia Tennessee (continued) Missouri (continued) North Carolina (continued) The Oklahoma chapter of the Trail of Tears In order to help build public support for a certified site on the Trail of Tears National tional booth at the Tullahoma Intertribal light the need for research along the Trail preparing for the Cherokee County Association held their fall meeting at the preservation efforts, chapter member Dr. Historic Trail. Director Carey Tilley and the Powwow, where information about TOTA’s in Missouri. Historical Museum. This exhibit, slated to United Methodist Indian Church near Sarah Hill, Dr. David Crass from Georgia’s Chieftains’ board of directors have worked mission was extended to a new audience. open in the summer of 2003, features a Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on November 23, HPD Office of the State Archaeologist, and hard to refocus the Ridge site toward the Funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts With great sorrow we note the passing of cutaway view of a Cherokee cabin interior, 2002. This gathering was also a time to the NPS National Trails System Office - mission of telling the Cherokee story. Commission, chapter member and Martin chapter member Dr. Donald M. Lance. completely furnished and equipped to honor the Rev. James McHenry by placing Santa Fe are currently working on an Methodist College professor Bernice Dr. Lance helped start the Missouri chap- match the spoliation claim of a family the Trail of Tears marker on his gravestone $18,000 Cost-Share grant. This grant is The executive board and members of the Davidson resumed the teaching of classes ter and was a very active member. He at the family cemetery, located in the aimed at producing a tri-fold pamphlet and Georgia chapter wish to express our sorrow on the Trail of Tears at elementary schools served on both the chapter and national Muskogee Creek Nation. It was not only a display and a technical report with GPS to the families of Walter Baker and Donald in Giles and Lincoln counties this fall. On boards. We will all miss his friendship and time of honoring those who came on the mapping of the Georgia removal “forts.” Lance, who passed away this past year. The January 26, 2003, several chapter members counsel. Trail, but also a wonderful time of family dedication and commitment of these past served as historical advisors to Chatta- gathering. This marking was our first in the The Georgia chapter welcomes Doug board members over the years are greatly nooga’s Winter Crossing, an event spon- Creek Nation. We wish to thank board Mabry as the new chairperson for the appreciated, and we will miss them. sored by the Chattanooga Indigenous North Carolina member Joyce Bear for making the arrange- Chapter Research Committee. Doug’s Resource Center and Library to commemo- As part of a challenge Cost-Share agree- ments. It was certainly a job well done, and anthropology training and past experience Tennessee rate removal detachments reaching the ment with the NPS, the North Carolina we look forward to other markings of the in removal research of the Cherokees and In December 2002, the final master plan for Mississippi River in January 1839. Also, the chapter has now completed reconnaissance Creeks. the Creeks will be useful as he steers mem- chapter had booths at Birchwood’s Annual - the Trail of Tears Memorial Park in Pulaski, and evaluation of 23 trail sites in southwest Brett Riggs works on excavations at the Valley- bers in their efforts to assist Dr. Hill. Tennessee, was released. Among the struc- Cherokee Heritage & Sandhill Crane ern North Carolina. These include Army towns Baptist Mission in Western North Carolina. The 1835 Cherokee Census is now off the tures that officials plan to include on the Viewing Days in February and the Middle installations, roads, associated commercial press and available for sale. This is an exact site is the Mars Stone Chapel, which Tennessee State University Powwow in facilities, public gathering places, and pri- removed in 1838. Displays include inter- printing of the original, which resides in the housed the former Immaculate Conception February and March. New officers were vate residences. Activities at these sites pretations of Cherokee home and farm life, National Archives in Washington, D.C. It Catholic Church. The interior of the chapel elected at the chapter quarterly meeting on ranged from simple inspection to archaeo- detailed map reconstructions of the consists of 166 pages, has a complete index, will be renovated for use as an interpretive March 22. logical testing and excavation. Cherokee landscape, and vignettes of the and is spiral-bound for easy handling and center and art gallery. An 80-foot circular 1838 removal and Cherokee resistance. reference. This is the second monograph entry plaza at the center will feature a map The exhibit also features the Cherokee Missouri that the Oklahoma chapter has published, carved in limestone that depicts the four accounts ledger of A.R.S. Hunter's Store, the first being the Butrick Journal. Copies Georgia chapter members attend the 7th Annual primary routes used in the removal. Interpretive Resource Supervisor Tara a rare manuscript in the holdings of the of the census can be ordered from our Trail of Tears Association Conference & Symposium A monument to honor David Crockett, a Tucker resigned her position to take a posi- Cherokee County Historical Museum. The in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in October 2002. Secretary-Treasurer Betty Barker, at Rte. 6, Tennessee congressman who strongly tion with the Houston Zoo. We wish Tara ledger reveals day-to-day purchases by Box 1070, Stilwell, OK 74960. The price is opposed Indian removal, will be located well. She was a member of the Association Cherokee residents around present-day New Echota State Historic Site’s research $28.00 plus a $2.00 mailing charge. adjacent to the center. Additional plans and supported and attended our sessions Murphy, North Carolina, from October library has received a bequest from the late include a life-size bronze sculpture of a regularly. Currently, Trail of Tears State Park 1836 through May 1838; the federal dis- Martha Redus, including her collection of The Oklahoma chapter has several grave typical Cherokee family walking along the has two key positions vacant; we are uncer- bursing agent at Fort Cass settled these genealogical research material. Martha was The old Unicoi turnpike roadbed was the route markings planned for the coming year. Our trail, tile artwork, an herb garden, a historic tain about when these will be filled because accounts from the treaty funds. The an active member in the Georgia chapter’s used to deport more than 3,000 Cherokee prison- Trail of Tears research committee has been overlook, and period landscaping. The esti- of a hiring freeze. ers from North Carolina. Research Laboratories of Archaeology research work, and, before her death, had doing a tremendous job in verifying and mated cost of the project is $700,000. Just (University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill) assisted countless people in their genealogy qualifying ancestral requests for marking over $225,000 has been raised thus far, and Denise Dowling and Hershel Price attended Reconnaissance and mapping of the have digitized this valuable manuscript and research through her business, “Cherokee those who came on the trail. Requests for the park committee hopes to complete a strategic planning session at the Museum Unicoi Turnpike documented more than are preparing the images for Web acces- Cousins.” marking should be submitted to Rose phase one of this project later this year. of the Cherokee in Cherokee, North 20 miles of intact wagon road used for the sion. Guthrie at 207 S. Gladd Rd., Fort Gibson, Last year’s activities ended with an educa- Carolina, in December. A plan was submit- removal from North Carolina, and testing Georgia chapter members who attended OK 74434. ted for a new center where research, educa- at the Burnt Stand, a remote campsite for The North Carolina chapter is also pre- the National Association conference in tion, and archived information from the the military detainees, revealed definitive senting the results of its research project Arkansas (and Oklahoma) had nothing but Thanks again to the National Association Trail can be located and accessed by inter- evidence of the 1830s occupation. Exca- through 18 wayside interpretive exhibits high praise for those organizing the events for a tremendous convention at Fort Smith. ested parties. Hopefully, very exciting pos- vations at the Valleytowns Baptist Mission, funded by the North Carolina Department this year. The speakers, presentations, and We look forward to the 2003 convention in sibilities will grow out of this meeting. a Cherokee boarding school, uncovered a of Tourism and the Cherokee Cultural historical sightseeing were outdone only by historical Cherokee, North Carolina. cellar that included broken dishes, food Preservation Foundation. These exhibits the hospitality of the host chapter. Thank The November quarterly meeting was held remains, and school slates and pencils. detail site-specific events and broader pat- you, and our compliments go out to all Updates from the Trail of Tears Association in Rolla in the archive section of the terns of the military removal in southwest- involved! state chapters will routinely appear in future University of Missouri-Rolla Library. Some of the results of this research will be ern North Carolina and will be installed at issues of this newsletter. Contact Jerra Special thanks to John Bradbury of the incorporated into a new permanent exhibit or near the actual sites. Quinton, Trail of Tears Association coordina- Congratulations to the Chieftains Museum/ The Mars Stone Chapel makes its way to its new tor, at 501-666-9032, to submit information home at the Trail of Tears Memorial Park in library who helped coordinate our session. on Cherokee life in southwestern North Major Ridge Home for attaining approval as and photgraphs. Pulaski, Tennessee. This session was another attempt to spot- Carolina, 1835-1838, that the chapter is

