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Home , Bill John Baker, Blythe Ferry, Brainerd Mission, Cherokee Heritage Center, Cherokee removal, Chieftains Museum

Newsletter of the National Historic Trail Partnership • Spring 2018 – Number 29 Leadership from the Nation and the National Trail of Tears Association Sign Memorandum of Understanding Tahlequah, OK Principal Chief expressed Nation’s Historic Preservation Officer appreciation for the work of the Elizabeth Toombs, whereby the Tribe Association and the dedication of its will be kept apprised of upcoming members who volunteer their time and events and activities happening on talent. or around the routes. The Memo encourages TOTA to engage with The agreement establishes a line for govt. and private entities and routine communications between to be an information source on the Trail of Tears Association and the matters pertaining to Trial resource PRINCIPAL CHIEF BILL JOHN Cherokee Nation through the Cherokee conservation and protection. BAKER AND THE TRAIL OF TEARS PRESIDENT JACK D. BAKER SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FORMALIZING THE CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE TRAIL OF TEARS ASSOCIATION AND THE CHEROKEE NATION TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE ROUTES AS WELL AS EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE HISTORY ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRAIL OF TEARS. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Trail of Tears Association President Jack D. Baker, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 1st, continuing a long-time partnership between the association and the tribe. Aaron Mahr, Supt. of the National Trails Intermountain Region, the office which oversees the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail said “The Trails Of Tears Association is our primary non-profit volunteer organization on the national historic trail, and the partnership the PICTURED ABOVE: (SEATED FROM L TO R) S. JOE CRITTENDEN, DEPUTY CHIEF, BILL JOHN BAKER, PRINCIPAL CHIEF, JACK association has with the Cherokee D. BAKER, PRES. TRAIL OF TEARS ASSOCIATION. (STANDING FROM L TO R) CHUCK HOSKIN JR. CHEROKEE NATION SEC. OF Nation is key to the success of STATE, SARA HILL, CHEROKEE NATION SEC. OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ELIZABETH TOOMBS, CHEROKEE NATION TRIBAL achieving our shared goals on the HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER, TROY WAYNE POTEETE, EX. DIR. NATIONAL TRAIL OF TEARS ASSOC., AARON MAHR, trail. This agreement reconfirms the SUPT. NATIONAL TRAILS INTERMOUNTAIN REGION. commitment to commemorating this vital part of our national story.”

The agreement formalizes the long term working relationship between the tribe and the Trail of Tears Association to protect and preserve the Trail of Tears routes and to educate the public about the history of the historic trails. “Renewing our partnership with the Cherokee Nation through the MOU will enable both the Trail of Tears Association and the Cherokee Nation to work more effectively to protect and interpret for the public the many Trail of Tears sites. I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the next few years,” said TOTA President Jack D. Baker. 2 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • Spring 2018 Student Research Advisor Appointed

Dir, Troy Wayne Poteete.

Mrs. Lowe’s creditials: UPCOMING TOTA EVENTS Retired Teacher , Independent April 11th, 2018 School District, Houston, TX. NC TOTA Chapter/WCU Symposium Former Student, Northeastern State Cullowhee, NC University, Tahlequah, OK. More information can be found on pg. 7 or by visiting www.nctrailoftears.org Bachelor of Science in Ed. A&M College, Stillwater, OK; M Ed, April 13th, 2018 State University, Baton TN TOTA/Cleveland State College Symposium Rouge, LA. Cleveland, TN More information can be found on pg. 6 Past Board Member of the Cherokee MARJORIE LOWE, RECENTLY APPOINTED TRAIL OF TEARS National Historical Society; Oklahoma June 2nd, 2018 ASSOCIATION STUDENT RESEARCH ADVISER Chapter of the National Trail of Tears NPS Trail System Association Pres. Jack Baker has Association; The Cherokee Citizen’s 50th Anniversary Celebration appointed long time educator League of Southeast ; member , GA Marjorie Lowe as the official person the Cherokee Nation’s Registration to answer the increasing number Committee, confirmed by the October 26th - 28th, 2018 of inquiries about the Trial of Tears Cherokee Council, 2010. Currently 23rd Annual TOTA Conference & Symposium from Junior High and High School serving as American Indian Chair for Decatur, AL students. the Samuel Sorrell Chapter of NSDAR, For more information view the image located Houston, TX. in the bottom right corner of this page. “We really appreciate Mrs. Lowe agreeing to field these questions. Immediate past President of the GA Chapter Lecture Series She has a deep background in Houston Genealogical Forum, 2017. To view more information about the 5 part elementary education and has series put on by the GA Chapter see pg. 8. developed a bibliography of Inquiries may be directed to the Trial For more info on Chapter Meeting sources to share with students. of Tears Association website http:// go to nationaltota.com/georgia Often the students hope to speak www.nationaltota.com where they CONFERENCE INFORMATION to a Cherokee citizen and so Marj. is may utilize the CONTACT US Link or just perfect to field these requests, [email protected]. Join us as we celebrate the National because she often gives talks about Trails System’s 50th Anniversary, the experiences of her ancestors They will then be forwarded to Mrs. the state of ’s Bicentennial during the removal”, said TOTA Ex. Lowe for assistance. Celebration, and TOTA’s 23rd Annual Conference and Symposium. This conference has been chosen as the official event of the Trails50 celebration of the ’s 50th Anniversary. Information on the 50th Anniversary events can be found at Trails50.org. There, you will find an events map with a dot on Decatur, Alabama. Click on the Decatur dot and read more about this very special weekend. Conference events include a walking tour of Decatur’s witness structures, a bus tour to Tuscumbia Landing for an archaeological tour of the park, scholarly programming, and a special evening of special guests leading our thoughts in remembering removal. More details coming soon! Spring 2018 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 3 Honors Trail Through Bike Riders

