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Trail Trail News of Tears Association Pea Ridge Celebrates Re-opening of Historic Road

by Kitty Sloan

In the winter of 1838-39, an estimated of Tears National Historic Trail. The park along the restored road. As park superin- 10,000 traveled along the entrance is on the Auto Tour Route along tendent John C. Scott noted, Cherokees Springfield to Fayetteville Road from U.S. Highway 62. were truly walking in the footsteps of their into , stopping overnight ancestors. Even the weather echoed the at William Reddick’s farm for their last Three miles of the historic Northern Route “hail, rain, wind and thunder” that Dr. W.I.I. rations before heading west to their new are within the 4,300-acre park, two along its Morrow, physician with the Richard Taylor homeland. The site of Reddick’s farm is paved driving tour. The third was only detachment, reported in his diary on now Pea Ridge National Military Park, a recently rediscovered, restored, and re- March 18, 1839. Stormy weather stranded federal protection component of the Trail opened for foot-traffic. A 1930s county most of that detachment at Reddick’s farm for an extra day. At the commemoration, walkers merely got soaking wet, although pellet-size hail covered the ground and a tornado the next day damaged some park facilities.

An estimated 500 people attended the dedi- cation ceremony sponsored by the Nation, the National Park Service, and the Trail of Tears Association. Chief Smith was the featured speaker. TOTA President Jack Baker served as mas- ter of ceremonies and Vice President Troy Wayne Poteete delivered the keynote address, Why Cherokees Remember; both Photo courtesy of Betty Barker Seated next to the podium at the ceremony was (L-R) Principal Chief , Joe Baker and Poteete are citizens of the Dillard from U.S. Representative Marion Berry’s office, Miss Cherokee LaShawna Fields, National Trails Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Adult System-Intermountain Region Superintendent Jere Krakow, and TOTA state chapter presidents Kitty Sloan Choir performed four hymns that had been of Arkansas, Curtis Rohr of , and Deloris Wood of Missouri. sung during Removal, including one writ- road had been misidentified as the route of ten along the Trail of Tears. The Cherokee INSIDE THIS ISSUE the 1830s road. But modern satellite map- Color Guard and Miss Cherokee LaShawna ping technology helped locate the true trail Fields also participated. The National Park • TOTA President’s Message...... 2 beneath 70 years of overgrowth. In 2005, Service was represented by Ernie Quintana,  NPS Superintendent’s Message...... 2 the one-mile natural segment was listed on director of the Midwest Region at Omaha,  Trail of Tears Legislation...... 3 the National Register of Historic Places. as well as Jere Krakow and Aaron Mahr of  Arkansas Waysides...... 3 On March 11, TOTA members from the National Trails System-Santa Fe.  New Book...... 3 Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, plus  TOTA Chapter News...... 4-5 hundreds of other visitors, gathered at the The dedication ceremony included the  Home...... 6 park to commemorate the Trail of Tears. unveiling of the first of six sets of site-spe-  National Register Listings...... 7 Principal Chief Chad Smith of the cific and context wayside panels funded by  2005 Conference Photos...... 8-9 Cherokee Nation led a memorial walk See PEA RIDGE, page 6

Newsletter of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Partnership • April 2006 - Number 8 Trail of Tears Association President’s Message Senate Committee Hears Testimony Arkansas Trail Locations The dedication of a segment of the Trail of Andrew Jackson, just outside Nashville, this legisla- to Install Wayside Exhibits Tears National Historic Trail at Pea Ridge , has also been certified. We tion will be on Trail of Tears Documentation Act: National Military Park on March 11, 2006, appreciate all of the individuals and organi- passed later Up for Vote in Senate; Held Up in House Subcommittee by Mark Christ was a very significant event. For the first zations that are having their sites certified this year. A The Arkansas Historic Preservation by Paul Austin & Jerra Quinton time, a portion (about two miles) of the and helping to tell the story of Indian significant Program (AHPP) is continuing work Trail as it existed in 1838-39 is available at a removal. feature of this As was reported in the last issue (August Benge and Bell routes, totally approximately with the NPS National Trails System public facility so that the general public legislation is 2005) of Trail News, Congressman Zach 2,000 miles of additional trail. Office—Santa Fe (NTSO) and Arkansas may walk along the same pathway that that it would Wamp of Tennessee and Marion Berry of State Parks to place Trail of Tears inter- thousands of Cherokees tread 167 years Other events are happening to raise the expand the Arkansas, and 17 co-sponsors, introduced Senators Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and pretive wayside exhibit panels at six ago. I would like to thank Park awareness of the Trail. One such event is Trail of Tears H.R. 3085, known as the “Trail of Tears Lamar Alexander and William Frist of Arkansas locations. These exhibits, Superintendent John Scott and all of his the publication of Stone Songs on the Trail of National Documentation Act,” last June. Presently, Tennessee co-sponsored a Senate version of funded through NPS Challenge Cost- staff for making this possible, and especial- Tears by Pat Musick with Jerry Carr and Bill Historic Trail trail routes in the states of and the “Trail of Tears Documentation Act” (S. Share, will provide site-specific inter- ly Kevin Eads, Chief of Resources Woodiel. This book that tells the story of into Georgia , where three-fourths of the 1970) this past November. It has since then pretation at Helena, Village Creek State Management, for all of his work in restor- the Trail of Tears in a unique fashion is Jack Baker, President of the Trail and North Cherokee people lived at the time of been referred to the Senate Energy and Park, Cadron Settlement Park, Lake of Tears Association ing the Trail and in planning and organizing bringing the story of Indian removal to Carolina. At Removal, are not considered part of the Natural Resources