4 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 5 The Trail of Tears Community Loses Two Friends in 2002 Vision Becoming Reality - Developing the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Through Partnerships Long-time Trailof Tears Association board ing linguistics in 1969 at the University of issue of how the final syllable of our fair Despite this tragic event in our Nation’s Newly Certified Sites Trail of Tears Association member Walter W. Baker passed away Missouri-Columbia. Besides being an state’s name is pronounced.” history, the Cherokee and other South- State Chapter Contacts Audubon Acres, TN August 6,2002.Walter sat on the board as active member of TOTA, he was a member eastern tribes built successful communities Browns Ferry Tavern, TN Alabama a representative from Kentucky, as did his of the Mid-America Teachers of English to Dr. Lance’s spirit and support will be that exist today. Old traces, historic build- Alabama Chapter ings, and other sites are being preserved to Cherokee County Historical Museum, NC wife, Beverly Baker, who still resides as a Speakers of Other Languages, and served deeply missed. Trail of Tears Association commemorate the sorrowful journey. Chieftains Musem/Major Ridge Home, GA representative from the state. in a leadership capacity with several Murrell Home, OK 100 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 organizations, including the American A variety of local, state, and national Along with being an accountant, Walter Dialect Society, American Name Society, efforts have commenced to preserve, Certified Sites Arkansas worked on the Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Trail and Missouri Folklore Society. develop, and interpret Trail resources. A Dan Littlefield of Tears Commemorative Park project for growing awareness of this important Chattanooga Regional History Museum, 1206 Eureka Garden 15 years, actively assisting in park develop- According to Dr. Gilbert Yeomans, story—and those of other removed TN North Little Rock, AR 72117 E-mail: [email protected] ment and working on Trail of Tears colleague and friend: “Don’s interests tribes— has stimulated interest in national- Cherokee Heritage Center, OK Phone: 501-569-3161 (day) National Historic Trail legislation efforts. included dialects, place-names, phonetics, ly recognizing this chapter in our Nation’s Lake Dardanelle State Park, AR past. The Trail of Tears National Historic Museum of the Cherokee Indian, NC and language in general. A powerful service- Georgia Trail tells of the Cherokees’ ordeal—but New Echota State Historic Site,GA He also coordinated local powwows that ethic led him to lend his talents far outside Patsy Edgar many tribes can tell similar stories. Red Clay State Historic Area, TN 546 East Wesley Road, NE funded the park operation. In addition to his field, not only to folklore, but to the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, TN Atlanta, GA 30305 being a board member of TOTA, Walter Trail of Tears Association. His publica- In 1987, Congress acknowledged the sig- Tennessee River Museum, TN E-mail: [email protected] served on the National Park Service advi- tions include one of the standard works on Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, KY nificance of the Trail by establishing the Phone: 404-331-2265 (day) sory council for the Trail of Tears National dialect, Variation in North American Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The Trail of Tears State Park, MO Vann House Historic Site, GA Historic Trail. English: Research and Teaching, Eds. A. National Park Service administers the Trail North Carolina Wayne Glowka and Donald M. Lance. in cooperation with federal, state, and Mary Ann Thompson local agencies; the Cherokee Nation and New York: Modern Language Association, Pending Certifications PO Box 181 Donald Lance, Trail of Tears Association board the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; 1993. He was perhaps the only person Murphy, NC 28906 member, passed away a few days after returning interested groups; and private landowners. Phone: 828-837-6152 who completely understood the vexing from the Association conference in October 2002. Brainerd Mission Cemetary, TN Coke Ovens Museum Trail Segments, TN Tennessee The Trail of Tears Association and the City of Chattanooga trail routes and National Park Service’s National Trails historic sites, TN Lee Trevino System Office -Santa Fe have all been 460 Tate Road Board Meets at the 2002 Conference working with Trail partners toincreasevis- Sewanee, TN 37375 E-mail: [email protected] ibilityfor the Trail and to develop it for visi- Federal Protection Components The Trail of Tears Association board met hosted by the Association in conjunction Phone: 931-598-5953 in October 2002 at the TOTA conference with the TOTA conference in Fort Smith. tor use. Additional sites have been certified Cherokee Removal Memorial Park - in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Present were and numerous on-the-ground projects Missouri Blythe Ferry, TVA land, TN board members Ginger Abernathy, Beverly The Board approved Beverly Baker’s sug- have been completed, such as signing the Hershel Price route, visitor-use development, interpre- Fort Smith National Historic Site, AR Baker, Jack Baker, James Bird, Dola Davis, gestion that Alice Murphree be added as Mark Twain National Forest, MO 1958 Hill Road Patsy Edgar, Sue Folsom, Bobbie the second representative on the board tive wayside exhibits, and interior museum Jackson, MO 63755 exhibits at existing facilities. Many more Pea Ridge National Military Park, AR Heffington, Ed Henshaw, Bill Jones, from Kentucky. The passing of Beverly’s Shawnee National Forest, MO E-mail: [email protected] Duane King, the late Donald Lance, husband, Walter, last August, left the sec- are being planned. Phone: 573-334-1711 (day) Shirley Lawrence, Dan Littlefield, Alice ond position vacant. Murphree, Hershel Price, Max Ramsey, Oklahoma Curtis Rohr Mary Riesberg, Richard Sheridan, Mary The board approved the development of Walter Baker, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail 24880 South 4106 Road advisory council member and Trail of Tears Ann Thompson, Mary Tidwell, and Bill a resolution that supported making avail- Claremore, OK 74017 Association board member, passed away last Woodiel, as well as staff members Paul able federal appropriations for The Trust summer. E-mail: [email protected] Austin and Jerra Quinton. for Public Land to acquire critical certi- Phone: 918-341-4689 fied trail properites along the Trail of Walter will be greatly missed by all involved Chapter reports were presented by the Tears. with the Trail of Tears National Historic chapter representatives. Jack Baker, the Trail. TOTA President, reported on a July 2002 The slate of officers was presented by the meeting in Alabama regarding establishing nominating committee to the board for Another board member, Dr. Donald Lance, an Alabama chapter. Dan Littlefield joined election. The board approved the slate, 71, passed away in Columbia, Missouri, on Jack, Jerra, and Paul to discuss potential which included Jack Baker for President, October 23, 2002. Dr. Lance also served on research interests in the state. Hershel Price for Vice President, and the Missouri chapter board. Bobbie Heffington for Secretary/ Mary Tidwell gave a report on the Partner- Treasurer. Ansley Saville and Carey Tilley accept the official ship for the National Trails System confer- After having received his doctorate in certification for the Chieftains Museum/Major ence. Mary was the Association’s repre- At the end of the meeting, Bill Woodiel Ridge Home from the National Park Service/ English language and linguistics in 1968 and Partners mingle on the lawn of the Chieftains (Center) Shirley Pettengill, Murrell Home, and sentative on the planning committee for resigned as one of the two representa- National Trails System Office-Santa Fe superinten- serving in the Army as a first lieutenant dur- Museum/Major Ridge Home before the official dec- dent, Jere Krakow, and landscape architect, Steve John Conoboy, National Park Service/National the Partnership conference, which was tives from Arkansas. laration of the museum as a Trail of Tears National Burns. (Shown left to right) Burns, Tilley, Krakow, and Trails System Office-Santa Fe, pose with the ing the Korean War, Dr. Lance began teach- Historic Trail certified site. Saville. certification document for the Murrell Home.