2016 CHOCTAW TRAIL OF TEARS RIDERS TEAM The Choctaw Nation Trail of Tears Durant came to Oklahoma on the The Choctaw Nation Trail of Tears Bike Bike Team’s mission is to honor those Trail of Tears. He went on to become Team plans to once again take on that came before and sacrificed so a prominent citizen, with Durant, the ride this year. The route, currently much along the Trail. They strive to OK being named after him. He was over 300 miles, requires training and embrace the memory and spirit of our uncle of Chief Will Durant. Her story preparation all year. The team hopes ancestors, to honor those removed, demonstrated that the trials and they contribute to the enduring legacy and those left along the way. The hardship of the Trail of Tears did not of the Trail of Tears for , ride allows contemporary Choctaws end with their arrival in Oklahoma. inspiring hope and showing the true to relate to their ancestors by Mary led the team into Durant on the character of tenacity and resiliency of experiencing the physical and mental final leg of the journey in 2016. the Choctaw people. challenges, and through them to feel the pain, fear and heartache of the Trail of Tears. The annual ride inspires Hike the Hill Was A tribal members to live an active, healthy lifestyle and to demonstrate Successful Trip determination and courage. The Deloris Gray Wood, Pres. MO Chapter, ride continues so the Trail of Tears represents TOTA on the Partnership for Choctaw people will never be for the National Trail System (PNTS) forgotten. Board of Directors. Deloris attended the Annual PNTS meeting in The Choctaw Nation Trail of Tears Bike Washington D.C. in mid February and Team was formed by Nancy Jefferson participated in the Trail Advocacy as a way to honor her ancestors in Week Hike the Hill event. 2011. The following year, 24 Choctaw Nation riders, along with support and Deloris joined representitives of gear staff (SAGs), participated in the the Overmountain Victory Trail inaugural ride. 2013, 2014, and 2015 Association for calls on Congressional had 13 riders and 2016 had 20. Each representatives to advocate for the day different riders were responsible National Trails. for researching stories of struggle along the Trail of Tears, and some She also attended committee of the riders shared their personal meetings, the PNTS Board of connections to those struggles. Directors meeting, and served on the committee for the celebration of Rider and Choctaw Nation Health the 50th Anniversary of the National System employee Mary Barrs is the Trails Act. descendant of the Choctaw Chief Will Durant (1937-1948). In her cultural DELORIS GRAY WOOD (ON LEFT) - TRAIL OF TEARS ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE NATIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM WITH OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY TRAIL REPRESENTATIVES ON CAPITAL HILL presentation, Mary shared that Dixon 4 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • Spring 2018 MO Humanities Council Phoenix Giving Society Funding Research and Takes Flight an Interpretive Film The Trail of Tears Association’s Phoenix Giving Society held its first fundraising The MO Humanities Council has funded on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at Judge research to identify the trail route Parker’s Courtroom, Fort Smith National and witness structures in Bollinger, Historic Site. The event, part of the Laclede, Phelps and Crawford Counties association’s annual conference at the in MO. The research provides in-depth nearby Choctaw Casino Hotel, Pocalo, documentation necessary to allow the Oklahoma, raised $2,700. NPS National Historic Trails Office to certify sites, and provides information for Funds raised by the Society will be initially telling the Story thru used to assist with annual conference Current Charter Members signage and exhibits at those sites. planning and matching funds for trail exhibit panels. (Open through 2018) The Historic Snelson Brinker Cabin, once a The event marked the opening of the Michael Abram rural MO Courthouse, was witness to over Susan Abram 10,000 as they passed thru the charter membership year which will remain open through the fundraiser to Paul Austin Ozarks was lost to a tragic fire on July 4, Jack Baker 2017. be held at the October 2018 conference in Decatur, Alabama. Charter members Riley Bock Laurie Brockman The Missouri Humanities Council is who donate $100 or more over the Charter Membership year period receive a special Will Chavez funding the rescue of the Snelson-Brinker Nancy Feroe property. charter pin. All members are recognized for their membership in the society. Anita Finger-Smith Darlene Goins In little more than a week after the fire Giving levels will be designated and Wesley Harris Dr. Steve Belko, Executive Director of the John McLarty Missouri Humanities Council, Dr. Steve named by the 2018 conference. Contributions are deductable as allowed Joy Montgomery J. Dasovich, Division Chair, Social and Becky Nelson Behavioral Sciences, Program Director, by law. The Trail of Tears Association is a 501(c)(3) organization. Mike Nelson Archaeology, Lindenwood University, St. Sandra Riley Charles, MO, and Erin N. Whitson, Doctoral Contributions, memorials, and Barbara Smith Student, Archaeology, Binghamton Lawrence Simmons University, State University of New York, honorariums should be made payable to the Trail of Tears Association/Phoenix Laura Spann did a preliminary site evaluation of the Mildred Taylor chard logs and remains of the Snelson- Society, and mailed to P.O. Box 329, Webbers Falls, OK 74470. John Wible, Jr. Brinker Cabin. The Missouri Chapter Trail Ulrike Wiethaus of Tears Association President Deloris Gray Wood, Salem, and Board Member Dr. William ‘Bill’ Ambrose, Jefferson City, were on hand to assist in the evaluation and to gather preliminary ideas on how to salvage the history and place.

