PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE National Historic Trail Trail PAID of LITTLE ROCK, AR Tears PERMIT 196 Association Trail of Trail News 1100 N. University, Suite 143 Tears Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 Association TOTA Returns to Homelands for Conference

The 8th Annual Trail of Tears Association Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Conference & Symposium was held Cherokee Indians at the opening luncheon. October 6 – 9, 2003, at the Holiday Inn in Chief Hicks first welcomed conference Cherokee, North Carolina. There were attendees to the Eastern Band’s homeland, over 170 people at the conference. and then described the importance the Eastern Band places on preserving the The Museum of the Cherokee Indian wel- story of the . Principal comed conferees to Cherokee with a Chief of the reception and book signing at the museum then spoke to the conferees about the sig- the night of the 6th. After a morning board nifcance of not only telling the story of of directors meeting on the 7th, TOTA removal but also of telling about the enor- President Jack Baker introduced Principal mous strength and resilience of the Cherokee people in surviving and prosper- Photo courtesy of Ted Slape ing after removal. (Shown left to right) Betty Barker, Mary Adair, Carole Richmond, Betty Merryfield, and Jeri Wood wear their tear dresses to the opening reception EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA Concurrent sessions started the afternoon and book signing at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. of the 7th and ended the 9th. Presenters at the conference included Bill Anderson Hastings Shade from the Cherokee Nation, from Western Carolina University, James Anna McCoy Smith, a researcher of the Bird from the Eastern Band’s Cultural Moravian church, Phillip Thomason from $$$$$$$$ Challenge Cost-Shar e PPrr ogram - 2004 $$$$$$$$ Resources Department, Michael Green Thomason and Associates, and Dave After welcoming conferees, Prinipal Chief Chad Welch from the Oregon- Trails Many of the projects accom- Remember, Challenge Cost-Share whether or not your project Smith (second from left), from the Cherokee Nation, from the University of North Carolina at plished along the Trail of Tears funds are not a grant, but rather will qualify, call us anyway, and and Principal Chief Michell Hicks (second from Chapel Hill, Duane King from the Association. right), from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Southwest Museum, Theda Perdue from National Historic Trail are receiv- are funds for mutually-agreed- let's talk. pose for a photo with their wives, Bobbie Smith ing funding from the National upon national historic trail proj- and Marsha Ball Hicks. the University of North Carolina at Chapel Presentation topics included Creeks in Park Service Challenge Cost- ects. In fiscal year 2004, there was a Hill, Jaime Pinkham and Rick Wood from Indian Territory, intermarriage between Share Program. Your project reduction in the amount of The Trust for Public Land, Brett Riggs from Europeans and Indians, Creek removal, might qualify, too. Give us a call Site-specific projects can generally Challenge Cost-Share funds INSIDE THIS ISSUE the University of North Carolina at Chapel Cherokee removal, trail preservation, land and we will send you a project only be funded for certified sites. available for national trails Hill, Anne Rogers from Western Carolina conservation, the Eastern Band’s removal • TOTA Conference...... 1 proposal form and instructions. Projects can be related to nationwide. Our total was University, former Deputy Principal Chief exemption, maps and new discoveries  Message from Trail of Tears along the Trail, the relationship between Projects should support the pro- resource protection, manage- reduced by approximately 16%, Association President...... 2 Cherokee and Moravian women, the Trail grams and goals of the Trail of ment, visitor use facilities, inter- and we now have two new  Trails Advocacy Week...... 2 Tears National Historic Trail as pretation, education, or research. trails (El Camino Real de Tierra  Message from NPS of Tears in North Carolina, and Cherokee set forth in the Comprehensive Projects require a 50/50 match of Adentro National Historic Trail Superintendent...... 3 culture.  TRTE in the News...... 3 Management and Use Plan. federal and nonfederal funding. and the Old Spanish National  Chapter News...... 4 Two tours were offered to conferees, However, the nonfederal match Historic Trail) that are eligible  Certified Trail Sites...... 5 including a driving tour to Murphy, North If you have a possible project, can include the value of volunteer to apply for funds.  Chapter Contacts...... 5 contact John Conoboy right time and other in-kind services,  TOTA Board Meeting...... 5 Carolina, that included narration about away by mail or phone (505- donated equipment and supplies,  TOTA Website...... 6 Trail of Tears sites seen along the way, and 988-6733). and so forth. If you're not sure  Recent Donators...... 6 another tour to Memorial  DAH Nominations...... 6 Museum and Kituhwa Mound. Both tours We have extended our deadline. Project proposals should be received  North Little Rock...... 7 were very well-received among those  Interpretive Plan Update...... 7 at the National Trails System Office - Santa Fe Dr. Brett Riggs (center) explains to tour participants attending. by March 31, 2004. the significance of Kituwah Mound.