6 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 7 A Message from the National Trail of Tears Association Office Trail of Tears Trail of Tears National Park Service National Historic Trail Association National Trails System The national office has been very busy in were present either in person or through North Carolina, the site for the confer- Trail of Office - Santa Fe the last few months. In October 2002, the conference call. At this meeting, the next ence. The main participants in the plan- Tears Association 7th Annual Trail of Tears Association general board meeting was scheduled for ning of this year’s conference are members is produced by the part- The Trail of Tears Association has The National Trails System Office -Santa Conference & Symposium went off with- June 4, 2003. The meeting is tentatively of the North Carolina chapter of TOTA, Trail News nership of the Trail of Tears Association entered into a cooperative agreement Fe (the former Long Distance Trails out a hitch. . . except for one small prob- scheduled to start at 9:00 AM and adjourn the Eastern Band of Cheorkee Indians, the and the National Park Service National with the National Park Service to promote Group Office) administers the Trail of lem with the bus tour to Tahlequah. I around 3:00 PM, and will take place at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and Trails System Office - Santa Fe. and engage in the protection and Tears National Historic Trail, the Santa preservation of the Trail of Tears National Fe National Historic Trail, and the Route would like to thank all of you who took Marriott Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee. TOTA staff. Managing Editors Historic Trail resources; to promote aware- 66 Corridor Preservation Program. El the delays and modifications in stride and Also discussed was the creation of a com- Andrea Sharon and Jerra Quinton ness of the Trail’s legacy, including the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National helped make the day a success in spite of mittee to develop a strategy for establishing On April 1 - 2, 2003, the National Park effects of the U.S. Government’s Indian Historic Trail is administered jointly by Contributors Removal Policy on the Cherokee and the National Trails System Office-Santa the bus cancellation. The conference was a resource/interpretation center in every Service and a select number of TOTA Jack Baker, H. Riley Bock, Steve Burns, other tribes; and to perpetuate the Fe and the New Mexico State Office of attended by approximately 200 people, state through which the Trail passes. Duane members attended a meeting in Memphis, John Conoboy, Bobbie Heffington, Jere management and development tech- the Bureau of Land Management. Krakow, Aaron Mahr, Jerra Quinton, niques that are consistent with the including conference registrants, tour reg- King will lead this effort. In addition to this Tennessee, to create a Comprehensive Andrea Sharon, and the Trail of Tears National Park Service’s Trail plan. These trail and corridor programs are istrants, and speakers. The conference for committee, two other committees will be Interpretive Plan for the Trail of Tears Association state chapters. administered in partnership with the Partnership of the National Trails created – a Bylaws Committee and a National Historic Trail. Please refer to Trail of Tears Association American Indian tribes; federal, state, Designers 1100 North University, Suite 143 and local agencies; non-government System increased membership at this year’s Nominating Committee. The executive page 1 of this newsletter for more details. Andrea Sharon and Jerra Quinton Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 organizations; and private landowners. TOTA conference due to the “piggy-back- committee summed the meeting up by out- Editor ing” of the Partnership conference onto lining the priorities that seemed to be set And don’t forget to mark your calendars Jane Harvey Phone National Trails System Office - Santa Fe 800-441-4513 the TOTA conference. For more detailed forth by the discussion held: membership, and make arrangements to attend the 8th Photographers 501-666-9032 PO Box 728 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504 information on the outcome of the TOTA website construction, newsletter and jour- Annual Trail of Tears Association Confer- Andrea Sharon and TOT Association Chapters E-Mail conference, see the article on the confer- nal production, improved communication ence & Symposium, October 6 - 9, 2003, at [email protected] Phone ence results on page 14. with the National Park Service, conference the Holiday Inn in Cherokee, North Comments and/or Address 505-988-6888 proceedings, and interpretive centers in all Carolina (see page 17 for more info). We Changes? Contact: The executive committee of the TOTA nine states. expect an exciting time! I’ll see you there! Jerra Quinton E-Mail board of directors met on January 23, 2003, Trail of Tears Association [email protected] at the Association office in Little Rock, The Association is already busy in its plan- Jerra Quinton 1100 N. University, Suite 143 The National Park Service cares for the special Arkansas. All six members (Jack Baker, ning for the next conference. We had our Association Coordinator Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 places saved by the American people so that Riley Bock, Bobbie Heffington, Duane first planning meeting for the 2003 confer- [email protected] all may experience our heritage. King, Hershel Price and Max Ramsey) ence on March 18, 2003, in Cherokee,