Committee where hear- Dardanelle State Park, Pea Ridge the ceremony dedicating the Trail. I urge many people that were not aware of this the time of removal 54% of the Cherokees Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. This ings were held, which included testimonies National Military Park and North Little you to visit this site and walk along this event in American history. lived in Georgia and 22% in North piece of legislation, if passed by the House by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Rock. The AHPP also has received portion of the Trail. Carolina, and yet the Trail does not extend and Senate, will result in the recognition of Smith and TOTA President Jack Baker. In See Arkansas Waysides , page 6 The legislation to expand the Trail of Tears into those states where over three-fourths these trail routes, as well as significant sec- March, the bill was voted out of committee All along the Trail of Tears National National Historic Trail is moving forward. of the Cherokees resided. tions in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and sent to the Senate for deliberation. A Historic Trail more sites are being identified There was a Senate hearing on February 16, , and Tennessee, including the vote is expected soon. and more interpretation is being placed on 2006, on this legislation where Principal Plans are moving forward for our annual already identified sites. One of the latest Chief Chad Smith of the Cherokee Nation conference and symposium to be held this In February of this year, Baker and TOTA sites to be certified is property owned by spoke eloquently in favor of the bill (S. fall in Springfield, Missouri. I hope to see The Trail of Tears Association Executive Director Paul Austin met with the Bill and Sheryl Hubbs in southwest 1970). There will likely be another hearing all of you there. thanks the following U.S. House Subcommittee on National Parks of Missouri. A portion of the Trail crossed scheduled soon in the House on their ver- senators for their co-sponsoring the Resources Committee, where H.R. 3085 their property. The Hermitage, home of sion of the bill (H. R. 3085). It is hoped that Jack D. Baker of S. 1970: has been referred. Subcommittee staff indi- cated that Committee Chair Richard Lamar Alexander (R, TN) Pombo (R-CA) has been reluctant to refer Tom Coburn (R, OK) any trails’ legislation out of committee. William H. Frist (R, TN) However, Congressman Wamp remains National Trails System Office Superintendent’s Message Trail of Tears - Land Route, original image by committed to continue his efforts to get this Cherokee artist Sam Watts-Scott, 2005 The administration of national historic Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) is pend- Through the initiative of the Association bill out of committee and passed. trails is the central focus of efforts here in ing in the House of Representatives. and the Partnership for the National Trails the office of the National Trails System- System, we received a funding increase of New Book Offers Artistic Journey Along Benge Route in Arkansas Santa Fe. Our mission statement frames the Other key activities include ongoing efforts $35,000 for the Trail of Tears NHT for this focus thusly: With our partners, we provide for a 20-minute interpretive film for the Trail fiscal year. It will enable us to sustain budg- by Kitty Sloan leadership for the use, protection, and inter- of Tears National Historic Trail (NHT). Due et support for agreements with the In March 2002, an artist, her astronaut- The sculpture is now part of the corporate pretation of a diverse collection of national to contracting issues, the contract with the Association and meet rising costs for our photographer husband, and a revolving art collection at Tyson Foods, Inc., and is historic rails and roads, to preserve and com- filmmaker was terminated in December 2005. overall operating expenses. A new staff crew of helpers traveled the backroads of permanently installed in front of company memorate their stories, places, legacies, and At present, we are working with the Cherokee member joined us last fall from our Indian Arkansas, hauling heavy oak posts, steel rods, headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, not values. Nation who Affairs Office, Intermountain Region. Otis and tear-shaped stones to assemble, photo- far off the Auto Tour Route of the Trail of expressed Halfmoon will be Management Assistant graph, and disassemble at remote locations. Tears National Historic Trail. Of the nine national historic trails with strong inter- for the National Trails System in Santa Fe. which I am associated, the Trail of Tears is est in doing He has a wide variety of experience and The result, as published by the University Stone Songs also includes an introduction by the most compelling story. A key portion of the film. The knowledge in tribal affairs and consulta- of Arkansas Press, is Stone Songs on the Trail art professor-novelist Donald Harington and the broad story is represented by the addi- Harpers tion, and has been associated with the Nez of Tears: The Journey of an Installation, by an essay by Jack Baker, president of the Trail tional routes proposed for addition to the Ferry Center Perce and Lewis and Clark National artist and TOTA member Pat Musick with of Tears Association. The hardcover book sells national historic trail through legislation of the Park Historic Trails. photographer Jerry Carr and researcher Bill for $24.95 and, if not stocked at a local book- store, can be ordered at www.uapress.com, pending before Congress. Last month we Service will Woodiel. The book features color photo- Photo by Jerry Carr helped draft National Park Service testimo- provide Jere Krakow graphs of her sculpture at 23 sites along the Artist and TOTA member Pat Musick, along with or by calling 800-626-0090. ny for the Senate hearing whose action rec- technical Benge Route across north Arkansas and her husband Jerry Carr and fellow TOTA member Jere Krakow, Superintendent of the ommended passage to the full Senate. expertise for into Oklahoma, from Pitman Ferry Road to Bill Woodiel, produced a book to chronicle their National Trails System - installation of Musick’s sculpture Yokes on the Trail Similarly, legislation introduced by Intermountain Region the film. the Woodall Place. of Tears.