Newsletter of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Partnership • May 2003 - Number 2 A Message from the Trail of Tears Association President A Message from the Superintendent of the National Trails System Office - Intermountain Region

In an earlier newsletter I gave my vision for passed dur- used and in identifying any segments that With the start of a new year, I look back on The Partnership for the National Trails to include the Benge and Bell Routes as the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, ing their may still exist. the accomplishments and challenges of System, Inc., and its executive director, part of the Trail of Tears National Historic which is to have numerous certified sites removal. 2003, and I look forward to working with Gary Werner. However, as is customary, Trail. Certainly there are ample historical with interpretation all along the routes. (The other Their chief archivist, C. Daniel Crews, is our partners in 2004 to protect and inter- our Washington, D.C., and regional offices accounts of detachments of Cherokee on Arkansas is moving toward that goal. The is Fort translating the Minutes of the Governing pret the Trail of Tears National Historic will take some share of that money to help the routes during the removal. In addition, Department of Arkansas Heritage, with the Smith.) The Board for the Southern Province of the Trail. cover their operational costs. We are still mapping of the routes and identification of help of a challenge cost share grant from site is Moravian Church for 1838. The original waiting to learn what the amount of those some sites and segments along them were the National Park Service, is in the process across record is in German script and most of it This has been my first full year as assessments will be. included in the Comprehensive Manage- of erecting Trail of Tears’ interpretation the has never before been translated into Superintendent of the National Trails ment and Use Plan. Trail supporters, par- displays at six sites all across the state. Arkansas English. Much of the discussion has to do System - Santa Fe and Salt Lake City. The Significant headway has been made in trail ticularly in Georgia, North Carolina, These range from a site in eastern River from with the Cherokee situation regarding year began with the annual Trail of Tears certification along the routes of the Trail of Tennessee, and Alabama, would like to see Arkansas at Helena on the Mississippi the soon- removal. The Moravians were very inter- Association Symposium in Cherokee, Tears. We the bill amended to include additional River, which was on the river route to to-be com- ested, as they had in 1801 established the North Carolina. Thanks to the hard work are removal routes in those states. At this writ- northwest Arkansas at Pea Ridge National Jack Baker, President of the Trail pleted first mission to the at of the Association and the North Carolina stream- ing, no hearing on the legislation has been Battlefield Park, on the northern land of Tears Association Clinton Springplace in Georgia. Several Cherokees chapter, the symposium was a big success, lining the scheduled. route. Presidential Library and will draw a signifi- visited Salem in that year, including Chief with excellent speakers and outstanding process cant number of visitors in the coming John Ross, , and George field trips and exhibits. and mak- In addition to the Strategic Plan developed It is only with partners like the Depart- years. I appreciate Mayor Hays’ interest in Hicks. These documents will give a unique ing the in Memphis in 2002, we will soon have a ment of Arkansas Heritage that this vision the Trail of Tears and look forward to the view of the conflicts regarding the Budget figures for this fiscal year (which agree- finalized Interpretive Plan. These two will be realized. I am grateful for their development of the site with the inclusion Cherokee removal; and, fortunately, Mr. started October 1, 2003) are slowly begin- ment plans, developed with you, will guide the leadership under Bobbie Heffington in of Trail of Tears interpretation. Crews has also agreed to make this avail- ning to emerge from Washington, D.C., forms work of the Association and the NPS for at leading the way and becoming an example able for us to publish. (I would like to through the Intermountain Region, simpler. least the next five years. Many of you for other states to follow. Indeed, they In December I visited the Moravian thank Anna McCoy Smith, a Moravian and Denver. There is good news and bad news. A new responded to the request to prioritize the were instrumental in helping to establish Archives in Winston-Salem, North a Cherokee, whose introduction and influ- The bad news is that Challenge Cost Share certifica- top five actions identified in the interpre- the Trail of Tears