Trail Interpretive Publications Produce Record Sales www.nps.gov/trte Recent Donors Three years ago the general interpretive of the first printing have all been sold! A Are you a member of the TOTA? If not, and you would like to support the efforts of TOTA, publication for the Trail of Tears National second printing of 10,500 copies was made The Trail of Tears Association appreci- Historic Trail was published by Western in March 2003, which is projected to last ates all the support from members and please join today! National Parks Association (WNPA), for- until 2006. The Museum of the Cherokee partner groups. We would especially merly Southwest Parks and Monuments Indian in Cherokee, North Carolina, and like to thank those who have given a MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Association. Dr. Elliott West wrote the text Great Smoky Mountains National Park little extra when sending in their mem- Trail in consulta- continue to report the highest number of bership dues and those who have of tion with the annual sales for the booklet. Anyone up to donated for specific events, such as the Tears Membership in the annual conference and symposium. tribes, Trail challenging that record? Association Trail of Tears Association of Tears Listed below are our recent donors: automatically includes Association, As your site readies for the busy summer 1100 N. University, Suite 143 membership in one state Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 and the season, you still have time to stock up with Euel Hanna chapter. Additional state Edith Mason National the booklet for your sales outlet. They memberships are $10.00 each. Casey & Lori Vann Name ______Park Service. make an ideal “impulse buy” near the front Gary Wood Address ______Retailing for desk or cash register, and are an affordable Arkansas Chapter of TOTA ANNUAL $3.95, this means to increase Trail visibility. City ______State ______Zip ______Cherokee Heritage Center MEMBERSHIP DUES Interpretive publications for the introduction Cherokee Nation Phone (Day) ______(Evening) ______National Historic Trail are avail- to the Indian To purchase a small quantity of the book- $25.00 able for individual or wholesale Cherokee Nation Enterprises Email ______distribution. Stock up for the busy removal let, contact the national office of the Trail Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma summer season! story quickly of Tears Association in Little Rock. If you State Chapter(s) ______Payments to the Trail of Tears Association Department of Arkansas Heritage are tax deductible under section 501 (c) (3) became a popular item at sales outlets need to purchase wholesale for your outlet, Fort Smith National Historic Site State Chapters: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, of the Internal Revenue code. along the Trail. In fact, sales exceeded contact WNPA in Tucson, Arizona, at 520- Oklahoma, Tennessee WNPA’s projections and the 8,000 copies 622-1999.

8 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 9 Founding the Trail of Tears Association - Our 10th Anniversary Milestone by H. Riley Bock Founding the Trail of Tears Association (continued)