In November Dr. Belko and Dr. Dasovich headed a crew focused on a thorough clean-up of the entire site. An NPS Ground Penetrating Radar Specialist from Nebraska did a survey of the site. The Missouri Humanities Council arranged for all this activity to be by professional videographers under the direction of Dr. Monty Dobson, President of Stratigraphic Productions. A QR code that links to this film can be found on page 9. A full length production in which the Trail of Tears Story will be told thru the history of the Snelson-Brinker Cabin is in planning THIS NATIONAL PARK SERVICE GROUND PENETRATING RADAR SPECIALIST FROM NEBRASKA SPENT TWO DAYS SURVEYING stages. THE SNELSON-BRINKER SITE. THE RESULTS ARE NOW UNDER STUDY AND EVALUATION. Spring 2018 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 5 & to Host Symposiums TENNESSEE SYMPOSIUM The Murder of Jack Walker, Jr.,

Walker was a well-educated Cherokee active in Cherokee Nation affairs. He was murdered by Cherokee James Foreman as he rode home from a council meeting at Red Clay in August 1834.

The murder trial, held in McMinn County, Tennessee was one of the most notable criminal cases in early TN history. The official TN Supreme court record takes up 114 pages. The case took several twists and turns through the Supreme Court of TN and went to the US Supreme Court.

Joe Guy was elected Sheriff of McMinn County, Tennessee in 2009 and serves as McMinn County Historian. Guy is a renowned regional historian and nationally published author and columnist. He often portrays .

Treaty Party Motivations and Considerations

A minority group of Cherokee leaders risked their live by signing a removal treaty, the infamous , without tribal Council authorization. Poteete will discuss the conditions and situations in the Cherokee Nation which motivated their action. “Suggestions that these men had any pure motives for their illegal act draws ire from many Cherokees. However, 180 years have now past and we should be able to openly discuss the perspective of these leaders who helped shape the very Cherokee Nation which they are so often heartily condemned for having betrayed”, said the presenter, Troy Wayne Poteete.