2 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News  April 2006 April 2006  Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 3 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News (continued) Missouri Missouri (continued) Georgia Arkansas Tennessee Tennessee (continued) In August, Aaron Mahr, NPS historian, was meeting will be held April 13, 2006, at 10 At the January chapter meeting at New In early March, the Arkansas chapter par- The Tennessee chapter met in February during cussion about Removal. In December, out on the Northern and Hildebrand a.m. at the Arlington River Resort in Ec hota, 40 people attended. Interest continues ticipated in the re-opening of a segment of the Annual Cherokee Indian Heritage Days. Trevino spoke to the Grundy County Routes looking at trail segments and trail Newburg. For more information, contact to grow in the chapter thanks to the efforts the Springfield to Fayetteville Road traveled Chapter members joined the / Historical Society about Bell’s Route. In sites for future NPS certifications in and Deloris Wood at 573-729-2545. of many, including partner organizations. by Northern Route detachments through Tennessee Trail of Tears Corridor Association March, the NPS and the FOMB hosted a around Springfield. Ted & Iva Roller led the what is now Pea Ridge National Military (ATTOTCA) for a sign dedication ceremony public visioning workshop for Moccasin way in documentation and showing where Illinois Richard Thornton has accepted the position Park. A chapter meeting focused on possible at Blythe’s Ferry and were joined by Creek Bend. Also, The Hermitage officially possible trail site and trail segments were On March 1, 2006, the Landmarks of chapter vice president after the untimely routes west from Pea Ridge, with a report elders from Oklahoma. The chapter thanks announced it certification by the NPS. located. Missouri State University archeol- Preservation Council of Illinois (LPCI) passing of Will Rogers. Will lost his life in an from Dan Littlefield. Neighboring chapter ATTOTCA for donation of the sign. ogists Dr. Neal Lopinot and Holly Jones announced at a press conference at the State automobile accident in presidents, Deloris Wood of Missouri and Oklahoma showed a Delaware Town dig site and the Capitol that the Trail of Tears encampment late November 2005. It Curtis Rohr of Oklahoma, provided research The 2005 TOTA conference was hosted by In 2005, the Oklahoma chapter saw its White River Road that is associated with at the Bridges Tavern and wayside store site was an honor for the updates, too. Also, the chapter got a sneak the Tennessee chapter in Chattanooga. The largest attended, grave-marking ceremony the Hildebrand Detachment. TOTA on State Route 146 has been named one of Georgia chapter to have preview of the Arkansas Archeological chapter would like to thank the following: yet. On September 19, 2005, the chapter President Jack Baker and Missouri chapter its 10 most endangered historic sites for 2006. Will as a dear member and Survey’s (AAS) atlas, Footprints Across Shelley Andrews and the Friends of Mocassin honored James and Susie (Downing) Still at president Deloris Gray Wood were in This site in southern Illinois is where the leader. He served the Arkansas: Trail of Tears Removal Corridors Bend (FOMB), Pamela Bennett, Joan Franks, the Allen Cemetery near Siloam Springs, attendance. The last day of the NPS staff’s Cherokees camped during the icy and cold chapter not only as vice for the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creeks, Agnes and Bill Jones, Billy Kirk, Jan and Arkansas. Attending were approximately visit was spent at Bill and Sheryl Hubbs’s wet winter of 1838-1839. According to Gary president but also as an and Seminoles, which was funded by the Odene Kirk, Cleta LaBrie, Shirley Lawrence, 150 descendents and chapter members. Star City Ranch. The NPS held a site certi- Hacker, President of the Johnson County artist, writer, fundraiser Department of Arkansas Heritage. The Deborah Rodriguez, Vicki Rozema, Doris fication at the Star City Ranch in Purdy, Historical Society, and Juanita Whiteside, a Will Rogers (1941- and preserver of Heritage Trail Partnership of Northwest Trevino, and Carlos Wilson. At the confer- One of the chapter’s most recent endeavors Missouri, on March 8, 2006. direct descendant of the Bridges family, the 2005), a Cherokee Cherokee culture and Arkansas also reported on signs which will be ence, a $15,000 grant was presented, made Nation citizen, was has been to research and locate the disem- wayside store building is housed within a the vice president history. placed along roads and trails that were trav- by Lowe’s to the New Beginnings Garden barking points and depots of each of the On January 30th, several chapter members barn and is the only known surviving struc- of the Georgia eled by Removal detachments, Butterfield Club of Decatur for landscaping at the Removal detachments. The Woodall, or chapter. attended the 2006 TOTA conference planning ture connected to the Cherokee forced Chapter members have Overland stagecoaches, and Civil War troops. Memorial Park. Bushyhead, Depot is located north of session in Springfield. Lunch took place at removal through southern Illinois. Hacker been busy fundraising. Linda Baker and Westville. The depot known as Mrs. the University Plaza Hotel, which is located and Ed Annable, also of Johnson County, Kathy Cox were successful in acquiring $1000 In April, Trail of Tears documentation by In September, Lawrence and chapter presi- Webber’s, or Colonel Adair’s, is located at on the old Wire Road. have set in motion a non-profit organization in grants from Wal-Mart. These funds will help the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program dent Trevino were on a local radio show to the northwest edge of Stilwell. Both sites that will facilitate