It is spring 1992. I am standing in front of the Trail of Tears this was a busy time, and draft copies of the proposed bylaws. In a While the incorporation and adoption of 1995. The Association’s three officers met a dining room fireplace with my hostess, my first fast-paced experience at the Davis letter dated December 11, 1992, Max was the Association’s bylaws were the neces- again in Knoxville in the TVA building on Mrs. Jimmie Davis of Cartersville, Georgia, home would underscore the tempo of the circulating both a draft of the bylaws and sary groundwork to begin, it was only a February 13. The full board convened when and several other guests and members of year to come. The climax would be the the proposed articles of incorporation beginning. The most challenging part the Advisory Council met in Chattanooga the Etowah Valley Historical Society. The establishment of the Trail of Tears drawn by TVA staff attorney, Sarah Yates. would be to turn the idea into a viable and in March. The Association seemed well on camera of a reporter from the Cartersville Association in May 1993. These circulars went to John E. Cook, effective organization for the Trail of Tears. course, but it was shortly after the Daily Tribune News flashes, and he asks a Regional Director of the Southwest Region Chattanooga meeting that our work and few questions before leaving. Having just After the Georgia meeting, the Council of the National Park Service; Duane King, Looking back, I don’t think any of us had plans began to unravel. arrived, I’ve yet to meet four of the five per- scheduled to meet again in the fall in Cape Chairman of the Trail of Tears National any idea of what lay ahead. Sometimes, sons I posed with, and I begin introducing Girardeau, Missouri, and then in the spring Historic Trail Advisory Council; David M. and this may have been one such moment, In April I received word from Dawnena myself. Besides Mrs. Davis, there is Ken of 1993 in Nashville, Tennessee. One Gaines, Chief, Branch of Long Distance it is best not to know. that she and her husband, Russ, would be Easton of Arkansas Parks and Tourism; important action taken at the Cape Trails; Bill Cunningham and Bob Friedrich, making a work-related move to Chile. Diane Tate of the Etowah Valley Historical Girardeau meeting was the directive to Jr., both members of the advisory council; Within a month of the adjournment of the Frankly, we had no contingency for the loss Society, and wife of Council member Dr. J. form an association. Chief Wilma Mankiller; and Dawnena Nashville meeting, Dawnena and I joined of our executive director and there was no B. Tate; Eddie L. Tullis, chairman and chief Walkingstick Darnall. Dawnena would later Max at his home in Knoxville to chart our time to look elsewhere before she moved. executive officer of the Poarch Creek This task would fall on the capable shoulders serve as the Association’s first executive course. My hand notes of the meeting Records and equipment were stored near Max Ramsey pointing to the Toad Suck Ferry Lock Indians; and finally Dr. Duane King, of the Advocacy Committee. Max Ramsey, director (or secretary/treasurer, as it was reveal discussion of a motley group of her home in Simpsonville, South Carolina, and Dam building near Little Rock in 1996. Chairperson of the Advisory Council, who who was then representing TVA on the then designated). ideas and goals. Among the more lofty with instructions left to ship them when we Tennessee, in January 1996. There, Paul had ridden with me from the Atlanta air- Council, was previously appointed to head things discussed were an annual meeting could make suitable arrangements. became the new executive director, and the port. The photo still graces my office in that committee at the Tahlequah, and a newsletter. Eventually, we returned Association was once again moving forward. New Madrid. Oklahoma, meeting in September 1991. from the clouds and directed Dawnena to Before her departure, Dawnena had devoted It is still in his capable hands today. Following the Cape Girardeau meeting, purchase some stationary, design a mem- considerable time and effort to organizing That was 11 years ago, when I was the Max solicited my help. He wrote: “Form- bership brochure, and begin building a the Association. We all believed that her Postscript newest member of the Trail of Tears ation of such an association is vital to the mailing list for memberships. This meeting efforts would eventually besuccessful. At In the ten years since the Association’s National Historical Trail Advisory Council support and implementation of the Trail’s set in motion much of her work through the time, I thought her loss tobeirreplace- charter, many others not mentioned in this and attending my first council meeting as comprehensive management and use plan.” the balance of 1993. able and an end to our combined efforts. piece have contributed to its progress and a representative of the State Historical I began my work. Chartering the association I did not express these thoughts; in fact, I mission. With the recent ending of the Society of Missouri. I had much to learn required a set of bylaws, as well as articles In December of that year she attended the voiced the opposite. I was being a hopeful Charter of the Advisory Council, the about the project and the diverse group of incorporation. Since I was practicing law National Trails conference in Kansas City, advocate while harboring private thoughts Association’s purpose as set out in its of people behind it in the coming days. in Missouri, it was decided that the associ- Missouri, specifically to learn about the of failure. But thelogistics of salvaging the Riley Bock with Dawnena Darnall at Rattlesnake bylaws “to promote and engage in the ation would be incorporated in my state. other trail organizations and to come back Trail of Tears Association looked daunting Springs near Chattanooga in 1995. protection and preservation of the Trail of Because of our late-arriving planes, Duane with some ideas on memberships. She sent and largely insurmountable. I cannot over- Tears National Historic Trail” carries addi- King and I were stranded at the Atlanta Joined by this common interest and work, In March 1993, I mailed the original copies out her proposals in a letter to the execu- state the seemingly hopeless circumstance tional responsibility and urgency for the International Airport.We met at the luggage Max Ramsey and I would become good of the Articles of Incorporation to Chiefs tive board, which were acted upon. Her we were in. Association. This responsibility increases carousel and soon discovered we were friends. His selection as the committee Mankiller and Taylor for signature. Follow- focus on memberships tempered our more because it is now the only civilian organi- bound to the same destination, Red Top chairperson was wise; Max possesses good ing an address correction required by the ambitious desires and kept the organization I would like to believe that some of the zation dedicated solely to the Trail of Tears Mountain State Park. The drive from the organizational skills and already had a good Secretary of State’s office, these incorpora- phase of the Association on a steady course. creative magic we experienced on a clear assisting the National Park Service. That airport allowed us to get acquainted; working relationship with many of those tion documents were submitted in final spring evening in Georgia in 1992 welled the Association is now ten years old and I learned, among other things, that he was associated with the Trail of Tears National form to the Secretary for filing on May 18, Only one executive board meeting was up at this moment—that it, or some other has yet to reach a degree of self sufficiency the Chairperson of the Advisory Council. Historic Trail effort. His early inclusion of and the charter was granted the following held in 1994: March 3 in Florence, friendly force, rose up from years past to and size needed to sustain and accomplish When we finally arrived at our meeting site, such a broad swath of people in forming day, May 19. Alabama. John Cook, Joe Teaff, David save the Association. its mission imparts an urgency of task upon we were whisked off to the reception at the the association has considerably benefited Gaines, Mary Proctor, and Duane King us all. Let us follow the course charted for Davis mansion. I was barely in the door the organization since its formation. The Advocacy Committee had continued its joined the three officers at that meeting. Late that fall my telephone rang; it was us in 1993 and rise to the challenge of mak- when I was lined up at the fireplace for the work on the bylaws through the spring and Finances, memberships, and the need for Bobbie Heffington, a member of the Advisory ing the Trail of Tears Association an effec- photo. The evening reception immersed all The incorporation required three signa- finalized them by the time the council met a central office location dominated the Council from Little Rock, Arkansas. She tive advocate for the Trail, our common her- of us in the baptismal font of hope and tures, and, besides mine, Max suggested in Nashville—just eight days after the asso- agenda of the meeting according to my had this friend and he might be willing to itage, and its national purpose. promise about the trail. It was one of those that the two other incorporators be the ciation was chartered. On the second day of notes. Perhaps one of the more notable take on the work of the Association. moments that only upon reflection you principal chief of the Cherokee Nation the Nashville meeting, the Association was accomplishments that year was Dawnena’s recognize its magic; but then it is long past, of Oklahoma, Wilma Mankiller, and the organized under its charter and the bylaws obtaining an official tax-exempt status I was soon bumping along I-40 on my way H. Riley Bock of New Madrid, Missouri, was appointed to the Trail of Tears National beyond recapture, much like the instant of principal chief of the Eastern Band of were adopted. The officers, who were elect- 501(c)(3) recognition. The IRS granted the to Little Rock to meet Paul Austin, executive Historic Trail Advisory Council in March 1992, a photographer’s camera flash. As it turned Cherokee Indians, Jonathan L. Taylor. Max ed on the basis of Duane King’s motion Association that status on August 23. director of the American Indian Center of representing the State Historical Society of Missouri. A practicing Missouri lawyer, he out, I was the final addition to a group that cleared this process through the offices of from the floor, included me as president, Arkansas. A luncheon with Bobbie and Paul incorporated the Trail of Tears Association in wouldestablish the national Trail of Tears each chief. During this same time period, Max Ramsey as vice-president, and Memberships continued to dominate the was shortly followed by another meeting that 1993 and served as its first President from Association. Itall began that evening. For the Advocacy Committee began examining Dawnena Darnall as secretary/treasurer. Association’s efforts into the spring of included Max Ramsey held in Nashville, 1993 to 1999. He currently serves on the Association’s executive board.