Association and assisted Carolina. While there I saw the travel diary ence made it possible to access these valu- Program funds for the Santa Fe Office have Jere Krakow, Superintendent of the tion tive planning process, and we thank you in hosting the first annual conference in of Miles Vogler, a missionary to the able records.) been cut from $72,000 to $60,000. On top National Trails System Office - brochure for your input. Respondents identified Intermoutain Region 1996. It is partners like this that will make Cherokees, of his journey in the fall of of that, the addition of the newly author- will signing of the trail as a high priority. This the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail a 1838 from at present These are exciting times for the Trail of ized Old Spanish National Historic Trail replace the outdated certification hand- item will be discussed in April with the success! Chattanooga to the Cherokee Nation West. Tears Association as new interpretation and the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro book. Several new sites have been certified association Board, and several sign proto- This hand-written, 65-page diary gives a displays are going up and new documents National Historic Trail, which our Santa Fe and a number of agreements are pending types will be evaluated. Note the article on Pat Hays, the mayor of North Little Rock, detailed account of the route he took. are being uncovered regarding the Trail! Office co-administers with the Bureau of (see page 5). An attractive framed certifi- page 7 containing results of the vote. The has also shown his interest in the Trail of Vogler, with two other Moravian mission- Land Management, means that more trails cate has been designed for site owners to partnership between us is strong, and I am Tears by hosting a two-day charette to dis- aries, used the same northern route that Jack D. Baker are competing for a share of those funds. display, and designs for signs have been committed to strengthening it in the cuss ways of interpreting the forced was used by the majority of the Cherokees created by our staff. months and years to come. Together we removal of the Five Civilized Tribes, in a who left in the weeks following Vogler’s [Visit the Moravian Archives website at The good news is, the Trail of Tears budget make a difference! premier site along the riverfront in North departure. The Archives is transcribing the www.moravianarchives.org and order their was increased by $55,000. The funding Legislation (HR#3342) has been intro- Little Rock. This city has the distinction of diary and has agreed to make it available booklet, Faith and Tears: The Moravian increase is the result of diligent work by duced to study and recommend whether Jere Krakow being one of only two locations through for us to publish. This diary will be a great Mission among the Cherokee, by C. Daniel which at least a part of each of the Tribes asset in locating the actual Trail that was Crews.] Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Receives Attention in National and International News

The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail The next issue of Pathways, the national National Park Stewardship. The TRTE arti- (TRTE) has recently received national and newsletter of the Partnership for the cle includes the trail logo and map, a pho- TOTA President and Staff Attend the Partnership’s Hike the Hill: Trails Advocacy Week international attention in several venues. National Trails System, will feature an arti- tograph of a trail segment, and a trail scene This past summer, TIME magazine pub- cle about the TRTE interpretive exhibits at painted by Cherokee artist Sam Watts- The Partnership for the National Trails projects. TOTA President Jack Baker and The Partnership met for discussion and lished a special insert about the National the in Kidd. This attractive, full-color booklet, System, of which TOTA is a member, met staff members Paul Austin and Jerra training on trail policy issues and advo- Park System—emphasizing historic and Tahlequah, . Also covered will made its debut at the World Congress on in conjunction with their annual event Quinton attended the meeting. cacy skills, as well as visiting with con- cultural sites. A brief history of Federal be the annual conference of the National Parks this past September in Hike the Hill: Trails Advocacy Week, gressional members and staff. The Indian removal and the national historic Partnership that was sponsored by the Trail Durban, South Africa. Several thousand February 29 - March 3, 2004, in This year’s advocacy week focused on full Partnership held a Congressional recep- trail were presented in The American of Tears Association in Fort Smith, copies were also distributed during the Washington, D.C. This week provides funding for trails and recreation manage- tion on Capitol Hill, which was attend- Indian Experience section. Although the Arkansas. multi-agency conference on partnerships opportunities for trail organizations to ment within the NPS, USDA Forest ed by congressmen and Partnership article about the Trail was brief, many this past November in Los Angeles, talk directly to the policy-makers in Service, and Bureau of Land Management, members. readers had the opportunity to be intro- The Trail of Tears NHT was selected as a California. Washington, D.C., about their trails and and on other trail-related policies. duced to the removal story, since TIME’s case study in partnerships for the publica- circulation is in the millions. tion Branching Out—Approaches in

