Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

Trail News

TOTA Expands Its Youth Initiative at North Carolina Conference

The 2011 conference in Cherokee, North participation and the addition of youth past summer. She is currently attending the Carolina, marked the second year of TOTA’s mentors proved to be a big step in the right University of Missouri – Columbia, and is development of its youth scholarship direction for the expansion of the youth expected to graduate in 2012 with degrees in program. This year an increase of youth initiative. history, anthropology, and Spanish. Bethany learned about her Cherokee ancestry at age 10 from her grandfather. Her mentor at the conference was TOTA President Jack Baker.

Sarah Holcomb, a Cherokee Nation citizen, is from Vian, Oklahoma, and is currently attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Sarah has participated in the “Remember the Removal” bike ride for three years in a row, the firs t year of which she was the only female rider. Sarah’s mentor at the conference was Julia Coates, a Cherokee Nation at-large councilor.

Brooke Hudson studies health and human performance at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah; she is expected to graduate in 2013. Brooke is the former photo courtesy of Bethany Henry Miss Cherokee and participated in the Pictured L-R: Sarah Holcomb, Joe Keener, Lillie Keener, Bethany Henry, TOTA staff Jerra Quinton, Brooke Hudson, Sheena Kanott, TOTA staff Alexis Thompson, Cherokee Nation staff Todd Enlow. Todd transported 2010 “Remember the Removal” bike ride. several of the scholars from Oklahoma to the conference. Brooke’s mentor was Brett Riggs, a TOTA at-large board member.

The youth scholarship recipients this year Sheena Kanott is from Cherokee, North were Bethany Henry, Sarah Holcomb, Carolina, and a citizen of the Eastern Band INSIDE THIS ISSUE Brooke Hudson, Sheena Kanott, Joe Keener, of Cherokee Indians. She recently graduated and Lillie Keener. The youth scholarship with a Masters of Public Health from the • Executive Director’s Message...... 2 fund provides recipients assistance for University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Just • UNC Press Releases Book...... 2 conference expenses, including the before the conference, Sheena was hired as conference registration fee, hotel stay, • New Cherokee Chief Elected...... 3 the program director of a diabetes preven- and travel costs. The program funding is tion program called Cherokee Choices. She • Chapter Building Workshops...... 3 provided by the National Park Service. participated in the 2011 “Remember the • TOTA Chapter News...... 4-5 Removal” bike ride, which was the fi rst year Meet the scholars • Cultural Preservation Workshop...... 6 for Eastern Band citizens to participate. Her • Georgia Fort Project...... 8 Bethany Henry is from Neosho, Missouri, mentor at the conference was Patsy Edgar, • Alabama Chapter Grant...... 8 and learned about the TOTA youth scholar- secretary on the TOTA board of directors. ship while working at a TOTA certifi ed site, Pea Ridge National Military Park, this See YOUTH, page 11

Newsletter of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Partnership • December 2011 - Number 18 Trail of Tears Association Executive Director’s Message

In my article from our last newsletter, I told trte/parkmgmt/how-to-create-your-sign- Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma will be co- you about TOTA’s new adminnistrative plan.htm. hosting with the TOTA’s Oklahoma chapter. project specialist, Alexis Thompson. Since A fl yer will be mailed out shortly after the she began work in April, she has joined me Paul Austin, Jack Baker, Duane King, and new year with dates and other details. on several TOTA adventures, including the I continue to work on the missionary “Remember the Removal” Bike Ride. Alexis letters project. We are hoping to complete Finally, you should be receiving your TOTA and I met Jack in Georgia to send the riders the book and publish it before the next membership renewal notices soon. As off from their start at New Echota State conference. always, we appreciate your support for the Historic Site near Calhoun. We met up with Trail and for the mission of TOTA! the riders for two days as they biked across The 2012 conference is tentatively planned Georgia and the eastern part of Tennessee. for October in Norman, Oklahoma. The Jerra Quinton After their two-week journey back to Tahlequah, I joined Jack again to welcome them home. This year was the fi rst year for UNC Press Releases Book on Cherokee Families citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to join the ride. Out of the 17 riders, During the late 19th and early 20th This book is part of the First Peoples 6 were from the Eastern Band. centuries, the federal government sought publishing initiative, a partnership between to forcibly assimilate Native Americans into the University of North Carolina Press American society through systematized land and three other scholarly presses. Books allotment. In Sustaining the Cherokee Family, in this initiative exemplify contemporary Rose Stremlau illuminates the impact of this scholarship and research in Indigenous policy on the Cherokee Nation, particularly studies. The initiative supports this within individual families and communities scholarship with unprecedented attention in modern-day northeastern Oklahoma. to the growing dialogue among scholars, communities, and publishers. Emphasizing Cherokee agency, Stremlau reveals that Cherokee families’ organization, “An evocative story of the Cherokee families cultural values, and social and economic and the intricate relations and kinship they maintained in one Cherokee community, the practices allowed them to adapt to private Chewey Community. Stremlau emphasizes photo by Jeff Bishop land ownership by incorporating elements the persistence and survival of Cherokee TOTA Executive Director Jerra Quinton with Georgia of the new system into existing domestic people despite the intent of the Federal chapter members Peggy Stanfield and Bill Barker at Nantahala River on the conference fi eld trip. and community-based economies. Drawing government to divest them of their land and on evidence from a range of sources, government.” -- Richard L. Allen, policy including Cherokee and United States analyst, Cherokee Nation TOTA has two new projects this year: an censuses, federal and tribal records, local overhaul of the website and a new sign newspapers, maps, county probate records, fund. The website has already seen some family histories, and contemporary oral changes with the addition of the 2003 histories, Stremlau demonstrates that and 2004 conference proceedings and the Cherokee management of land perpetuated video recordings of the 2010 conference the values and behaviors associated with presentations. You can access those at www. their sense of kinship, therefore uniting nationaltota.org/general-info/conf-info. Stay extended families. And, although the tuned for more updates! loss of access to land and communal resources slowly impoverished the region, it The $40,000 sign fund from the National reinforced the Cherokees’ interdependence. Park Service that covered projects for the Stremlau argues that the persistence of last three years is now complete. With those extended family bonds allowed indigenous monies, 207 signs and 8 exhibit panels were communities to retain a collective focus and funded over 7 states. This year, the NPS resist aspects of federal assimilation policy has replenished the fund in the amount of during a period of great social upheaval. $24,800. If you have a sign project in mind, contact Steve Burns at the National Park Rose Stremlau is assistant professor of Service at [email protected]. You can history and American Indian studies at the also access a planning tool at www.nps.gov/ University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