10 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 11 Signing the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail — Signing the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail (continued) How we can be a model for other national historic trails by Steve Burns For those of you who attended my presen- As part of the “signing family” within a Further, what is being developed for the they may consider the possibility of signing thoughts or comments on the development tation at the conference in Fort Smith— larger “family” of trail infrastructure Trail of Tears has implications for national these as trail visitor centers. This allows the of the national historic trail signing efforts, Vision to Reality: Developing the National needs, the National Trails System Office historic trails in general. What is being public to know that some level of informa- please contact Steve Burns with the Historic Trail—you will recall that I made a has been looking at prototypes of site developed has not been done on any other tion and interpretation of the national his- National Trails System Office-Santa Fe at case for the need to think of the national identification signs, as well as other types national historic trail. The parts of the new toric trail is provided here. If you have any 505-988-6737 or [email protected]. historic trails, and the Trail of Tears specifi- of trail auto and pedestrian directional and signing system being developed include: cally, as being in the development or build- informational signing. Eventually, we hope - site identification signs ing stage. At this stage, I talked about the that visitor infrastructure needs for “build- - certified interpretive facility signs great need to recognize that for the Trail to ing” the trail will form a coherent “kit of - trail site directional signs change from a “line on the map” to “real on parts” along the entire trail. This “kit of - trail crossing signs the ground,” a significant amount of visitor parts” will help form a singular sense of - beginning & ending reference signs infrastructure must be planned (regional identity, place, and unity for the National - route & detachment identification signs. national historic trail plans) and built. I sug- Historic Trail that will allow visitors to truly gested that we begin to think of the national have a Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Illustrated here are examples of the first historic trails, like national scenic trails, as experience from one site, interpretive facil- two signs being developed in cooperation needing to be built and that sound and ity, or trail segment, to the next. The proto- with certified sites at Chieftains Museum/ thoughtful regional plans should guide our type signing fits this same model in Major Ridge Home in Rome, Georgia; building efforts. In building and developing attempting to create a coherent identity for A sign concept identifying a certified interpretive Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, the Trail, we provide for public visitation the national historic trail. facility as a national historic trail visitor center. Tennessee; and a newly certified interpre- and appreciation that will translate into tive facility—the Cherokee County greater support for the Trail and preserva- Historical Museum in Murphy, North Another national historic trail site identifcation sign example. tion of trail resources. In addition, I spoke Carolina. of signing as one of the most basic and fun- damental parts of a wide array of possible General concepts for the signs are to: trail infrastructure needs. - Promote the use of trail logos in con- junction with the name of the Trail in Some progress is being made on the signing English and Cherokee. infrastructure of this “trail building” effort. - Use the trail logo with the NPS sign The National Trails System Office-Santa Fe standard white text on a brown panel has been developing some new prototypes originally developed for NPS use as as part of developing a family of trail signs part of the national Manual on Uniform that we hope to promote and advocate with Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and our trail partners. For years, signing associ- now widely used and recognized ated with the Trail of Tears has been some- This Sequoyah Birthplace Museum sign is an alternative example for national historic trail site identifica- nationwide by the public for recreational what haphazard, with different types and tion. and cultural sites. systems of signs being used everywhere and - Allow and promote certified sites to Example of a national historic trail site directional sign. by different entities. This often presents a retain and convey their own identity, confusing, disconnected, and incoherent first as part of the National Historic message to the public about what the Trail of Trail. The National Historic Trail sign is Tears is, where it is, what it’s about, who it therefore generally second and smaller. refers to, etc. The beginnings of a sign sys- - Provide the option for certified sites tem were identified in the Comprehensive to have or retain a distinctive site Management and Use plan for the Trail, identification sign with the national along with the logo consistent with the historic trail sign secondary. Or, to national trails system. This, however, is limited have a more similar, but still primary, in addressing the varied signing needs on white-on-brown panel national style the Trail and has been applied sporadically, sign that further emphasizes the with the logo being the most frequently national importance of the site as used part of that system. The logo however, part of the national historic trail. has often been “asked,” to function, due to a lack of alternatives, to provide provide For sites that are certified interpretive facili- information and messages to the public in ties, and therefore may not be a historic ways beyond the capability of a logo. Another concept study for a national historic trail site identification sign. property associated with or on the Trail, National historic trail beginning and ending distance reference sign.

12 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 13 2002 Conference Attendees Vote Annual Event an Overall Success NPS to Develop GIS Database Trail of Tears Exhibit for Trail of Tears NHT Website The Trail of Tears Association held its 7th on the use of Geographic Information Receives First Place annual conference on Tuesday, October 15, Systems (GIS) to uncover lost sections of The National Trail System Office - Santa The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail 2002, through Friday, October 18, 2002. the Trail; Lewis Stiles from the Gardner Fe continues to work in partnership exhibits at the Cherokee Heritage Center in The conference evaluations proved the 7th Mansion and Museum in Oklahoma on with the National Park Service’s Tahlequah, Oklahoma, received first place Annual Trail of Tears Association Choctaw Trail of Tears markers; and Ted Geographic Information System (GIS) in the interior exhibits category of the Conference & Symposium a success. Out Underwood from the Seminole Nation of Office at the University of New Mexico National Association for Interpretation of the approximately 150 individuals who Oklahoma on Seminole removal. The sec- in Albuquerque to develop the Trail of (NAI) annual media competition this past attended, 71 filled out the overall confer- ond set of afternoon sessions included pre- Tears National Historic Trail GIS web- fall, presented at NAI’s national conference ence evaluation forms. Out of those sentations by Dan Littlefield on the North page. This is a long-term project to Visitors can access any section of the Trail of Tears in Virginia Beach. The Trail exhibits in the responses, 35% had never attended a Little Rock site, and Lindsay Robertson develop a geographic database that GIS database at www.nps.gov/trte. (Shown left to right) Ginger Abernathy and Mary Ann Museum of the Cherokee Indian in TOTA conference before, while 11% had from the University of Oklahoma College Thompson from the North Carolina chapter of the reflects the work of dedicated volun- Cherokee, North Carolina, received the attended every year previous. of Law on new ways of looking at the Trail of Tears Association discuss Trail activities in teers across the trail who are identifying MPDF Up for Final Approval their state with Jere Krakow, Superintendent of same award several years ago. Now the removal experience, as well as second pre- the National Trails System Office – Santa Fe. trail segments and associated properties The Multiple Property Documentation national historic trail is “anchored” on both The conference began with a Trail of Tears sentations by William Lees on the 1840 in their areas. The webpage is in its Form (MPDF) for the Trail of Tears has ends with award-winning exhibits. Association Board of Directors meeting on steamboat wreck and the National Park and Cherokee removal; Hastings Shade infant stages and uses sophisticated GIS been submitted to the Keeper of the Tuesday afternoon, followed by a recep- Service on its current work. from the Cherokee Nation on Cherokee software designed to make the data National Register of Historic Places for Jerra Quinton from the Trail of Tears tion at the hotel where the conference culture; and Jim Files and Robert Scoggin accessible to all users. When fully devel- final approval. The MPDF is the result of a Association national office, Sam Watts- took place. for a second presentation on using GIS. oped, it will hold a treasure trove of partnership between the National Trail Kidd from the Heritage Center, and Andrea After these sessions, the TOTA held its data that will include not only route System Office-Santa Fe and the Arkansas Sharon from the NPS Santa Fe Office After welcomes Wednesday morning by annual business meeting, at which the chap- alignments but also information on his- Historic Preservation Program. The two accepted the award on behalf of the Trail the TOTA President, Jack Baker, and the ters gave their reports. toric properties and certified sites along agencies contracted with Thomason and partnership. Duplicate awards were pre- Arkansas chapter President, Dan the trail. The webpage will not only be Associates of Nashville to complete the sented to Littlefield, conferees chose from one of The Partnership for the National Trails user-friendly but will also be completely MPDF. The contractor completed the proj- Cherokee three breakout sessions to attend, includ- System began their conference with a recep- interactive. Visitors will be able to navi- ect on schedule and on budget. The com- Nation ing William Lees from the Oklahoma tion after the TOTA business meeting on gate easily through the vast data hold- pletion of the MPDF marks a major mile- Principal Historical Society on the investigations of a Thursday evening. All TOTA conferees were ings and even input data themselves Conferees visit with two of the conference presen- stone in the identification and preservation Chief Chad steamboat wreck on the Red River in 1840 invited to attend this reception. into an open reveiw area. Evenutally we ters, Blue Clark (far left) and Ted Isham (second from of properites associated with the Trail of Smith and destined for Fort Towson in the Choctaw left), at one of the conference lunches. will all be part of a new cyber commu- Tears. The form includes an analytical nar- The Henely Nation; Dan Littlefield from the American Despite the bus cancellation, approximately nity of trail enthusiasts. rative, which establishes the historical con- Company, Native Press Archives in Little Rock on Wednesday evening ended with a reception 130 individuals, including several from the text for all trail-associated properites and (Left to right) Andrea Sharon, Sam the exhibit strategies and resources for researching the and tour at the Fort Smith National Partnership conference, attended the tour A principal feature of the GIS webpage identifies basic criteria for determing the Watts-Kidd, and Jerra Quinton planner/ Choctaw and Chickasaw removal; and the Historic Site. Even with sprinkles of rain on Friday to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the is the identification of the trail routes accept the award at the NAI con- eligibility of sites such as road segments, designer. National Park Service on their current and unexpectly cool evening, the conferees capitol of the Cherokee Nation. This tour that are under consideration for addi- ference. buildings, campsites, ferry crossings, dis- work on the Trail of Tears National enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and punch while included visits to the Cherokee Heritage tion to the national historic trail. These bandment sites, and gravesites. Sam Watts-Kidd, one of the models for the Historic Trail. flutist Lewis Johnson played traditional Center, the Murrell Home, various include the Bell Route; the Benge life-casts figures, spoke about the exhibit: Indian music. Cherokee National buildings, the Cherokee Route; the removal routes in Georgia, Pending the approval of the state historic After having lunch, the Cherokee Choir Nation tribal complex, and Fort Gibson, Alabama, and North Carolina; and the “Through images and text, this exhibit preservation office and the Keeper, any performed for the conferees, and then Paul Thursday morning began with a presenta- and included a traditional Cherokee dinner. land routes. Please visit the website at reconstructs our history and shares our cul- property associated with the Trail of Tears ture. The life-cast figures of our ancestors Austin, the executive director of TOTA, tion by Duane King from the Southwest At the dinner, Principal Chief Chad Smith www.nps.gov/trte and link to “Detailed that meets the criteria established in the being driven west visually offers visitors a handed out door prizes. Museum in Los Angeles on the Bell and spoke and the Cherokee Children’s Choir Trail Maps.” From there you will be able different way of ‘seeing’ and ‘feeling’ our MPDF may be eligible for the National Benge Routes in Arkansas. After this gen- performed. to focus on many segments of the desig- tribe’s trials and tribulations. The entire Register. In a short time, the MPDF will be exhibit was constructed around the The first set of afternoon sessions com- eral assembly, conferees again broke out nated national historic trail or reveiw on the national historic trail webpage for Cherokee people. It tells our story, our menced just after lunch and included pre- into three different sessions, which the “Routes Under Study.” way. easy reference and will promote the nomi- sentations by Jim Files and Robert Scoggin included sessions with Blue Clark from nation of trail properties to the National Traveling to Virginia Beach I reflected on of Arkansas state governmental agencies Oklahoma City University on the concept Your input is encouraged! If you have Register. So, if you know of a property in the history of the Cherokee. Standing on of the Trail of Tears as a “bigger” event than suggestions on any feature of the web- the beach, I saw the Atlantic Ocean for the your area that fits the criteria identified in typically viewed; Ted Isham on what can be page, especially as it relates to route first time. Its beauty and majesty over- the MPDF and you have the support of the whelmed me. I retraced our country’s his- learned from the beliefs of Indian elders alignments, please contact Aaron Mahr property owner, then you’re encouraged to tory in my mind and felt the presence of regarding removal; and Ted Underwood, at the National Trails System Office - all who had gone before me. After receiv- begin the nomination process. For more ing the award that portrayed the again, on Seminole removal. Santa Fe at 505-988-6888 or information, contact your state historic Cherokees’ pain and progress, I stood on [email protected] and let him preservation officer or Aaron Mahr at the the eastern seaboard once again, this time That afternoon, sessions commenced just Betty Barker, member of the Oklahoma chapter of know! remembering that it was on the same National Trail System Office in Santa Fe at after lunch and included Dan Littlefield on the Trail of Tears Association, sells Butrick’s Journal shore that our people’s lives and history The Cherokee Choir performs at the Trail of Tears and the 1835 Census at the conference. The 505-988-6888 or [email protected]. began their transformation. I was sad- Association conference. strategies for researching Creek, Seminole, Oklahoma chapter publishes these documents. dened and amazed.”