2 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 3 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News Vision Becoming Reality - Developing the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Through Partnerships

Despite this tragic event in our Nation’s Newly Certified Sites Trail of Tears Association Missouri Oklahoma (continued) Georgia (continued) history, the Cherokee and other South- City of North Little Rock Riverfront Park, AR State Chapter Contacts Gray's Inn, KY The last chapter meeting was held during The Oklahoma chapter held its fall meeting National Park Service, and Dr. David eastern tribes built successful communities Alabama that exist today. Old traces, historic build- the Scottish Games at Forest Park in St. Louis on November 15, 2003, at the Caney Crass, State Archaeologist with the Georgia Richard Sheridan ings, and other sites are being preserved to Phone: 256-381-2298 on October 11, 2003. The chapter used map Cemetery Chapel building, with approxi- Department of Natural Resources. Certified Sites commemorate the sorrowful journey. E-mail: [email protected] displays to generate discussion with visitors mately 80 in attendance. The guest speaker Audubon Acres, TN Brainerd Mission Cemetery, TN about the Association and its goals, and was genealogist Roy Hamilton, the coordi- Tennessee A variety of local, state, and national Arkansas Browns Ferry Tavern, TN Chief John Ross’s connection with the nator of research and archives at the efforts have commenced to preserve, Kitty Sloan In the past year, the Tennessee chapter has Cherokee County Historical Museum, NC Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, Phone: 870-932-4252 Scots. The board held its regular meeting lost two members, Mr. Jack Wright and develop, and interpret Trail resources. A /Major Ridge Home, GA and voted to purchase a banner with the Oklahoma. A grave marking ceremony for growing awareness of this important Chattanooga Regional History Museum, TN Mr. Gary Williams, both from the Georgia chapter name and logo for future events. 10 survivors of the Trail of Tears was held story—and those of other removed Cherokee Heritage Center, OK Chattanooga area. They each will be sorely Jean Belew tribes— has stimulated interest in national- Lake Dardanelle State Park, AR The board is also considering purchasing following the meeting. The chapter has missed. Phone: 770-382-6676 ly recognizing this chapter in our Nation’s Murrell Home, OK portable display boards and producing an now conducted a total of 92 markings since E-mail: [email protected] past. The Trail of Tears National Historic Museum of the Cherokee Indian, NC embroidered patch for sale at events. the beginning of the project to honor the Arkansas Trail tells of the Cherokees’ ordeal—but State Historic Site, GA Illinois survivors of the forced removal. Red Clay State Historic Area, TN The Arkansas chapter will be busy in 2004, many tribes can tell similar stories. Rowena McClinton On December 13, Hershel Price met with Birthplace Museum, TN as will its partners at the American Native Phone: 618-692-0347 Ms. Delores Wood Gray, President of the Planning for the 2004 national TOTA con- Tennessee River Museum, TN Press Archives, the Department of In 1987, Congress acknowledged the sig- E-mail: [email protected] Dent County Historical Society. Ms. Gray is ference is underway by the Oklahoma nificance of the Trail by establishing the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, KY Arkansas Heritage, Arkansas State Parks, Vann House Historic Site, GA in the middle of some great research on the chapter. We look forward to hosting the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The Kentucky the City of North Little Rock, and Pea Visitor Center, Moccasin Springs Road, and Hildebrand Route through Dent County meeting, which will be held at the new National Park Service administers the Trail Beverly Baker Ridge National Military Park. A program Nancy Hildebrand's gravesite in Trail of in cooperation with federal, state, and Phone: 270-886-9777 (day) and surrounding area. She has located Cherokee Nation