2 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • December 2011 Baker Named Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Following Lengthy Battle by Jeff Bishop “This has been a diffi cult and tough “Everything had to align with that,” he said. campaign for everyone,” Baker said. “I want “I recruited some very, very good people Following recount after recount, two to thank Chief Smith for contacting me and told them, ‘This is what we need to separate election events, court challenges, today and acknowledging my victory and for accomplish. Go and do it. Come to me if and even some help from the Carter Center, his off er to help in any way necessary in the you need help with gathering resources.’” the Cherokee Nation fi nally swore in a coming weeks.” new chief, Bill John Baker, on the steps Smith’s leadership style was based on of the Cherokee Nation Courthouse on Former Cherokee Chief Chad Smith told the establishing a set of principles and letting all Wednesday, Oct. 19th. Tulsa World newspaper that he is “looking decisions fall in line with those principles, back with pride” on his accomplishments he told the Tulsa World. Supreme Court Justice James G. Wilcoxen during his 12 years in office. administered the oath of offi ce at 7:30 Because of those principles, Smith said, his p.m. in front of a large crowd of Cherokee “As I transition to the next stage, I want to leaders could go to work on their own to citizens and current and former Tribal be very clear that I appreciate the Cherokee create and grow their institutions. Council members, the Cherokee Phoenix people,” said Smith. “I enjoyed every day as newspaper reported. their chief.” “Everything we’ve touched has increased... over the last decade,” Smith said. “The Cherokee people have spoken, and I Smith said his focus during his tenure am humbled and honored to be elected to was squarely on jobs, community, and lead our great nation,” said Baker. revitalizing the Cherokee language.

NPS Provides Funding to Build Capacity of Chapters

Starting October 1st, the National Park Send your proposals to Jerra Quinton at Service provided the Trail of Tears [email protected]; if you have any Association with funding for chapter questions, you can either email or call capacity building workshops. This Jerra at (501) 666-9032. The workshop photo courtesy of Cherokee Nation funding will be made available to TOTA’s funding must be used by September 30, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker gives his inaugural address on November 6th in nine state chapters so that they can host 2012, or it will be lost. It is recommended Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His wife Sherry can be seen workshops that will increase either the that these workshops be scheduled no sitting behind him on stage. size or the skills of the the chapters. The later than the end of August. agreement specifi cially states that these workshops should “build the chapters’ There is already one workshop being Less than 24 hours after being sworn in, understanding of the national historic trail planned that all chapters are invited to Baker moved into the W.W. Keeler Tribal and the partnership between the NPS and attend. It is tentatively being planned for Complex to begin his term. TOTA.” April 2012 in conjunction with the TOTA board meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. “We will get started immediately assessing These meetings can be workshops to help Russ Townsend, the tribal historic where we are as a government and begin chapter members understand things like preservation offi cer for the Eastern Band moving the largest Indian tribe in America GIS, mapping, research methods, or other of Cherokee Indians, is planning to forward,” the 59-year-old Baker told the things. The NPS will be involved in the present a workshop on federal cultural Cherokee Phoenix. program of these workshops, as well. resource law and how TOTA can use it to fund studies and protect Trail of Tears “I need our Nation’s employees to continue Your proposals should include how the sites. Russ and his offi ce will discuss doing a world-class job. Now more than workshop will increase the capacity in detail NHPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, and ever we need our employees’ focus and of your chapter and a budget for the AIRFA and how each Act interacted with dedication, and I want them to understand meeting. The funding covers speakers’ various federal agencies and undertakings. they are valued, trusted and greatly travel, lodging, and meals, according needed,” Baker said. “I will obviously bring to federal per diem rates; the speakers’ If you are interested in attending this in my own senior staff but there is no reason honorariums; meeting space rental fees; workshop, contact your local chapter (see for concern amongst the ranks.” supplies; printing; and promotional page 7 for chapter contact information). materials and advertising.