the purchasing and fund- educate the local population about Removal (AHHP) will be spotlighted at a national discuss have been submitted to the NPS for recog- In February, NPS and the Missouri chapter ing of this property. For more information and help fund the preservation of the Trail conference in Boston. Mark Christ and Removal and to nition as certified sites. The chapter’s most assisted the cities of Waynesville and Saint on the site itself and the LPCI, refer to the in Georgia. The chapter has, at Wal-Mart’s Tony Feaster will demonstrate how they promote the recent research has concentrated on locat- Robert with maps and research for grants. following website: www.landmarks.org. request, donated $500 to the Funk Heritage have located surviving 1830s road segments upcoming ing the depot at Beatties Prairie where Fort Finding trails is best when the leaves are off Center for Trail of Tears interpretation. using historic maps, GIS, and photographic TOTA confer- Wayne was relocated in 1842. The remnants the trees and the snakes and ticks are rest- The chapter was been busy last fall, includ- Other fundraising efforts have included sales imagery. Details of the Preserving the ence and of the Fort consist of only a few logs that ing for the winter. The chapter continues to ing meeting with local historical associa- of a reprinted book of poems by John Rollins Historic Road are at www.historicroads.org. Photo by Doris Tate Trevino Cherokee outline what is left of one of the founda- have teams out working on all 600 miles of tions and other interested parties to discuss Ridge, a drawing for a print by Donald Vann Creek elders sing during Nation history tions. A number of Removal detachments Cherokee Heritage/Sandhill the Trail in the state. development of a list of possible sites relat- of TOTA’s logo, and sales of Trail of Tears Upcoming chapter events include: Crane Viewing Days. course (spon- came into at this location. ed to Removal in southern Illinois. In maps and reports and TOTA logo items. May 6 – The Research Center sored by Saturday, March 11, 2006, the Missouri September, the chapter participated in the will host the Arkansas Heritage Month Chattanooga State Community College, the The 2006 spring meeting of the Oklahoma chapter board met at Roaring River at Cahokia Mounds Pow-Wow held in Several chapter board projects are in the event, a workshop on its Indian Removal chapter, and the Cherokee Nation) in chapter is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, Missouri State Park before a combined Collinsville. It was there the chapter intro- works, including efforts to appoint a mem- collection, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the Chattanooga. Jack Vincent led the charge in 2006, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The meeting Missouri and Arkansas chapter meeting duced its first official brochure of the Trail ber to head up the “Site Certification University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus. organizing this course, with help from will be in the ballroom directly behind the took place at Pea Ridge National Military of Tears in southern Illinois. At the fall mem- Process.” The chapter board is also working For more information call 501-371-7585. Andrews, Bill Smith, and Cleata Townsend. Restaurant of the Cherokees in Tahlequah, Park. A bership meeting, a program was presented by to develop a plan to acquire two or three Oklahoma. There will be a short business one-mile Marlene Rivero from Grand Chain, Illinois. sites for certification. The chapter now July 22 – The chapter’s annual membership Other chapter events have included: meeting prior to the program presentation Trail of Rivero shared her African and Native believes it has the necessary direction to meeting will be in Little Rock at the Historic Regular meetings – The chapter met in by featured speaker, Dr. Dan Littlefield. Tears seg- American family history in story and song. certify some of the collection sites by the Arkansas Museum. The program is expect- August during the 23rd Annual Cherokee Beginning at 2:00 p.m., there will be a grave ment was year's end. Also, board members will soon ed to focus on regional heritage trails and Days of Recognition at Red Clay State Park marking for Reverend Stephen Foreman at dedicated The next chapter meeting will be held at the have the opportunity to review the Georgia election of officers. and in December in Sewanee. the Parkhill Cemetery, follow by a reception by the Shingoethe Museum on Aurora University Department of Transportation’s “Federal at the to cele- NPS that campus (www.aurora.edu/museum), in Road Project Report.” Additionally, chapter A new chapter partner, the Southwest Trail Special events – In October, the chapter set brate the publishing of the book The Life afternoon. Aurora, Illinois, on Sunday, April 30, 2006, president Tommy Cox has been involved in Research Group (www.southwesttrail.com), up a booth at Audubon Acres’ Indian and Times of Reverend Stephen Foreman by Sheryl Hubbs’ property, the Star City from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The program will the Chieftain’s Museum’s planning to hopes to document the 300-mile pioneer road Summer Days. In November, Trevino Cooleela Faulkner. Plans are for the Heritage Ranch, was certified by the NPS in early March. (Pictured L-R) Ted Roller, The next pertain to persons on the Trail through return the home and landscape to the way that crossed territorial Arkansas. Many appeared on a local Chattanooga TV pro- Center to have the book available for pur- Steve Burns, Aaron Mahr, Deloris chapter southern Illinois and the Bridges Tavern. it was at the time of Removal. Choctaws and Chickasaws traveled this gram “Point of View” to participate in dis- chase. These events are open to the public. Wood, and Sheryl Hubbs road south from Little Rock.