Hotel and Complex in Tears State Park, MO spotlighting Arkansas River Valley research local agencies; the Cherokee Nation and places that could possibly be added to the Catoosa, Oklahoma, in October 2004. will be presented March 13 at Arkansas the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; North Carolina National Historic Register and be certified Post Museum State Park. A May 1 prayer Jane Eastman interested groups; and private landowners. Pending Certifications on the Trail. Georgia Phone: 828-227-3841 service sponsored by the City of North Coke Ovens Museum Trail Segments, TN E-mail: [email protected] New officers were elected in January and Little Rock will commemorate the Trail of The Trail of Tears Association and the City of Chattanooga trail routes and Thanks to Mr. Ted W. Roller of Purdy, sworn in for the Georgia Chapter. The new National Park Service National Trails historic sites, TN Tears at the ferry site where land and water Tennessee Missouri, the chapter will hold its next System Office -Santa Fe have been working City of Nashville trail routes, TN officers include President Jean Belew, Vice- routes intersected. The service will be part Vicky Garland meeting at 10:00 a.m., February 14, 2004, at with Trail partners toincreasevisibilityfor Fort Gibson, OK President Tommy Cox, Secretary Wanda of the observance of the city’s centennial. Phone: 931-766-0827 the Trail and to develop it for visitor use. the Barry County Courthouse in Cassville. Patterson, and Treasurer Dola Davis. If ready, a riverfront wayside exhibit featur- The chapter has been trying to meet in the Additional sites have been certified and Missouri ing the removal stories of each of the Five Federal Protection Components southwest portion of the state for some numerous on-the-ground projects have Hershel Price The Georgia chapter has been active in Tribes will be dedicated then. Cherokee Removal Memorial Park - Blythe been completed, such as signing the route, Phone: 573-334-1711 (day) time. We are looking forward to recruiting researching the histories of removal forts Ferry, TVA land, TN visitor-use development, interpretive way- E-mail: [email protected] new members in southwest Missouri. The and has made progress on several Arkansas chapter meetings have been side exhibits, and interior museum exhibits Fort Smith National Historic Site, AR Mark Twain National Forest, MO next chapter meeting will be held in Pilot forts/encampments. J.B. Tate and Doug scheduled for May 15 at the Baxter County at existing facilities. Many more are being Oklahoma Pea Ridge National Military Park, AR Knob during the Scottish Games Festival Mabry are moving forward on their planned. Curtis Rohr Heritage Museum in Gassville, focusing on Shawnee National Forest, MO being held April 10-11, 2004. research regarding the removal fort located the Benge Route across north Arkansas; Phone: 918-341-4689 E-mail: [email protected] at Rome, Georgia. Through comparison of July 24 at the Darragh Center of the Main Oklahoma various primary source documents, they Library in Little Rock, focusing on inter- The Oklahoma chapter has been very active have identified the location of the site. pretation along the Arkansas River Valley; Trail of Tears Association Board of Directors Meets at 2004 Conference in Cherokee, NC since the last newsletter. In October, and September 11 at Village Creek State approximately 20 chapter members attend- Dr. Sarah Hill has been busy in her Park, focusing on the Memphis to Little The Association board met at the 2003 meeting in April 2004; the membership They reported on the funds available and ed the national TOTA conference in research efforts with trips to the National Rock Road. The 1.5-mile segment of the TOTA conference in Cherokee, North will vote on the board’s approved changes projects appropriate for Challenge-Cost Cherokee, North Carolina. This was the Archives and state, regional, and local Old Military Trail within the park is con- Carolina, on October 7. John Conoboy, at the 2004 conference in October. Share grants, current research and sig- first visit to the home of the Eastern Band libraries and fort sites. Dr. Hill continues sidered the best surviving stretch of that Jere Krakow, and Aaron Mahr from the nage efforts, and the film about the Trail of Cherokee Indians for some of them. to dig up great bits of information, giving a 19th-century road. National Park Service also attended the The board discussed the legislation intro- that will soon be produced. Most came away with a feeling of awe and clearer picture of who served at the vari- meeting. duced by Congressman Marion Berry of reverence after visiting the homeland of ous removal locations in Georgia and how We’re also hopeful that our Fall 2003 meet- Arkansas to add the Benge and Bell routes The location and time for the 2004 