December 2011 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 3 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News

GEORGIA GEORGIA (continued) GEORGIA (continued)

This year has been a banner year for the Myra Reidy has taken over the production • Continuing our database-building Georgia chapter. Cherokee Nation Principal of the chapter newsletter and is doing a initiatives by copying Georgia-related Chief Chad Smith and TOTA President fantastic job. Mike Wren and Linda Geiger plats, valuations, and claims, to assist us in Jack Baker visited the chapter in April for continue to head up research eff orts in the cross-referencing this material. the offi cial unveiling of two new wayside Georgia and National Archives. Linda also • Partnering with other state chapters for exhibits at the Cherokee Removal camp hosted another genealogy workshop at New capacity-building workshops. site in Cedartown, and miles of “original Echota this summer. Bill Barker has put a lot • Partnering with in-state organizations, such route” signage between Cedartown, Cave of eff ort into documenting removal routes as Chieftains Museum and New Echota, on Spring, and Rome. The chapter also added and Cherokee-related sites in Chattooga future programming and interpretation. a new certifi ed site to the Trail of Tears County. Archaeologist Ron Hobgood is • Continuing the chapter’s outreach eff orts National Historic Trail with the addition putting the fi nishing touches on a National to members of the Cherokee Nation and of the George W. Adair House and the Park Service-funded investigation into the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Rockdale Plantation, with several other sites the Georgia Cherokee removal fort sites. • Developing new youth-targeted programs, waiting in the wings. The Georgia chapter Leslie Thomas keeps chapter members which may include the development of a also helped the Alabama chapter establish regularly informed of events in Georgia chapter “youth group.” an online archive as part of the TOTAbase and surrounding states with weekly email • Applying for new grants to continue TOTA’s site, and it reached an agreement with the notifi cations. The online research database mission of researching, preserving, and Bandy Heritage Center in Dalton, Georgia, continues to grow, as does the chapter’s interpreting the Trail of Tears in Georgia. to digitize the chapter’s growing collection membership. of papers, which will facilitate sharing these Members are very excited about everything with the Sequoyah Research Center in Little On the agenda for next year: that is going on in the Georgia chapter. The Rock, Arkansas, while also retaining the use chapter could not do it without the help of • Adding more wayside exhibits at the of them locally. its valuable partners, and that most especially Cherokee Removal park site in Cedartown includes the people at the National Park and finishing up the interpretive trail in The chapter also established a new Service in Santa Fe. A very big THANK YOU the park. volunteer recognition award, called the is due to Aaron Mahr, Steve Burns, Sharon • Completing sign plans for removal routes Tommy Cox Memorial Award. The fi rst Brown, and everyone else at the NPS trails used in northwest Georgia counties like award was presented to Georgia chapter office who do so much to assist TOTA in the Chattooga, Gordon, and Forsyth, to secretary Linda Baker for her years of work it is doing to interpret, promote, and eventually get new signs in place along devoted volunteer service to the Trail of preserve the Trail of Tears. those routes. Tears Association. Congratulations, Linda!

KENTUCKY

The Kentucky chapter had its spring meeting in May at Columbus-Belmont State Park. It had to be rescheduled due to fl ooding.

The chapter is working on getting three sign projects completed, one at Berry’s Ferry, one at Big Springs in Princeton, and one at Columbus-Belmont State Park. The signs have been shipped for the Berry’s Ferry site and Big Springs in Princeton, so all that is left is getting them installed. The chapter is working with Columbus- Belmont State Park to provide a site identifi cation sign for the Park. Sometime in the future, the chapter would like to work with these sites to create a plan photo courtesy of Jeff Bishop Georgia chapter members at the annual TOTA conference gather for a group photo in the lobby of Harrah’s for interpertative panels and/or wayside Event Center in Cherokee, North Carolina. exhibits.

4 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • December 2011 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News

KENTUCKY (continued) TENNESSEE (continued) MISSOURI (continued)

Three sites have been located along the Great news from the Cherokee Removal the park. She also escorted the group to Northern Route, and the chapter is currently Memorial Park at Blythe Ferry — the the site on the Mississippi River where the conducting research on these sites. They are memorial wall with the 1835 Henderson Cherokee on the Northern Route crossed along 24 miles of the Trail from Princeton to Census is now ready to be built. The park from Illinois to Missouri. Salem. Landowners of these sites have been must raise $25,000, which will be matched contacted and have expressed interest in by a generous supporter. Several NPS staff On Thursday, Deloris Gray Wood, Missouri working with TOTA. visited the park on Thursday, October 6th. chapter president, led the group on the After a successful visit, the NPS generously Northern and Hildebrand Routes. Sites In June, the “Remember the Removal” agreed to furnish a new entrance sign. visited include the Snelson-Brinker Cabin, bikers came through Kentucky. While in Maramec Spring Park, the Rolla Area Hopkinsville, they were presented a key to Bob Richards, greenways and trails program Chamber, and Waynesville’s Laughlin the city by County Judge Steve Tribble on coordinator for the Tennessee Department Park and the Rubidoux Spring (with City behalf of Mayor Dan Kemp. The Kentucky of Environment and Conservation, is work- Alderman Luge Hardman). The group chapter looks forward each year to working ing with the chapter on where to place road also visited possible trail segment of the with this group. directional signs across the state. This year, Hildebrand Route in Dent County. the chapter has been holding its quarterly meetings at sites along the Bell Route, On Friday, Dr. Neil Lopinot, the director including Chattanooga and Winchester. of the Archeology Research Center at The fi nal meeting for the year will be held Missouri State University, led the group on on Sunday, December 4th, near Cleveland trail segments of the Northern Route across in the vicinity of the Black Fox community, Green County, in the city of Battlefi eld, and John Martin house, and Red Clay Mission. about a mile north of Delaware Town on Wilson Creek.