4 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail New  April 2006 April 2006  Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 5 Public, Georgia to Benefit from New Vision for Home of Cherokee Leader Sites in Tennessee Listed on National Register

by Steve Burns by Aaron Mahr

The plan to enhance the experience for vis- The house and farm have undergone exten- dominant white U.S. land expansion is a Four properties on the Trail of Tears in Register. Known today as Stewart Road itors and rehabilitate the house in Rome, sive alterations and changes through time as dark and relatively untold chapter in U.S. Tennessee have been listed on the National and Herron Drive, visitors can hike or drive Georgia, once the home of Major Ridge, a documented in the report, and no longer history. These choices and the rifts they cre- Register of Historic Places. Thomason and over most of this segment which is prominent but controversial Cherokee resemble the property that was left by ated ultimately cost Major Ridge his life. Associates, a Nashville consulting firm well unpaved and has embankments consistent leader at the time of their forced removal Major Ridge. The decision by the Chieftains Thousands of other Cherokees died as well known to Trail of Tears Association mem- with nineteenth century road construction. from Georgia to Oklahoma was approved Museum Inc., who own and manage this as the tragic events unfolded. This chapter is bers, completed the registration forms At some points, the historic road diverges by the board of directors. National Historic Landmark property and one that few people realize had far reaching under contract with the NPS National from the modern dirt road. These parallel certified site on the Trail of Tears National consequences for the U.S. and Cherokee Trails System-Santa Fe office. The four sites, abandoned road segments are on private The decision comes after a two-year plan- Historic Trail, is to rehabilitate the house and nations. It literally changed the landscape of which include remnants of the property, but generally can be viewed easily ning process that documented the history the Southeastern U.S. as white settlement Reynoldsburg to Paris Road, the Hatchie from the modern road. of the Major Ridge home and farm and “The decision by the Chieftains occupied what were earlier the nations of River Ferry, the Bolivar to Somerville Stage proposed preservation options and visitor Museum. . . is to rehabilitate the the five “civilized tribes.” Major Ridge was Road, and the Hill Road over the The fourth property represents a portion of interpretation and use alternatives. The house and landscape to more at the center of these historical events. Cumberland Plateau, encompass over five Northern Route of the Trail of Tears plan is the result of cooperation between closely convey and interpret the miles of the historic trail route. National Historic Trail. Nearly a mile in the , National Park home and farm of Major Ridge The decision by the Board of Directors of length, this listed segment of the Hill Road Service, Trail of Tears Association, when he lived there.” Chieftains Museum provides vision for a Nearly two miles of an abandoned remnant begins at the Dunlap Coke Ovens in Cherokee Tribal representatives and other future that will help all Americans better of the Reynoldsburg to Paris Road near Dunlap, Sequatchie County, at the base of stakeholders. The report includes original landscape to more closely convey and inter- understand and appreciate the lessons of Camden in Benton County lies within the the Cumberland Plateau’s eastern face, and This section of the Bolivar-Somerville Stage Route research and new discoveries on the home pret the home and farm of Major Ridge when our past. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. Visitors climbs towards the crest of the mountain. in Hardeman County, TN, was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the he lived there. The plan also includes an can hike over a mile of this segment, which The abandoned roadbed and its embank- Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. interpretive center to house exhibits on Anyone who owns or manages sites, visitor has been incorporated into the park’s trail ments are striking, and they offer a reveal- Major Ridge’s life and historical importance. centers, museums, or trail segments having system. This segment is particularly signifi- ing opportunity to contemplate the difficul- a direct association with the Trail of Tears cant because it represents a portion of the ties of travel in the mid-nineteenth century When completed, it is hoped that visitors can request that their properties be desig- Benge Detachment Route, which the U.S. over a forbidding mountainous terrain. will better appreciate the role he played in a nated as officially certified National Historic Congress is now considering for study as a Widening road segments designed to allow long and complex resistance to removal as Trail sites. The process entails a voluntary possible addition to the Trail of Tears wagons to pass one another, parallel tracks Save the Date!!! well as his eventual leadership in the sign- partnership with the National Park Service National Historic Trail. John Benge’s 1,200- that passed eroded segments, and switch- October 9 – 12, 2006 ing of the Treaty of . The diffi- to help preserve, interpret, and make the person detachment crossed the Tennessee backs that eased the hardship of the steep cult choices that split the Cherokee Nation property available for public access. River and traveled over this segment of ascents are all included in this trail seg- 11th Annual in their efforts to resist the onslaught of a road on November 3 and 4, 1838. ment. Most of this National Register prop- Trail of Tears Association erty is on private property, but several parts Conference & Symposium ARKANSAS WAYSIDES tament to them, and will help in heritage Two of the newly-listed properties are on can be viewed from Boulder Road and Continued from page 3 tourism efforts that will help ensure these the Bell Detachment Route, also currently Fredonia Road, or at the historic Dunlap Clarion Hotel grant funding from the Arkansas resources’ long-term survival.” under congressional consideration. The Coke Ovens. The Hill Road is a portion of —Mark Christ, Community Outreach Springfield, Missouri* Humanities Council to place an additional first, the Hatchie River Ferry