con- their Cherokee ancestors. events took place in May - June 1838. We ing at the Shiloh Museum in Springdale Kitty Sloan, the bylaws committee chair, to the Trail. The board directed staff to ference and the next board meeting were look forward to Dr. Hill’s completion of helped jumpstart a Northwest Arkansas informed the board that the committee develop language that would also include decided. The conference will be held in A number of Oklahoma chapter members this project and thank her for her hard Research Team that can answer some of met in August 2003. She presented the the North Carolina and Georgia routes. Tulsa, Oklahoma, October 25-28, 2004. attended the meeting of the Arkansas chap- work. We extend our thanks to the cooper- the many questions about possible varia- proposed changes to the bylaws as devel- The board meeting will be held in ter held October 25, 2003, in Springdale, ative grant sponsors for their support of tions of the Northern Route through oped by the committee. These changes The NPS reported to the Association Nashville, Tennessee, April 27, 2004. Arkansas, following lunch at the A/Q Dr. Hill’s research, including the Trail of Benton and Washington counties. will be voted on at the upcoming board about the current situation in their office. Chicken Restaurant. Tears National Historic Trail’s office of the

4 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 5 Development of Trail of Tears Association Website Complete Partners Meet in North Little Rock to Discuss Waterfront Interpretation

The national Trail of Tears Association’s Information Systems, one titled and contact information for each site, and The City of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Riverfront Park along the Arkansas River ducting on Indian Removal in the North website is now up and running and can be “Designated Routes” and the other titled describes how a site becomes certified. and Mayor Pat Hays hosted a two-day in the downtown area, has emerged as a Little Rock area. The group then entered found at www.nationalTOTA.org. The main “Routes Under Study.” The “Newsletters” visioning session on January 13 and 14, significant site along the Trail of Tears into a lengthy discussion of the large vari- page of the site offers information on the page offers access to the most current The website will be updated regularly. 2004, to discuss possible development con- because of its association with all of the ety of stories that can be told. role the Trail of Tears Association plays in newsletter, as well as two older newsletters. Check back every so often to see updates cepts for commemorating and interpreting five tribes removed from the southeastern preserving and promoting the Trail of Tears The “Certified Sites” page lists the certified about such things as the chapters and the Indian removal and the Trail of Tears in United States. Recently completed Although much work is still needed, a National Historic Trail, and the relationship sites along the Trail, provides descriptions conference. North Little Rock. In attendance were research by Dr. Littlefield, funded by the broad range of alternatives for creating an between the Association and the National NPS Challenge Cost-Share program, has interpretive experience in the city were dis- Park Service. The “General Information” shed new light on the significant extant cussed. Among the ideas was a major inter- page describes the TOTA mission and pro- resources of the riverfront, as well as pro- pretive center, with each tribe or nation vides links to information about the state vides an in-depth understanding of the having a place to interpret their removal chapters, national board of directors, con- removal experience here. In the years fol- and resettlement experience; preservation ference information, and products sold by lowing the of 1830, and interpretation of the historic sites in TOTA. “The Story” page details the history over 40,000 Cherokee, Choctaw, the area; the development of a research of the Cherokee removal, from European Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole passed and education center; the development of contact to the aftermath in Indian Territory. through the North Little Rock site. Some an interpretive trail along the river walk The “Membership Information” page lists passed along the Arkansas River; some system; extensive public art projects; and the benefits of membership and provides came to the area over land routes; many the recreation of a keel or flat boat on the an application form. Mike Madell, National Park Service Superintendent crossed the river on either of the two fer- river, with a living history component. of Central High School National Historic Site, Little ries to Little Rock; and large numbers Rock, presents a Trail of Tears National Historic Three pages are provided