“ with the Cherokees”

Poteete’s tale draws audiences into Sam’s formative teenage years when he lived with Chief on what is now known as Hiwassee Island in Meigs County, Tennessee. He makes real Houston’s battlefield heroics at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, captures the drama when Houston resigned as Governor of TN, amid a juicy marital scandal and fled to his Cherokee family west of the River. The story culminates with Houston’s trial in the U.S. Congress.

Poteete served two terms in the Cherokee nation Tribal Council, a term on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court, and is a former Executive Director of the Cherokee Nation Historical Society. Currently he is Ex. Dir. of the National Trail of Tears Association.

Portal to the West: The Landscape of and the Cherokee Emigration Depot

Fort Cass, in an area of northern Bradley County, now known as Charleston, Tennessee, was a collection of several encampments covering an area of 12 x 4 miles. It was the military headquarters for the entire Trail of Tears operation. Here Cherokee were assembled and held under supervision of the US Troops. Many of the encampment areas have been identified and researched. Riggs’ presentation will include both documentary and archaeological information on Fort Cass and the encampment sites.

Dr. Brett Riggs is the Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies at Western Carolina University and a research archaeologist who specializes in Cherokee studies. He is a consummate story teller with an extensive list of credits and publications. Tennessee Symposium Schedule 10:00 a.m. Sheriff Joe Guy - The Murder of Jack Walker, Jr 11:00 a.m. Troy Wayne Poteete - Treaty Party Motivations and Considerations 12:00-1:30 - Lunch on your own 1:30 p.m. - Dr. Bret Riggs—Lecture-Portal to the West: The Landscape of Ft. Cass and the Cherokee Emigration Depot. 2:30 a.m----Troy Wayne Poteete-Storytelling “Sam Houston with the Cherokees” 6 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • Spring 2018 NORTH CAROLINA SYMPOSIUM Cherokee Challenges & Tribulations: Exploring Scholarship, Memory, & Commemoration A Symposium to Commemorate the Cherokee Removal (180 yrs.) and the 50th Anniversary of the National Trails System Act Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Western Carolina University, UC Grand Room

Contact Information: Dr. Susan Abram - [email protected] - 828-227-2735 Dr. Anne Rogers - [email protected] - 828-349-1341

Pre-registration suggested, but not required. To pre-register go to: www.wcu.edu/experience/conference-services/cherokee-symposium.aspx

Hosted by: Western Carolina University WCU College of Arts & Sciences WCU Dept. of History National Trail of Tears Association North Carolina Trail of Tears Association. NORTH CAROLINA SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE 8:00-8:50 Jack Baker, President, National TOTA. “My Family’s Experience During the Forced Removal.”

9:05-9:55 Michael Wrenn, Alabama Trail of Tears Association. “Unhappy Ending: A Clash of Cultures with 50 Years of Consequences.”

10:10-11:00 Dr. Ben Steere, WCU Cherokee Studies Program/NC Trail of Tears Association. “Houses and Households in the Cherokee Heartland: Insights from Domestic Architecture.”

11:15-12:15 Remember the Removal Bike Riders: Will Chavez (Cherokee Nation; Ed. ), Casey Cooper (Eastern Band); CEO, Cherokee Hospital, and others. “Never Forget: The History & Success of the Remember the Removal Ride.”

1:25-2:15 Dr. Brett Riggs, WCU Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies, NC TOTA. “From North Carolina to Fort Cass, Tennessee: Marking the Long Trail of Removal for the Mountain Cherokees.”

2:30-3:20 Jeff Bishop, Georgia TOTA. “Myths and Legends: When Science and Oral History Collide: Case Studies of the Chief John Ross House in Rossville & the Vann Cabin in Cave Spring, Georgia.”