near Bolivar the route followed by the Taylor and Brown Photo courtesy of Chieftains Museum Major Ridge Home Director, AHPP in Hardeman County, includes 1,400 feet of Detachments, which together numbered The Cherokee leader Major John Ridge signed the panel at each of the six sites; this panel will Special Conference Room Rate: , for which he was later killed provide information on federal Indian roadbed leading to the Hatchie River, and nearly 1,900 people. James Brown’s party “We had no idea how many of our state parks $61.00** Single or Double once in Indian Territory. removal policy to establish context for the the ferry landing sites on the east and west climbed the Cumberland Plateau first on were touched by the Trail of Tears, or of the $129.00** Jacuzzi Suite site-specific exhibits. These exhibits should banks. The roadbed is dirt and gravel and about November 1, 1838, and Richard and farm of the Cherokee leader and states- important role Arkansas played in the $109.00** Parlor Suite be installed by summer, 2006. bounded by steep embankments. This seg- Taylor’s group followed about a week later man that will guide future preservation removal of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, “In our work with Civil War battlefields in ment of trail is on private property. The 660 on November 7. efforts. Choctaw, Creek and Seminole peoples. We Free Parking Arkansas, we at the Arkansas Historic also have been impressed by the volume and people who comprised the detachment led Free Airport Shuttle*** Preservation Program realized the impor- content of records related to removal that by John Bell traversed this road on If you know of a trail segment that may be “I’m delighted with the board’s decision tance of interpretation as a key element in have been uncovered by Dan Littlefield and November 16, 1838. The Hatchie River and eligible for the National Register of given the complexity of issues to consider,” Look for a registration info preservation strategies – you can’t send a the American Native Press Archives. Four its adjacent swamplands were significant Historic Places, or would like more infor- said Jere Krakow, Superintendent of the in the August 2006 edition heritage tourist to an empty field, you have Arkansas state parks – Lake Dardanelle, obstacles, but the Cherokee were ferried mation about the program, contact your National Park Service National Trails of Trail News. to provide context. As we became involved Pinnacle Mountain, Petit Jean and Mount over it by the ferry owner and operator, state historic preservation office or visit System Office in Santa Fe that oversees the in the effort to identify segments of the Trail Nebo – have become certified sites on the Austin Miller. Two days later the Bell www.cr.nps.gov/nr. Or, better still, you can Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. of Tears in the state, we wanted to use the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and we detachment passed over the Bolivar to contact the NPS’s Trails System office at * Previous mailouts incorrectly stated Springfield, “Major Ridge’s home is a National Historic same strategy to let people know the story Illinois. hope to do the same with Old Washington, Somerville Stage Road. Over two miles of 505-988-6736. Landmark and a key to the story of the Trail of the men, women and children who Village Creek, Lake Chicot and Prairie Grove.” this trail segment near Bolivar in Fayette ** Room rate includes full breakfast buffet. of Tears. I look forward to working with all crossed Arkansas during the removal period. —Jay Miller, Chief of Interpretation, County are now listed on the National *** 24-hour notice is required. our partners as we move ahead.” These interpretive panels will stand as a tes- Arkansas State Parks

6 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News  April 2006 April 2006  Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 7 OK chapter members Clista Anderson, 2005 Trail of Tears Association Conference Photos Mary Adair, and Bobbie Smith take time to visit in the hotel lobby. The conference starts out with a tour of the new Chattanooga riverfront, which includes a Cherokee memorial titled “The Passage.” After the tour, conferees attend a reception at 212 Market Street Restaurant, where Congressman Zach Wamp welcomes them to Chattanooga and accepts a Donald Vann print as TOTA’s thanks for his dedication to the Trail. Marion TN chapter mem- All photos on Hagerstrand bers Agnes and pages 8 and 9 are and Bobbie Bill Jones visit by Billie Napolitano Heffington Troy Poteete, Paul with NPS staff and Marty King. Austin, Shelly Andrews, Steve Burns at a Jack Baker, and Jay luncheon. Mills relax on the river- AL chapter members boat tour. Robert Thrower and Gail and Marty King.

The Passage (L-R) Bottom: Edith Dalton, The conference took place at Carole Richmond, Patsy Edgar; Sarah Vaughn Middle: Betty Barker, Betty Deborah Kirk-Rodriguez and, aunt, the Chattanooga Marriott with sons Billy Lin and Ginger Merryfield; Top: Marybelle Cleata LaBrie, hand out door prizes and Odene Kirk. Abernathy Hotel Downtown. Two official Chase, Mary Adair after a general assembly. TN chapter President tours were offered: one to Red Doris Trevino welcomes Clay State Park and one on the conferees to Tennessee. Vision Becoming Reality - Using Partnerships to Develop the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Southern Belle Riverboat. In 1987, Congress acknowledged the signif- Chattanooga Regional History Museum,TN TOTA State Chapter Contacts icance of this tragic event in our Nation’s Cherokee County Historical Museum, NC Congressman Zach Wamp history by establishing the Trail of Tears Cherokee Heritage Center, OK Alabama Gail King National Historic Trail. The National Park Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home, GA 256-782-8207 Service administers the Trail in cooperation City of North Little Rock Riverfront Park, AR E-mail: [email protected] with federal, state, and local agencies; the Gray's Inn, KY (L-R) TOTA Coordinator Jerra Quinton, Friends of Mocassin Bend Director Shelley Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of John Ross House, GA Arkansas Andrews, KY chaper member Ann Read Cherokee Indians; interested groups; and Lake Dardanelle State Park, AR Kitty Sloan private landowners. Mantle Rock, KY Phone: 870-239-4252 During one of the luncheons, Murrell Home, OK Troy Poteete acknowledges TOTA President