14 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 15 Congressmen in Tennessee and Georgia Take Interest in TRTE As a direct result of Trail of Tears National with the county executive, Carolyn Golcanda, Aaron and Steve visited what the 8th Annual Historic Trail (TRTE) partner and NPS Houston, and freshman Congressman NPS office has identified as a potential cooperative efforts and interest, a public Lincoln Davis. After TRTE partners pro- “model trail segment” for several reasons: it Conference & Symposium meeting/workshop to explore development vided the congressman with information is in the middle of the Trail; much of this of a regional plan for the NHT in the and background on the TRTE within his section of the TRTE is on public land; it Chattanooga area was hosted by Cong- district, the congressman expressed a retains outstanding segment resources; it is October 6 - 9, 2003 ressman Zach Wamp. In an unprecedented strong interest in supporting the TRTE. He generally rural; supplemental economic show of support and interest for the TRTE, was especially interested in advancing benefit from tourism is likely; and it is a Holiday Inn Congressman Wamp spent four hours in a efforts with the TPL on protecting several dramatic and tragic part of the Trail of Tears Cherokee, North Carolina structured meeting and workshop that miles of pristine TRTE segment that the story. This is where the detachments were involved participants addressing specific Huber Corporation might donate to the camped and trapped between the frozen issues and topics concerning the TRTE. Cherokee Nation. Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in the dead of Some 100 par- a brutal winter, and many Cherokees died. Reasons to come to this year’s conference: ticipants took Later that evening, Steve, Aaron, Jack, and Interest is high among locals in this area to part in the Jerra met up with local officials, com- develop the TRTE, and draft certification It’s the same week as the Cherokee Fall Festival. meeting/work- munity members, board members, and agreements are under way. shop that was Executive Director Carey Tilley at the Two tours will include visits to Fort Butler, the Valleytowns Baptist Mission, the Unicoi Turnpike, Peachtree Mound, the Junluska covered by local Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home in Steve and Aaron also met with Bill Troupe, Museum, Kituhwa Mound, and the Cherokee County Historical Museum, among others. press and TV. Rome, Georgia, for a meeting with fresh- Assistant Greenways Director for the City Many of the man Congressman Phil Gingrey and local of Nashville, regarding the city’s draft certi- A reception and book signing at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian will commence the conference activities. Tennessee chap- office staff from Georgia Senator Saxby fication agreement, which will be redrafted The town of Cherokee has tons to do, such as visiting the various Cherokee craft shops, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and ter members Chamblis. They provided to the congress- to narrow the scope to specific sites identi- Harrah’s Casino. Congressman Zach Wamp from participated, man and the senator’s staff background on fied for interpretation that coincide with Tennessee describes his vision along with Trail the TRTE in general and within northwest current development of the city’s greenway for the Trail in his state. of Tears Georgia and the Chieftains museum and its trails. On that same day, Steve and Aaron Call the hotel at (838) 497-9181 and make your reservations by September 6, 2003, to receive the group Association President Jack Baker and role and importance to the TRTE. retraced the TRTE northwest of Nashville rate of $69. Look for the conference pre-registration form in the mail sometime this summer. Coordinator Jerra Quinton, Chattanooga to Guthrie, Kentucky, where they spoke area TRTE interests, local officials, pending While visiting the southeast, Aaron and with locals about the need for development and certified site partners, tribal represen- Steve visited several other sites and met of the TRTE in that area. The owners of tatives, and many others. Pending funding with local interested parties. Among those Grey’s Inn, the site where Chief Whitepath Tentative Schedule for the 2003 TOTA Conference and resources, the NPS National Trails visits were Golcanda, Illinois, where poten- allegedly drank from a well before making it System Office–Santa Fe (NTSO) hopes to tial contacts were made for documentation a few miles to Hopkinsville where he died, Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday pursue development of a regional plan for of the NHT through Golcanda, as well as expressed great interest in making the site a the Chattanooga area that would develop for possible interpretive and site develop- certified TRTE site. 8:30 - Noon 8:30 - 9:30 AM 8:30 - 9:30 AM this area as a “model TRTE segment.” In ment opportunities for visitor use in this Board Meeting General Assembly General Assembly the evening, a banquet was hosted by the area. Afterward, they, along with local indi- While visiting Audubon Acres, Steve and Keynote: Chief, Cherokee Nation NPS Update Friends of Moccasin Bend to honor viduals, met at Campground Church, a site Aaron met with the Board of Directors and T Congressman Wamp for his efforts in with springs, graves, and camps used by the discussed their new certification and NPS 9:45 - 10:45 AM 9:45 - 10:45 AM Chickamauga Chattanooga National Cherokees during removal and with high potential technical assistance in visitor use R Concurrent Sessions Concurrent Sessions Military Park. Part of the Bell and Drane historic integrity. In another section near development of the site and development of detachments crossed the bend and ferried a master plan. This property provides a A 11:00 AM - Noon 11:00 AM - Noon Concurrent Sessions Concurrent Sessions aross the Tennessee River here. unique opportunity to interpret the lifestyle V of the common Cherokee at the time of Lunch Lunch Lunch The next day, at the invitation and organi- removal, the experience of removal, and the E Keynote: Chief, Eastern Band Chapter Reports Children’s Choir zation of Tennessee chapter members Bill beginning of the Trail of Tears from the of Cherokee Indians and Agnes Jones, Steve Burns and Aaron doorsteps of their homes. A design charette L Mahr from the National Trails System is being planned to develop this master plan 1:15 - 2:15 PM Afternoon Afternoon Office-Santa Fe of the National Park in October 2003 to coincide with the Trail Concurrent Sessions Tour to Fort Butler, the Tour to the Junluska Museum Service joined Jack Baker and Jerra of Tears Association conference in Valleytowns Baptist Mission, the and Kituhwa Mound Quinton from the Trail of Tears Association Cherokee, North Carolina. 2:30 - 3:30 PM Unicoi Turnpike, Peachtree Mound, and the Cherokee County and Bobby Davenport and Rick Woods Congressman Lincoln Davis (seated in center) meets Concurrent Sessions 5:30 PM Historical Museum from the Trust for Public Land (TPL) at an with TRTE partners (pictured left to right) Aaron To read more about Aaron and Steve’s visits, Mahr, Rick Wood, Jack Baker, Jerra Quinton, Agnes Reception/Book Signing at the informal meeting at the Van Buren County log on to the website at www.nps.gov/trte. 4:00 PM (approx.) Jones, Steve Burns, Carolyn Houston, Bill Jones, Museum of the Cherokee Fall Festival Parade Historical Society in Spencer, Tennessee, and (kneeling) Bobby Davenport.