3:35-4:30 Intro by Diane Weddington, Coordinator 50th Anniversary Trails Act Troy Wayne Poteete, Ex. Dir., Nat’l TOTA. “Cherokee Family Stories of Removal”

Spring 2018 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 7 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News GEORGIA (continued) government entities, tribal • March 10, 2018 – Exploring ALABAMA representatives, and the National the Myths Concerning the Park Service that have an interest Act in seeing the Tuscumbia Landing • May 12, 2018 – Roundup and area developed in a manner that will Life in the Stockades facilitate the accurate interpretation, • July 14, 2018 – The Physical appropriate signage, and preserve of Journey and Arrival in Indian the area’s Native American heritage. Territory The other project for the Alabama • September 9, 2018 – Trail of chapter is the 2018 Conference Tears Symposium led by Jeff and Symposium that will be held Bishop in October in Decatur, Alabama at • November 10, 2018 - The New the Doubletree Inn. As with the Life Begins in Tuscumbia Landing project, this TOTA conference is being greatly and Many of our certified sites are ALABAMA CHAPTER WORKS ON TUSCUMBIA LANDING holding special events. New Echota AND PREPARES FOR 2018 CONFERENCE enthusiastically supported by area Photo by Larry Smith business and government entities. Historical Site will be hosting a The Alabama chapter of TOTA See related article on pg. 3. celebration of the NPS Trail System welcomes 17 new members! Many on June 2nd in conjunction of of these new members come to the Article by Laurie Brockman the Removal Bike Ride. They are Alabama Chapter because of the work GEORGIA also hosting a special Cherokee the chapter is doing on the Tuscumbia Homecoming on July 14th. The Landing development project and the Chieftain Museum is collaborating upcoming conference that Alabama with Berry College on March 6th for will host. Two board meetings and a a special presentation on Cherokee work/planning meeting have been Culture, and again on April 3rd with held recently. Dr. Yvette Running Horse Tony Harris making a presentation on Collins of the Sacred Way Sanctuary, Cherokee Ethnobotany. The Vann Interpretive Center and Museum near House Historical Site will again host Florence, Alabama graciously offered their “Cherokee Days” Festival in July. her facility for two of our meetings. The All of these special events will receive FORMER GA TOTA PRESIDENT LESLIE THOMAS ( RIGHT) our Chapter’s help in publicity, Sacred Way Sanctuary is an educational GETS HONORED AT A RECENT CHAPTER MEETING. support and participation. and research facility dedicated to the Honoring our Past President preservation of the Native American On November 11, 2017, Tony Harris The Georgia Chapter under the horse and other animals that were held and Linda Baker presented Leslie leadership of Leslie Thomas, our Site cared to the Indigenous Peoples of the Thomas with an authentic Cherokee Certification Chairman, will continue Americas. Woven Basket as a small token to coordinate the necessary research of appreciation for her faithful and NPS documentation. She leadership of the Georgia Chapter is also our “point-person” with all over the last four years. She was communication with the National and still is an excellent spoke-person Trail Office. for the Trail of Tears. The Chapter has added a new board Our theme for 2018 is “180th member: Dr. Joe Kitchens, recently Commemoration of the Trail of retired Director of the Funk Heritage Tears”. All of our meetings and Center. special events will be focused on this observance. Also we will highlight MISSOURI the 50th anniversary of the NPS Trail MO Chapter Well represented System. at Missouri Folklore Society Annual Meeting President Shannon Keith (Pictured The Chapter Vice-President, Walter above. Photo by Larry Smith) has Knapp, has developed a five-part Denise Dowling who represents the been instrumental in bringing series that will be presented at our MO Chapter on the National Trial of together various local organizations, five general meetings: Tears Association Board, and serves 8 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • Spring 2018 Webster, and Green. Even though University Center, at Western Carolina MISSOURI (continued) Route 66 is called the Mother Road, University (WCU), commemorating the Chapter as Sec. Treas. gave a the Springfield to St. Louis Road was the Cherokee Removal (180 yrs.) and presentation on the Benge Route surveyed before 1837-39 when the celebrating the 50th Anniversary in MO. Denise is Supt. of the Trail of Cherokees were removed to Indian of the National Trails System Act, Tears State Park. Territory, now Oklahoma. partially funded by WCU, the Trail of Tears Association members College of Arts and Sciences, and are invited to attend. the next Route the Department of History. Early 66 Association meeting at Wildwood registration is recommended (but Springs Lodge in Steelville, MO, July not required) at https://www.wcu. 21, 2017. The Trail of Tears National edu/experience/conference-services/ Historic Trail goes through Steelville, cherokee-symposium.aspx (schedule MO. also available). Parking is in metered lots which accept credit cards. Signs Snelson-Brinker Cabin Film will direct guests to Reid Lot in front DELORIS GRAY WOOD (MO TOTA PRESIDENT) POINTS TO of the UC (bell tower in front). Plan AN ARTICLE RELATED TO THE SNELSON BRINKER-CABIN. The QR below connects to a 5-minute film created by Monty Dobson of to arrive early since classes are in Chapter President Deloris Gray Wood Stratigraphic Productions for the session. gave a presentation about the Trail MO Humanities Council. The film route along the Mississippi from the shows footage of the Snelson-Brinker Plans are underway to celebrate the confluence of the Ohio down to its Cabin remains and dicusses the 50th Anniversary of the National confluence with the River. archealogical work now underway Trails System Act, partnering with Deloris also did a presentation on which will preserve and protect this the Nantahala Hiking Club and Snelson-Brinker Cabin which was certified site. destroyed by fire on the Fourth of Conservancy, to July, last. (see related article at page mark where the Appalachian Trail 5). and the Trail of Tears Historic Trail SCAN QR cross in NC. Route 66 Overlaps Trail of Tears in MO CODE MO Chapter President working with The NCTOTA’s spring meeting, at the Route 66 Association DIGITAL CONTENT AVAILABLE: Museum of the Cherokee Indian, on Deloris Gray Wood, president of THE SNELSON-BRINKER February 24, was followed by a board the Missouri Chapter Trail of Tears CABIN VIDEO meeting. Eastern Band of Cherokee Association, attended the Route Indians member Robin Swayney, 66 Association Annual Meeting the museum genealogist/archivist, gave meeting at the Tulsa City-County, a tour of the archives. February 17, 2017. Once again, the NCTOTA is proud to help fund the send-off dinner at Kituwah Mound for the Remember the Removal Riders in early June and to join the OKTOTA to provide them with Butrick Journals, while the Museum of the Cherokee Indian will NORTH CAROLINA supply the John Phelps Diary. Two The NCTOTA is working with NCTOTA members are funding safety JOHN CONOBOY AND KAISA BARTHULI AT THE RECENT ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION MEETING Mainspring, St. John’s Episcopal lights for some of the EBCI riders. John Conoboy, former Church, and the Cherokee Snowbird Superintendent of the NPS National and Cherokee County Communities Sue Abram Historic Trail Office, current Supt. to design signs (grant through NCTOTA President Aaron Marh, and Kaisa Barthuli, the Cherokee Preservation Foundation) North Carolina Symposium Route 66 Program Manager, from the recognizing post-Removal Wednesday, April 11th NPS-NHT, Santa Fe, NM, office also communities. More Details on Page 7 attended the Tulsa Route 66 meeting. The NCTOTA is hosting a free TENNESSEE Route 66 overlays trail segments and symposium, “Cherokee Challenges & In November, our chapter met parallels the Trail of Tears National Tribulations: Exploring Scholarship, at David Crockett State Park to Historic Trail in Missouri in counties Memory, & Commemoration,” participate in the 14th Annual of Phelps, Pulaski, Wright, Laclede, Wednesday, April 11, at the Trail of Tears Memorial Walk. The Spring 2018 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 9 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News