Jack Baker and Rep. Wamp Georgia Marion Hagerstrand, a highly The Trail of Tears Association and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, NC Doris Trevino and Tommy Cox respected Cherokee elder. National Park Service National Trails Shirley Lawrence get New Echota State Historic Site, GA Phone: 770-382-4012 tickled at Paul’s banter. System Office -Santa Fe have been working Red Clay State Historic Area, TN E-mail: [email protected] with Trail partners toincreasevisibilityfor Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, TN the Trail and to develop it for visitor use. Museum, TN Illinois Old traces, historic buildings, and other Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, KY Andrew West resources are being preserved. Many sites Vann House Historic Site, GA Phone: 618-993-5114 have been certified and numerous on-the- VC/Moccasin Springs Road/NancyHildebrand’s E-mail: [email protected] Wanda Stalcup and Doris Trevino take a ground projects have been completed, such Gravesite-Trail of Tears State Park, MO Kentucky Conferees sit in at the TOTA look at exhibits. as route signing, visitor-use development, Beverly Baker board meeting, which is Pending Certifications interpretive wayside exhibits, and interior Phone: 270-924-5484 always open to the public. Major Ridge Ferry Site and Farm Fields, GA Long-time TOTA member, museum exhibits at existing facilities. E-mail: [email protected] Mary Riesberg Coke Ovens Museum Trail Segments, TN Newly Certified Sites City of Nashville trail routes, TN North Carolina Delta Cultural Center, AR Fort Gibson, OK Jane Eastman Phone: 828-227-3841 Historic Road from Ross to Ridge's, GA Running Waters John Ridge Property, GA E-mail: [email protected] James Brown Cherokee Plantation, TN Federal Protection Components and Memorial and Museum, NC Tennessee Interpretive Sites Mount Nebo State Park, AR Doris Trevino Arkansas Post National Memorial, AR Petit Jean State Park, AR Phone: 931-598-5953 NPS Superintendent Berry Ferry, KY Pinnacle Mountain State Park, AR E-mail: [email protected] Jere Krakow con- Cadron Settlement Park, AR verses with MO Star City Ranch Trail Segment, MO Cherokee Memorial Park-Blythe Ferry, TN Missouri chapter President Trail of Tears State Forest, IL Fort Smith National Historic Site, AR Deloris Gray Wood Deloris Wood and The Hermitage, TN chapter member Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Phone: 573-729-2545 Hershel Price. E-mail: [email protected] Certified Sites Mark Twain National Forest, MO (L-R) TOTA Vice President Troy Audubon Acres, TN Mocassin Bend, TN Oklahoma Poteete, NPS Santa Fe staff During the tour to Red Clay, conferees were able to Cemetery, TN Pea Ridge National Military Park, AR Curtis Rohr John Conoboy, GA chapter stop and visit this home of Cherokee Hair Conrad, Shawnee National Forest, MO member Ansley Saville Browns Ferry Tavern, TN Phone: 918-341-4689 who led one of the Removal detachments. Campground Cemetery, IL Stones River National Battlefield, TN E-mail: [email protected]

8 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News  April 2006 April 2006  Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 9 PEA RIDGE Reddick’s cornfield, which borders the Overland Mail route, and the Civil War Are you a current member of TOTA? Continued from page 1 paved driving tour, is scheduled for historic showdown, explains Superintendent Scott. If not, please join TOTA today! the NPS Challenge Cost-Share program, the restoration during a volunteer workday In addition to the new exhibits, a planned Department of Arkansas Heritage, its May 6. For the fifth consecutive year, Pea makeover of the park museum will include Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Ridge has been selected to host a National Trail of Tears interpretation. The park is MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION the Arkansas Humanities Council, and the Parks Tour America event. With materials also considering restoring the paved por- January - December participating parks. funded by Unilever, Wal-Mart, and the tion of the historic road that has been National Parks Foundation, volunteers will known as Telegraph Road or Wire Road Trail ANNUAL The other waysides will be located on the replicate the split-worm rail fencing that since 1860. of MEMBERSHIP DUES River at Helena’s Delta Cultural surrounded the field in the 1830s. Tears 1100 N. University, Suite 143 Center; along the Arkansas River at North Cross-interpretation of Trail of Tears, Association Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 Little Rock Riverfront Park, Cadron Pea Ridge National Military Park was Butterfield stagecoach, and Civil War sites $25.00 Settlement Park, and Lake Dardanelle State authorized in 1956 to commemorate the in Benton and Washington counties is also Name Mr. Mrs. Ms. ______Park; and at March 7-8, a project of the Northwest Arkansas Automatically includes Address ______Village Creek 1862, battle Regional Planning Commission, membership in one (1) state State Park, that is consid- www.nwarpc.com, which will be placing City ______State ______Zip ______chapter. Additional state which pro- ered the most 100 Heritage Trail markers along historic Phone (Day) ______Fax ______memberships are $10 each. tects a surviv- strategic feder- routes throughout the two counties, coordi- ing segment of al victory west nator John McLarty reports. E-mail______Payments to the Trail of Tears Association the 1830s of the are tax deductible under section 501 (c) Memphis to Mississippi Additional information about Pea Ridge State Chapter(s) (Circle): Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, (3) of the Internal Revenue code. Little Rock and which National Military Park is at Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee Road. “saved www.nps.gov/peri or 479-451-8122. Missouri for Cherokee the Union.” artist Sam Photo courtesy of Betty Barker About 1,000 Calendar of Events Trail of Tears Trail of Tears National Park Service Watts-Scott of Artist Sam Watts-Scott was recognized at the dedication for her art- Cherokees in April 13 – MO chapter mtg; 10 a.m.; National Historic Trail work that was used in the exhibits. Association National Trails System Tahlequah two regiments Arlington River Resort; Newburg, MO Trail of Office - Santa Fe was hired to of Mounted Tears April 18 – TOTA board mtg; 8 a.m.; Association sketch the eight exhibits and was recog- Rifles participated in the