MISSOURI Keri Hicks led a Passport in Time project photo courtesy of Alice Murphree during the week of May 16-20. Chapter The Kentucky chapter held its spring chapter meeting Superintendent Aaron Mahr and Cultural at the Columbus-Belmont State Park in May. members Deloris Gray Wood, Denise Resource Offi cer Mike Taylor of the NPS’ Dowling, and Russell Weisman participated National Historic Trails Offi ce visited The fall chapter meeting was held on in the project, which was located in the Missouri in late October. Tiff any Patterson, November 5th in Paducah. The topic Mark Twain National Forest in the Poplar a historic preservation offi cer for the state, was Paducah’s role in the Water Route Bluff Ranger District. served as guide. Patterson specializes in detachments. nominations for the National Register of On November 11th, Dr. Duane King led a Historic Places for the state of Missouri. workshop in Cape Girardeau. The topic was TENNESSEE “Researching the Trail of Tears.” The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail The Tennessee chapter is pleased to report in Missouri inclued the Northern Route, that the James Brown Plantation is now the Benge Route, the Water Route, and the protected by an easement agreement for Hildebrand Route. There are more miles of the house and 80 acres of grassland. The trail in Missouri than any other state. plan assures that the property will never be destroyed. Brown was 1 of 13 detachment On Wednesday, the trail crew was led by leaders on the Trail of Tears. Russell Weisman, historic preservation offi cer for the Missouri Department of On November 14th, the chapter and Transportation on the Benge Route. The photo courtesy of Alice Murphree Aubudon Acres, a certified site, sponsored crew looked at the fi rst engineered road in In May, seven TOTA members and staff a book signing by Daniel Blake Smith on his Missouri across the swamp south of Cape attended the National Historic and Scenic Girardeau. Then he showed trail segments Trails Conference hosted by the Partnership book American Betrayal: Cherokee Patriots for the National Trails System. L-R: Deloris and the Trail of Tears in Chattanooga. This in and around old Greenville. Wood (Missouri chapter); Rock Rogers (North was the firs t stop on Smith’s book signing Carolina chapter); Jerra Quinton (TOTA office); Anne Rogers (North Carolina chapter); tour. He also spoke at TOTA’s conference Denise Dowling, superintendent of the Trail Alice Murphree (Kentucky chapter); Cleata last year in Metropolis, Illinois. of Tears State Park in Jackson, Missouri, Townsend (Tennessee chapter); and Ryan Cole then led the crew on the Trail in and around (Alabama chapter).

December 2011 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 5 National Park Service Hosts Cultural Preservation Workshop in Albuquerque by Denise Dowling and Gene Norris Technology, and Training has a one-page and it uses a neighborhood watch format assessment form that can be used for to monitor sites along the Trail. The Denise Dowling, from the Missouri chapter, evaluations. Another good source for Oregon-California Trail Association is using and Gene Norris, from the Oklahoma information is the National Register Bulletin YouTube.com to save South Pass, a site chapter, attended the Cultural Preservation and Technical Assistance, which can be along the Trail, from development. The El Workshop hosted by the National Park found at nps.gov/nr/publications/index.htm. Camino Real de los Tejas Association has Service on October 18 – 20. Aaron Mahr, created a volunteer trail steward program. superintendent of the National Trail System NPS staff discussed the National Historic It also has “watch dog” groups in every – Intermountain Region of the NPS, gave Preservation Act and the National county along the Trail to alert them to an introduction, commenting historic Environmental Policy Act processes, potential destruction of trail resources. The trails are under siege. Due to accelerated including environmental impact statements, Spanish Trail Association has a 2-day fi eld development, people do not know where and environmental assessments. Related school workshop, teaching participants the trails are and resources are disappearing items discussed included the Section 106 how to identify, assess, and document trail every day. The American public has a process, various state laws, the Secretary segments, and how to use fi eld equipment responsibility to its heritage. Currently, there of Interior’s standards for preservation, such as maps and GPS units. The El Camino are nine historic trails with 20- to 25,000 miles of trail. The National Trail System Act of 1968 states that “national historic trails shall have as their purpose the identifi cation and protection of the historic route and its historic remnants and artifacts for public use and enjoyment.”