TENNESSEE (continued from page 9) event, organized by Vicky Garland, commemorates the Bell detachment passage through the park in 1838 and also raises food and supplies for Lawrence County veterans.

In January, TDOT approved the Bell Route sign plan for state highways TOTA PRESIDENT JACK BAKER (LEFT), MEMBERS OF THE TENNESSEE CHAPTER, AND RED CLAY STATE in Franklin County. NPS will order HISTORIC PARK OFFICIALS GATHERED ON FEBRUARY 7, 2018 TO DEDICATE A NEW SIGN AT THE PARK’S the highway signs during the current ENTRANCE. PHOTO CREDIT: DEBBIE MOORE. fiscal year. Meanwhile, the first three National Historic Trail. Red Clay State Historical and Genealogical Society, Franklin County TOTNHT signs have Historic Park was opened in 1979 Charles Hall Museum in Tellico Plains, been erected in Cowan and signs have and marks the location of the last Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical been received for the Mountain Goat Cherokee Council meetings before the Society, and a 3rd grade class at Black pedestrian trail for the Monteagle 1838 removal. Fox Elementary in Cleveland. In January, to Sewanee segment. The Franklin Cleata Townsend hosted a TNTOTA booth Co. Historical Society and Tennessee at the Sandhill Crane Festival at the Chapter are also working with welding Cherokee Removal Park at . classes at Franklin County High School and Boswell Machine, Inc. to We have many activities planned for produce aluminum sign frames for the 2018 to commemorate the 180th downtown Winchester signs. anniversary of the Trail of Tears and the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Red Clay State Historic Park officials, System Act starting with our symposium CLEATA TOWNSEND IS PICTURED WITH TNTOTA TOTA president Jack Baker, and TNTOTA MEMBERS MARY BELL AND FRANKLIN PREVATTE, SR. AT THE in April (see article pg ?). Please watch members gathered in February to SANDHILL CRANE FESTIVAL. PHOTO CREDIT: DEBBIE MOORE our TN Trail of Tears Association Facebook dedicate a new sign at the park’s Chapter members have been busy page for more info. entrance. The new sign uses both this winter with educational activities Tennessee Symposium English and Cherokee and designates including giving talks at Johnsonville Friday, April 23rd the park as a part of the Trail of Tears State Historic Park, Dickson County More Details on Page 7