battle on the side DoubleTree Downtown; Memphis, TN nized at the Pea Ridge unveiling. of the Confederates. Trail News is produced by the part- The Trail of Tears Association has The National Trails System Office -Santa April 22 – OK chapter mtg; 10 a.m.; nership of the Trail of Tears Association entered into a cooperative agreement Fe administers the Trail of Tears Ballroom behind Restaurant of the and the National Park Service National with the National Park Service to promote National Historic Trail, the Santa Fe Dr. Daniel F. Littlefield Jr. spoke at both the The park has been at the forefront of Cherokees; Tahlequah, OK; 2 p.m. Trails System Office - Santa Fe. and engage in the protection and National Historic Trail, and the Route 66 preservation of the Trail of Tears National Corridor Preservation Program. El Camino afternoon dedication ceremony and a adding Trail of Tears interpretation to its Grave Marking at Parkhill Cemetery Managing Editor/Designer Historic Trail resources; to promote Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic morning program hosted by the Arkansas original Civil War mission. Early trans- Jerra Quinton awareness of the Trail’s legacy, includ- Trail is administered jointly by the April 30 – IL chapter mtg; 2-4 p.m.; chapter with participation from the portation along the Springfield to ing the effects of the U.S. National Trails System Office-Santa Fe Shingoethe Museum; Aurora University; Contributors Government’s Indian Removal Policy on and the New Mexico State Office of Missouri and the Oklahoma chapters. Fayetteville Road is a theme that links the Aurora, IL Paul Austin, Jack Baker, Steve Burns, the Cherokee and other tribes; and to the Bureau of Land Management. Littlefield and his students have posted Trail of Tears, the 1850s Butterfield Mark Christ, John Conoboy, Jere perpetuate the management and their site report on Pea Ridge at May 5-7 – Historic Trails Workshop by Krakow, Dan Littlefield, Aaron Mahr, development techniques that are con- These trail and corridor programs are Partnership for the Nat’l Trails System; Jerra Quinton, Andrea Sharon, Kitty sistent with the National Park Service’s administered in partnership with http://anpa.ualr.edu. Research now focus- Quaterage Hotel; Kansas City, MO Sloan, and TOTA state chapters. Trail plan. American Indian tribes; federal, state, es on how detachments traveled from and local agencies; non-government Photographer (unless otherwise noted) May 6 – Sequoyah Research Center’s Trail of Tears Association organizations; and private landowners. Reddick’s farm to disbandment sites in the Andrea Sharon 1100 North University, Suite 143 new Cherokee Nation. Indian Removal Collection Workshop; Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 10:30 a.m.; University of Arkansas at National Trails System Office - Santa Fe Little Rock Comments and/or Address PO Box 728 Changes? Contact: Phone The park’s restored historic road segment 800-441-4513 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504 was listed on the National Register of May 13 – GA chapter mtg; 10 a.m.; Jerra Quinton 501-666-9032 Historic Places in May 2005 along with two Pine Log Methodist Church; Pine Log, GA Trail of Tears Association Phone 1100 N. University, Suite 143 E-Mail 505-988-6888 other segments of the Springfield to May 13 – TN chapter mtg; Fayetteville, [email protected] Fayetteville Road traveled during Cherokee TN Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 [email protected] E-Mail Removal. National Register narratives are Website July 22 – AR chapter meeting; Historic www.NationalTOTA.org [email protected] posted at the Arkansas Historic Preservation Website Photo by Aaron Mahr Arkansas Museum; Little Rock, AR Program’s website, www.arkansaspreser- www.nps.gov/trte The National Park Service cares for the spe- Principal Chief Chad Smith (front right) and Deputy cial places saved by the American people so vation.com Chief Joe Grayson (front left), followed by the October 9-12 – 11th Annual TOTA . The National Register segment that all may experience our heritage. in the park is northeast of Elkhorn Tavern, Cherokee Nation Color Guard, lead a memorial walk Conference & Symposium; Clarion along the restored Northern Route trail segment, Hotel; Springfield, MO the reconstructed landmark located on the located in what is now Pea Ridge National Military site of William Reddick’s farmhouse. Park in northwest Arkansas.

10 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News  April 2006 April 2006  Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 11 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Trail LITTLE ROCK, AR of PERMIT 196 Tears Association 1100 N. University, Suite 143 Little Rock, AR 72207-6344

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$$$$ Challenge Cost-Share Program - 2006 $$$$

Many of the projects accomplished along Remember, Challenge Cost-Share funds education, or research. Projects require the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail are not a grant, but rather are funds for a 50/50 match of federal and nonfederal are receiving funding from the National mutually-agreed-upon national historic funding. However, the nonfederal Park Service Challenge Cost-Share trail projects. match can include the value of volun- Program. Your project might qualify, too. teer time and other in-kind services, Give us a call and we will send you a Although Congress has increased the donated equipment and supplies, and project proposal form and instructions. amount of available funding for the pro- so forth. If you’re not sure whether or Projects should support the programs gram, they have also added 3 new national not your project will qualify, call us and goals of the Trail of Tears National historic trails in recent years, so the anyway, and let’s talk. Historic Trail as set forth in the annual amount available for the Trail of Comprehensive Management and Use Tears remains at around $36,000. The deadline for proposals was Plan. February 3, 2006. However, we will still Site-specific projects can generally only be discuss proposals with you, and if If you have a possible project, contact funded for certified sites. Projects can be funding is available, they may be funded John Conoboy right away by mail, or by related to resource protection, manage- this year, or postponed for future year phone at (505) 988-6733. ment, visitor use facilities, interpretation, funding.