NPS staff Mike Taylor and Lee Kreutzer facilitated the workshop. Photos were used from all the historic trails to illustrate all types of resources—archaeological resources such as trail ruts and swales, camp sites, building sites, and inscriptions; building/structures such as log, stone, adobe buildings, and acequias; cultural landscapes photo courtesy of Denise Dowling with fords, crossings, and natural landmarks; At the end of the workshop, TOTA members Denise Dowling (third from right) and Gene Norris (second from cemeteries and graves; and ethnographic right) joined a tour of Historic Route 66 to La Bajada, which is located on El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro resources. Threats to resources were NHT. Significant because of the numerous braided road sections climbing the tall volcanic escarpment, it was the most arduous section of the 1600-mile trail for travelers between Mexico City and Santa Fe. then discussed. Threats include urban development, energy development (wind farms, oil and gas lines, solar panels, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, Real de Tierra Adentro Trail Association updating the nation wide electric grid, and conservation easements. The NPS reported it is having problems with rogue etc.), natural erosion, vandalism and relic provides technical preservation services ATV users who were not kept in check early collecting, the lack of awareness, neglect, through preservation briefs. Some examples on and now run amuck across and around and abandonment. of the briefs include the repair of historic the Trail. The Santa Fe Trail Association wooden windows, use of substitute reports viewshed issues because of power NPS staff , state historic preservation office materials on historic building exteriors, and lines, cell towers, oil and gas pipelines, and staff , and Bureau of Land Management preservation of historic signs (www.nps. treasure hunters. One of the associations representative Jane Childress discussed gov/hps/briefs/presbhom.htm). You can fi nd had a paid preservation offi cer (PO) on processes for preservation and protection. out more about preservation easements at the national level and in each state to keep Tools to use include identifi cation, www.preservationnation.org/easements. an eye on and investigate issues along the inventory, the assessment of signifi cance, Each workshop participant was given a CD Trail. State POs notifi ed national POs of data sharing, condition assessments and of information on resoures. If anyone is issues that needed to be addressed. Another monitoring, and planning and assessment interested in a copy, contact Denise Dowling. association had an awards program for tools (historic structure reports, site stewards to help raise awareness of the management plans, maintenance Each trail association presented their organization. activities, National Register nominations). activities. The Pony Express Association The National Center for Preservation, has a very interesting curriculum online, See NPS WORKSHOP, page 7

6 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • December 2011 Vision Becoming Reality - Using Partnerships to Develop the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

In 1987, Congress acknowledged the signif- Hair Conrad Cabin, TN TOTA State Chapter Contacts icance of this tragic event in our Nation’s The Hermitage, TN history by establishing the Trail of Tears Historic Road from Ross to Ridge’s, GA Alabama National Historic Trail. The National Park James Brown Cherokee Plantation, TN Gail King Service administers the Trail in cooperation John Ross House, GA 205-672-2074 with federal, state, and local agencies; the Junaluska Memorial and Museum, NC E-mail: [email protected] Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Lake Dardanelle State Park, AR Arkansas Cherokee Indians; interested groups; and Laughlin Park, MO John McLarty private landowners. Mantle Rock, KY Maramec Spring Park/Massey Iron Works, MO Phone: 479-751-7125 McGinnis Cemetery Trail Segment, IL E-mail: [email protected] The Trail of Tears Association and the Mount Nebo State Park, AR National Park Service National Trails Murrell Home, OK Georgia System Offi ce -Santa Fe have been working Museum of the Cherokee Indian, NC Jeff Bishop Phone: 706-766-1309 with Trail partners to increase visibility for New Echota State Historic Site, GA E-mail: [email protected] the Trail and to develop it for visitor use. Petit Jean State Park, AR Old traces, historic buildings, and other Pinnacle Mountain State Park, AR Illinois resources are being preserved. Many sites Port Royal State Park, TN have been certifi ed and numerous on-the- Sandy Boaz Radford Farm, KY Phone: 618-833-8216 ground projects have been completed, such Red Clay State Historic Area, TN E-mail: [email protected] as route signing, visitor-use development, Rockdale Plantation/George Adair Home, GA interpretive wayside exhibits, and interior Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, TN Kentucky museum exhibits at existing facilities. Snelson-Brinker Cabin, MO Alice Murphree Star City Ranch Trail Segment, MO Phone: 270-886-5375 Certifi ed Sites Tennessee River Museum, TN E-mail: [email protected] Andrew Ross House, AL Toler Farm Trail Segment, IL Arcadia Valley Campground, MO Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, KY Missouri Audubon Acres, TN Trail of Tears State Park, MO Deloris Gray Wood Berry’s Ferry and John Berry Homesite, KY Trail of Tears State Forest, IL Phone: 573-729-2545 Big Spring, KY Tuscumbia Landing, AL E-mail: [email protected] Brainerd Mission Cemetery, TN Vann House Historic Site, GA Browns Ferry Tavern, TN Village Creek State Park, AR North Carolina Campground Cemetery, IL Wagner Farm Trail Segment, IL Anne Rogers Cedartown Cherokee Removal Camp, GA Waterloo Landing, AL Phone: 828-227-2443 Chattanooga Regional History Museum,TN Willstown Mission Cemetery, AL E-mail: [email protected] Cherokee County Historical Museum, NC Oklahoma Cherokee Heritage Center, OK Federal Protection Components and Curtis Rohr Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home, GA Interpretive Sites Phone: 918-341-4689 City of North Little Rock Riverfront Park, AR Arkansas Post National Memorial, AR E-mail: [email protected] Columbus-Belmont State Park, KY Cadron Settlement Park, AR Crabb-Abbot Farm, IL Cherokee Memorial Park -Blythe Ferry, TN Tennessee Delta Cultural Center, AR Fort Smith National Historic Site, AR Shirley Lawrence Fitzgerald Station and Farmstead, AR Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Phone: 423-334-3923 Fort Gibson, OK Mark Twain National Forest, MO E-mail: [email protected] Fort Payne Cabin Site, AL Mocassin Bend, TN Green Co. Trail Segments, Springfi eld, MO Pea Ridge National Military Park, AR Golconda Riverfront, IL Shawnee National Forest, MO Gray’s Inn, KY Stones River National Battlefi eld, TN

NPS WORKSHOP (continued from left)

Workshop participants from TOTA, Denise From the mesa above La Bajada village, one Dowling and Gene Norris, joined tour could see the remnants of the El Camino guides Mike Taylor and Mike Elliott, and Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic other workshop participants, on a fi eld trip Trail. The NPS Cultural Presentation to La Bajada the fi nal day of the workshop. Workshop was a great opportunity to The 3-mile, round-trip hike followed the network with all the national historic trail old highway trails of Historic Route 66, and organizations that were represented and the sites were amazing. Along the Route, to learn that many of them share the same photo by Denise Dowling NPS National Trails System – Intermountain Region the tour group saw old wagon trails, as well. challenges facing TOTA. Superintendent Aaron Mahr leads a workshop.