Trail of Tears Trail of Tears National Park Service National Historic Trail Association National Trails Intermountain Region, Santa Fe

Trail News is produced by the The Trail of Tears Association has entered The National Trails Intermountain Region partnership of the Trail of Tears Association into a cooperative agreement with administers the Trail of Tears NHT, the and the National Park Service, National the National Park Service to promote Santa Fe NHT, El Camino Real de los Trails Intermountain Region, Santa Fe. and engage in the protection and Tejas NHT, and the Route 66 Corridor preservation of the Trail of Tears NHT Preservation Program. El Camino Real Editor resources; to promote awareness of the de Tierra Adentro NHT and Old Spanish Troy Wayne Poteete trail’s legacy, including the effects of NHT are administered jointly by the the U.S. Government’s Indian Removal National Trails Intermountain Region Contributors Policy on the Cherokee and other tribes; and the New Mexico State Office of the Deloris Gray Wood, Laurie Brockman, and to perpetuate the management Bureau of Land Management. These trail Cara Harris, Riley Bock, Shelley Garner, and development techniques that are and corridor programs are administered Chris Berton, Debbie Moore, Sue Abram consistent with the NPS’s trail plan. in partnership with American Indian and Shannon Keith tribes; federal, state, and local agencies; Trail of Tears Association nongovernment organizations; and Comments/Address Changes? 412 N. Hwy 100, Suite B private landowners. Contact: Troy Wayne Poteete P.O. Box 329 Trail of Tears Association National Trails Intermountain Region 412 N. Hwy 100, Suite B Webbers Falls, OK 74470 PO Box 728 P.O. Box 329 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504 Webbers Falls, OK 74470 918-464-2258 [email protected] 505-988-6098 [email protected] www.nps.gov/trte [email protected] www.NationalTOTA.org