16 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 19 Chapter Evaluation Form Leadership 1. Do you feel the performance of the chapter board of directors is . . . ?

__Excellent __Good __Fair __Poor If “poor,” please give reason(s) for your assessment: ______

Please help us assist our chapters in serving the needs of their members by completing this form. ______Deadline to return to National TOTA office: June 2, 2003 ______

Registration Information 2. Are you happy with the election process for the chapter board of directors? __Yes __No 1. State Chapter Membership (please check only ONE per form): If no, please explain: ______Arkansas __ Georgia __ Missouri __ N. Carolina __ Oklahoma __ Tennessee ______2. Affiliation: ______

__ Individual __Corporate __ Nonprofit (other than TOTA) __ Government __ Other (explain) ______Communication 3. Year(s) of membership: __2003 __2002 __ 2001 __2000 __1999 __1998 __1997 __1996 1. Do you receive communication from your chapter . . . ? 4. Membership fee: __Regularly __Every once in a while __Seldom __Never

__ Fee paid by me personally, not reimbursable 2. What type(s) of communication does your chapter use? Please place a 1 – 3 next to the three __ Fee paid/reimbursable by my employer most often used. ___ Regular Mail ___ Email ___ Phone ___ Newsletters ___ Fax Meetings

1. How often does your chapter meet? __1-3/year __3-6/year __More than 6/year __Never Participation/Engagement 2. Are you satisfied with the number of times per year your chapter meets? __Yes __No If no, how often would you like to meet? ______1. Are you an active member of your chapter? __Yes __No 3. Do you receive meeting notices enough in advance to make arrangements to attend? __Yes __No If not, would you like to be? __Yes __No __Unable to be active If not, is it because your chapter does NOT meet your needs? Yes No 4. Do you attend these meetings . . . ? __always __almost always __seldom __never __ __

5. If you seldom or never attend your chapter meetings, please tell us why. 2. Have you volunteered specific services to your chapter that have NOT been utilized? __Yes __ No

______3. Do you feel your skills and willingness to contribute to chapter goals are fully utilized by your chapter? ______Yes __ No

6. Are you updated on these meetings when you are UNABLE to attend? __Yes __No If no, would you be interested in receiving a meeting update when you miss? Additional comments/questions: __Yes __No ______In what manner would you prefer to be updated? __regular mail __email __newsletter __I do not care to be updated. ______7. Are you satisfied with the agenda of the chapter meetings? __Yes __No ______If no, please explain: ______Optional:

Name:______Yes, I need a response to questions asked above. 8. Are you satisfied with the location of the chapter meetings? __Yes __No ___ If no, where would you rather meet? ______Return to: Jerra Quinton National Trail of Tears Association 1100 N. University, Suite 143 Little Rock, AR 72207

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 17 18 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News