December 2011 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 7 Georgia Chapter Completes Challenge Cost-Share on Five Fort Sites

Article and photos by Jeff Bishop Erin Drake, and graduate students from The study area consists of a fallow, grassy Georgia State University. fi eld, which is bounded on the west by a Georgia is completing its report on an clear running stream and on the east by a archaeological study, funded by the National The geophysical work uncovered some wetland. This site was investigated during Park Service, of the Cherokee Removal fort interesting magnetic anomalies at several multiple weekends during the winter of sites, which included investigations of the of the sites, indicating the likely presence 2010-2011 and in June 2011. likely sites of Fort Cumming in LaFayette, of historic artifacts, but nothing that was Fort Buffin gton in Canton, Fort Campbell in defi nitively structural in nature. Shovel tests were initially excavated on Forsyth County, Fort Means near Kingston, a 10-meter grid because the chapter was and Fort Hoskins in Spring Place. Of the sites studied, Fort Means, was by far not permitted to conduct subsurface the most productive, producing a variety of investigations in the area where the Geophysical surveys of the sites were 19th century artifacts, including two military geophysical investigations were conducted. conducted by an archaeological team from buttons, which may be related to the fort. the Georgia Department of Transportation, Initially, 18 shovel tests were excavated on using a Bartington Grad-601 dual sensor The Fort Means study area is located on the the grid, but all were negative for historic magnetic gradiometer and ground border of Floyd and Bartow Counties on artifacts. They all produced prehistoric, penetrating radar. These were followed up the Floyd County side. It is located north with metal detecting, shovel tests, and pits of the Etowah River and south of Kingston dug by archaeologists Ron Hobgood and See GEORGIA FORTS, page 9 Highway.

Alabama Historical Commission Awards Alabama Chapter Grant

Article by and photo courtesy of Sharon Freeman investigations of the well and additional The chapter would like to personally test unit placement at the cabin site. thank Jerra Quinton, Gail King, Alabama TOTA’s Alabama chapter is pleased to Additionally, at the Fort Likens site, the chapter board members, Landmarks of announce that it has been chosen to receive chapter has plans for a gradiometry survey, DeKalb County board members, Olivia an Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) surface collection, systematic shovel testing, Baxter, Stacye Hathorne, the Hotalens, the 2012 historic preservation grant totaling test unit excavations, and the creation of an Cavins, Jim Lewis, and David Crum for $15,000. With only $800,000 dollars extensive map of the site and surrounding their support and to all of the community appropriated for grants in fi ve diff erent area. Volunteers interested in participating leaders who wrote letters of support for categories, and a staggering fi ve-million in one or both projects can contact Sharon this project. A very warm thank you is requests, the chapter is very fortunate to be Freeman at [email protected]. extended to all. a recipient.

The two sites that will be studied with the awarded grant are the cabin site in Fort Payne and the Fort Likens site in Cherokee County. Both are highly signifi cant, as they are directly associated with Cherokee Indian removal in 1838 in northeast Alabama. These sites are only 20 miles apart and were specifi cally utilized via connecting roads to transport Cherokee Indians and supplies. The Alabama chapter expects the two sites to be added to the National Register of Historic Places at the conclusion of nomination reports.

Grant funds will be utilized to complete the archaeological project that has been underway for some time at the cabin site and to conduct archaeological testing at the Fort Likens site. Plans include further Fort Likens is one of two sites that will be studied with a grant awarded to the Alabama chapter of TOTA.