10 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • Spring 2018 Gray’s Inn, KY SCAN QR , TN TOTA State Chapter Hamburger Hill, IL Presidents Contact Info The Hermitage, TN DIGITALCODE CONTENT AVAILABLE: Historic Road from Ross to Ridge’s, GA Alabama Heritage Center, TN Shannon Keith CERTIFIED SITES WITH LINKS James Brown Cherokee Plantation, TN Phone: 256-337-8024 Email: [email protected] Vision Becoming Reality Jentel Farm Trail Segment, IL Using Partnerships to Develop the House, TN Arkansas Trail of Tears National Historic Trail John Ross House, GA Bethany Henry Rosenbaum Phone: 417-592-2623 In 1987, Congress acknowledged the Memorial and Museum, NC Lake Dardanelle State Park, AR Email: bethany_henry@hotmail. significance of this tragic event in our com Nation’s history by establishing the La Petite Roche, AR Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The Laughlin Park, MO Georgia National Park Service administers the Trail Mantle Rock, KY Leslie Thomas in cooperation with federal, state, and Maramec Spring Park/Massey Iron Works, MO Phone: 770-757-0931 Email: [email protected] local agencies; the Cherokee Nation and McGinnis Cemetery Trail Segment, IL the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Mount Nebo State Park, AR Illinois interested groups; and Murrell Home, OK Sandy Boaz private landowners. Museum of the Cherokee Indian, NC Phone: 618-833-8216 Email: [email protected] The Trail of Tears Association and the New Echota State Historic Site, GA National Park Service National Trails Paducah Waterfront, KY Intermountain Regin, Santa Fe have been Petit Jean State Park, AR Alice Murphree working with trail partners to increase Pinnacle Mountain State Park, AR Phone: 270-886-5375 visibility for the trail and to develop it for Port Royal State Park, TN Email: amurphree1139@bellsouth. visitor use. Old traces, historic buildings, and Radford Farm, KY net other resources are being preserved. Many Red Clay State Historic Area, TN Missouri sites have been certified and numerous Rockdale Plantation/George Adair Home, GA Deloris Gray Wood on-the-ground projects have been Running Waters, Home, GA Phone: 573-729-2545 completed, such as route signing, visitor-use Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, TN Email: lostgeneration@embarqmail. development, interpretive wayside exhibits, Snelson-Brinker Cabin, MO com and interior museum exhibits at existing Star City Ranch Trail Segment, MO facilities. North Carolina Museum, TN Susan M. Abram, Ph.D. Certified Sites Toler Farm Trail Segment, IL Phone: 828-227-2735 Andrew Ross House, AL Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, KY Email: [email protected] Arcadia Valley Campground, MO Trail of Tears State Park, MO Trail of Tears State Forest, IL Oklahoma Audubon Acres, TN Curtis Rohr Berry’s Ferry and John Berry Homesite, KY Tuscumbia Landing, AL Phone: 918-341-4689 Big Spring, KY Vann Cherokee Cabin, GA Email: [email protected] Cemetery, TN Vann House Historic Site, GA Browns Ferry Tavern, TN Village Creek State Park, AR Tennessee Wagner Farm Trail Segment, IL Debbie Moore Campground Cemetery, IL Phone: 423-715-2254 Cedartown Cherokee Removal Camp, GA Wayside Store and Bridges Tavern Site, IL Email: [email protected] Chattanooga Regional History Museum,TN Waterloo Landing, AL Cherokee County Historical Museum, NC Webbers Falls Historical Society, OK Cherokee Garden at Green Meadows, GA Willstown Mission Cemetery, AL , OK SCAN QR / Home, GA Federal Protection Components CODE City of North Little Rock Riverfront Park, AR and Interpretive Sites DIGITAL CONTENT AVAILABLE: Columbus-Belmont State Park, KY Arkansas Post National Memorial, AR Crabb-Abbot Farm, IL Arkansas River Visitors Center/Old Post Road BOARD OF DIRECTORS Crider Tavern Complex, KY Park, AR David Crockett State Park Trail Segment, TN Cadron Settlement Park, AR Delta Cultural Center, AR Cherokee Memorial Park, Blythe Ferry, TN Fitzgerald Station and Farmstead, AR Fort Smith National Historic Site, AR Fort Gibson, OK National Park, TN Fort Payne Cabin Site, AL Mark Twain National Forest, MO Funk Heritage Center, GA Mocassin Bend, TN Giles Co. Trail of Tears Interpretive Center, TN Pea Ridge , AR Green County Trail Segments, MO Shawnee National Forest, MO Golconda Riverfront, IL Stones River National Battlefield, TN Spring 2018 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 11 Trail of Tears Association P.O. Box 329 Webbers Falls, OK 74470

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

The Trail of Tears Association would like to thank the following for their generous upgraded membership support:

Benefactors $1000+ Cherokee Nation $10,000

Patrons $500 – $999 Giant Door Media Carolyn Nohria $500 $500

Sponsors $100 - $499 (Listed in alpabetical order) Jack Baker $200.00 Kelly Hallman $100.00 Becky Nelson $110.00 Ronald Black $110.00 Jay Hannah $100.00 Gary Payne $200.00 H. Riley Bock $200.00 R. Wesley Harris $130.00 John Perry $100.00 Sharon Britt $100.00 Bobbie Heffington $135.00 Maxwell Ramsey $125.00 Kathy Carroll-Josenhans $195.00 Judith Kenny $110.00 Kathy Robinson $100.00 City of Waynesville, MO $100.00 Wayne Lee $110.00 Lawrence Simmons $100.00 Andrew Denson $110.00 Tonnia Maddox $110.00 Richard Starbuck $100.00 Debra Eskie $110.00 Erin Medley $205.00 Debra Vidali $150.00 Anita Finger-Smith $130.00 KY Park $100.00 Jack Gardner $100.00 Billie Napolitano $100.00

Phoenix Giving Society Additional support now now being provided by the Phoenix Giving Society. For more information see page 5.

12 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • Spring 2018