8 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • December 2011 GEORGIA FORTS (continued from left) TOTA Board Member Weds on Trail of Tears NHT in Arkansas Since the removal fort sites were so ephemeral, fi nding their archaeological footprints has proven to be a challenging task. Documents in the historical record give researchers a fairly good idea of where Fort Cumming and Fort Buffi ngton were located, but Fort Cumming has been heavily disturbed and so far has been unproductive archaeologically. More 19th century artifacts were found at Fort Buffi ngton, but nothing that is defi nitive. Fort Hoskins has The Georgia Department of Transportation sent an archaeological team to perform geophysical surveys produced artifacts similar to those found at using Ground Penetrating Radar and a Bartington Fort Means and Fort Buffi ngton, which is photo courtesy of Glenn Jones Grad-601 dual sensor magnetic gradiometer. encouraging, but again, not defi nitive. Fort At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month Campbell was more of a “shot in the dark,” of 2011, April Lynn Hollabaugh and Glenn Jones were united in Holy Matrimony on the original Trail since researchers were uncertain about the lithic materials, but nothing that could be of Tears that crosses Pea Ridge National Military Park, fort’s location, but a few artifacts from the Arkansas. Glenn an Arkansas chapter representative associated with a fort site. on the national Trail of Tears Assocaition board. period were recovered, and several potential Congratulations to the happy couple! areas were investigated, which may point in After excavating these negative tests, the right direction. random metal detecting was carried out in the immediate area to see if there were any Volume 3 of Moravian Records metal artifacts. This was a successful strategy: on Cherokee Released several potential 19th century iron artifacts were recovered, so more focused metal Records of the Moravians Among the detector investigations were begun. Cherokees: The Anna Rosina Years, Part 1, Success in School and Mission, Two 10-meter by 10-meter metal detector Volume 3, 1805 – 1810 chronicles the survey blocks were conducted with the coming of John and Anna Rosina goal of 100 percent coverage. Both blocks Gambold to the mission. With their yielded a variety of 19th century artifacts, arrival the mission takes on new life including cut nails. After the metal detector and a new character. Anna Rosina blocks were completed, the remainder of the in particular proves dedicated to property was shovel tested on a 30-meter the education of Cherokee children, grid. These were all negative for historic and soon wins the people’s aff ection artifacts, except for the last three tests, which and respect. Chief Chuleoa, who produced two cut nails and a small fragment fi rst opposed their mission, becomes A military button was found during the excavations of a hand-painted, pearlware tea cup. at the Fort Means site. their friend. These years also witness the tragic death of James Vann, the One button with a Great Seal on the front Moravians’ benefactor among the was recovered from Block B, but its age has Fort Means is a site to be truly excited about, Cherokees. not been verified yet. A button recovered however. A number of documents from the by a relic hunter on the same site was also Removal period (and soon afterward) give a Records of the Moravians Among photographed during this project. It has the clear indication of where the fort must have the Cherokees uses original diaries, Great Seal on the face and appears to be been. The discovery of cut nails, whiteware, minutes, reports, and correspondence antebellum. a fl int, and military buttons, as well as in the Moravian Archives in North other 19th century artifacts, are certainly Carolina to provide a fi rst-hand A partial fl int was also recovered from Block providing exciting clues that researchers account of daily life among the B. It is still being studied and it is not known are probably in the right place, or very near Cherokees throughout the 19th if it is a gun flin t or possibly a flin t used for it. More study is required, but the Georgia century. starting fi res. chapter and researchers are thankful to the National Park Service for all the assistance To purchase this book, contact Tom In addition to the areas investigated with they have given to this point in the research Mooney at the Cherokee Heritage a metal detector, 31 shovel tests were eff orts. Center at (918) 456-6007. excavated.

December 2011 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 9 Trail of Tears Trail of Tears National Park Service National Historic Trail Association National Trails System Office - Santa Fe

Trail News is produced by the part- The Trail of Tears Association has The National Trails System Offi ce - nership of the Trail of Tears Association entered into a cooperative agreement Santa Fe administers the Trail of Tears and the National Park Service National with the National Park Service to pro- NHT, the Santa Fe NHT, and the Route Trails System Offi ce - Santa Fe. mote and engage in the protection and 66 Corridor Preservation Program. El preservation of the Trail of Tears NHT Camino Real de Tierra Adentro NHT Managing Editor/Designer resources; to promote awareness of the is administered jointly by the National Jerra Quinton Trail’s legacy, including the effects of Trails System Offi ce-Santa Fe and the the U.S. Government’s Indian Removal New Mexico State Offi ce of the Bureau Contributors Policy on the Cherokee and other of Land Management. These trail and Jeff Bishop, Carol Clark,Denise tribes; and to perpetuate the manage- corridor programs are administered in Dowling, Sharon Freeman, Gene Norris, ment and development techniques that partnership with American Indian tribes; Jerra Quinton, Alexis Thompson, UNC are consistent with the NPS’s Trail plan. federal, state, and local agencies; non- Press, and TOTA state chapters. government organizations; and private Trail of Tears Association landowners. Comments/Address Changes? 1100 North University, Suite 143 Contact: Jerra Quinton Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 National Trails System Offi ce - Santa Fe Trail of Tears Association PO Box 728 1100 N. University, Suite 143 Phone Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504 Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 800-441-4513 [email protected] 501-666-9032 Phone Website E-Mail 505-988-6098 www.nps.gov/trte [email protected] E-Mail Website [email protected] www.NationalTOTA.org

Trail of Tears Association MEMBERSHIP FORM All levels of membership include one (1) state chapter affi liation. 1100 N. University, Suite 143 January - December 2012 Please send $10 for each additional Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 state chapter you would like to join.

Name Mr. Mrs. Ms. Address

City State Zip Email

Phone I want to join the following state chapter(s): AL AR GA IL KY MO NC OK TN

Membership Levels Basic Individual: $25 to $99 Patron: $500 to $999 Student: $10 (enclose ID) Sponsor: $100 to $499 Benefactor: $1000+

Note: Sponsors, Patrons, & Benefactors are listed prominently in two issues of the newsletter, Trail News, and on the TOTA website.

PLEASE FILL OUT MEMBERSHIP: $25 + $ = $ (this amount determines your membership level) (optional donation)*

# of additional chapters x $10 = $

TOTAL ENCLOSED = $

*Of this optional donation, please give $ to TOTA, and $ to the state chapter.

10 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • December 2011 YOUTH (continued from page 1)

Joe Keener is a senior at Claremore High and leaders. These changes were important School in Claremore, Oklahoma. A citizen because the roles of these youth are valuable of the Cherokee Nation, Joe participated not only to the youth program but to the in the 2011 “Remember the Removal” bike mission of TOTA as a whole. ride. Joe is the son of Lee Keener, a tribal Something phenomenal happened with the councilor of the Cherokee Nation, and twin changes brought to this year’s youth program to fellow youth scholar Lillie Keener. Joe’s initiative—the youth inspired the conference mentor was Glenn Jones, one of the two attendees just as much, if not more. Arkansas chapter representatives on TOTA’s board of directors. Mentor Glenn Jones stated, “My role as photo courtesy of Sarah Holcomb mentor to Joe Keener was the pinnacle of Scholarship recipients pose for a group picture during Lillie Keener, twin sister of fellow youth my experience at the annual Trail of Tears the conference fi eld trip. scholar Joe Keener, is also a senior conference. I cannot begin to express my at Claremore High School. She, too, thanks to you for choosing me for this role. Kituwah Mound with speaker Tom Belt participated in the 2011 “Remember the The youth program, in my humble opinion, was a spiritually enlightening event that Removal” bike ride. After graduating high was/is a major success.” touched each of us. The Kituwah site is school in 2012, Lillie plans to study interior more than a sacred place, it is more than design, and her top pick for college is Baylor The structure of this year’s youth initiative a road preserving history – it is a people: University in Texas. Her mentor at the created a platform for the youth to the Kituwah or Cherokee. We really conference was Shannon Sloan, a board form networks with leaders, academics, enjoyed the Warriors of Anikituhwa and their various performances of Cherokee member of the Alabama chapter. researchers, tribal liaisons, government traditional military dance. Our tour and agencies, and more. The opportunity to fi nal landing at the Valleytowns Baptist share information, ideas, and opinions led Mission was a unique experience that the youth to a greater understanding of the inspired our faith and reflected the value many facets of involvement in TOTA. of building from the past, appreciating diversity, and working together toward a united future. With each experience Plans for the future we gained a greater understanding The future for the youth program is one and appreciation for our heritage and were motivated to become agents of that is growing and developing year after preservation of our rich cultural legacy. year. TOTA’s objective to gain more youth We look forward to working with TOTA support at this year’s conference was met and future youth participants. We would with success, and the resulting momentum like to thank TOTA, the Cherokee Nation, has generated the idea of creating new the Eastern Band of the Cherokee scholar leadership roles. Though the Indians, and each state chapter for their support, words of encouragement, and concept of youth leaders is still evolving, the photo courtesy of Bethany Henry spirit to leave a positive legacy for future plan is for previous youth scholars to step Youth scholar Bethany Henry with her mentor, TOTA generations. Wado! President Jack Baker. into leadership roles among the new set of youth scholars each year. Several scholars 2011 Youth Scholars: Bethany Henry, from this year’s program have already Sheena Kanott, Joe Keener, Lillie Keener, Development of the youth initiative expressed interest in leading future youth Sarah Holcomb, and Brooke Hudson program activities. And TOTA is ready to This year TOTA staff broadened the scope take them up on their off ers! of the youth program and expanded the involvement of the youth in the conference. A letter of thanks from the scholars Several components were added to the youth agenda, as well, including chapter and As youth scholarships recipients we want National Park Service panel discussions, to extend our heart-felt gratitude for the nightly reviews with TOTA staff , appointed opportunity to attend and participate in gatherings of mentors and mentees, and the 2011 TOTA Conference. The Trail of Tears Association Annual Conference in a fi nal youth presentation. With a more Cherokee, North Carolina, was a wonderful formalized youth program this year, staff learning experience that provided an photo by Glenn Jones worked to guide the youth to certain array of information about state and High school senior Joe Keener speaks about his presentations that were particularly national history, partnerships, tribal affairs, interest in a career at the National Park Service with genealogy, and much more! Visiting Steve Burns, a landscape architect with the National applicable to their roles as youth scholars Trails System Office – Santa Fe of the NPS.

December 2011 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 11 Trail of Tears Association 1100 N. University, Suite 143 Little Rock, AR 72207-6344

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 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - $9,000

Sponsors $100 - $499

Lori Vann – $220 D. Robert Akerhielm – $100 Mark Twain National Forest – $100 Robert Conley, W Carolina Univ – $200 Regina Berna, Chickasaw Nation – $100 Rowena McClinton – $100 KY MS River Pkwy Commission – $200 Terence Brennan – $100 Gary Payne – $100 Patsy Edgar – $100 Herman Peterson – $100 Jack D. Baker - $140 Debra Eskie – $100 Paul Gary Phillips – $100 Andrew Denson – $190 Etowah Valley Historical Society – $100 Kathy Robinson – $100 H. Riley Bock – $125 Jay Hannah – $100 Ansley Saville – $100 LeNora Carter – $125 Don Higgerson – $100 Robbin Skinner – $100 Robert Girty – $125 Elmer Hogue, Jr. – $100 Marvin Sowder – $100 Patsy Hanvey – $125 Glenn Jones – $100 Adam Stone – $100 Bobbie Heffi ngton – $125 Don Kinney – $100 Maria D. Troy – $100 Billie Napolitano – $125 John Lasley – $100 Arthur Vaughn – $100 John Tissue, Cherokee Hist Assoc – $125