by the National Trail certification plaque to Pat Hays, North Little camped—sometimes for weeks—on the Visioning and planning will continue, and Park Service as links to their website: “Trail Rock Mayor. banks of the river. The U.S. Army had a the group adjourned with the intention of Maps and Database,” “Newsletters,” and presence in the area to monitor removal reconvening at a later date, pursuing “Certified Sites.” The “Trail Maps” page members of the Trail of Tears Association, activities, and contractors established greater tribal participation, and opening The national Trail of Tears Association’s homepage can be found at www.nationalTOTA.org. offers two map databases using Geographic including President Jack Baker, Executive major supply depots in the area as well. the discussion to a wider audience. Director Paul Austin, and Coordinator Jerra Quinton. Representing the Arkansas Mayor Hays began the session by explain- Recent Donators DAH Prepares Nominations for National Register chapter were Chapter President Kitty ing the city’s commitment to revitalizing its Sloan and Past President Dr. Dan downtown area, which includes the devel- The Department of Arkansas Heritage DAH and AHPP also are working with the TOTA appreciates all the support from Littlefield. Also in attendance were repre- opment of a master waterfront plan. Aware (DAH) and its Arkansas Historic Preser- NPS and State Parks to place interpretive members and partner groups. We sentatives of the Cherokee Nation, the of the city’s significance in Indian removal, vation Program (AHPP) have been prepar- wayside exhibit panels at Village Creek would especially like to thank those Chickasaw Nation, the National Trails Mayor Hays expressed the hope that this ing National Register of Historic Places State Park, Helena, Pea Ridge National who make it a point to give on an System Office of the National Park Service, visioning session’s recommendations nominations for Trail of Tears sites in the Military Park, Cadron Settlement Park, annual basis, those who give extra Central High School National Historic Site, would be useful in guiding the city’s water- state, working with the historic context Lake Dardanelle State Park, and North when sending in their membership the Arkansas Historic Preservation front plans. The discussion continued with developed in partnership with the NPS’s Little Rock. These panels will discuss dues, and those who have donated for Program, the North Little Rock History an update from Dr. Littlefield on the Mayor Pat Hays discusses his ideas for Trail of Tears specific events. National Trails System Office–Santa Fe and Removal as it affected those six locations. interpretation along the North Little Rock Commission, and other city entities. extensive research that his team at the approved last year by the Keeper of the The NPS provided Challenge Cost-Share Riverfront Park. North Little Rock, and particularly the American Native Press Archives is con- Our recent donators are: National Register in Washington, D.C. funding for the project and AHPP is seek- ing additional money from the Arkansas Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Partners Set Priorities for Interpretive Plan Cherokee Nation – $29,500 To date, Bell Route segments at Village Humanities Council to create an additional During the summer of 2002, Trail of Tears • Identify sites for future certification. To finalize the draft interpretive plan, a Andrew Denson – $75 Creek State Park have been listed on the panel for each site that will provide a brief Association members and other interested • Develop and implement a trail moni- strategy to implement the remaining Eastern Band of Cherokee – $10,000 National Register, as has the site of the overview of federal Indian removal policy. stakeholders reviewed the draft interpretive toring strategy. action—developing and installing signs Harrah’s Casino – $5,000 Blackfish Lake Ferry Crossing and Cadron Phyllis Hetrick-Bennett – $10 plan. Comments were incorporated, and in with the logo along the trail’s segment. Nominations are also being Additionally, DAH has developed a memo- Jo Heyman – $10 fall 2002, members voted for the plan rec- All of these actions are consistent with the length—needs to be developed. How can developed for three Northern Route seg- randum of agreement with the Arkansas Jay & Jennifer Mills – $200 ommendations they believed to be the most June 2002 Strategic Plan developed by everyone contribute to the planning, devel- ments in Benton County, and AHPP histo- Game and Fish Commission, which allows Casey & Lori Vann – $290 important. The following five actions rated members of the Trail of Tears Association opment, and placement of an identifiable rians are conducting additional fieldwork placement of interpretive exhibit panels at Gary Wood – $75 as the highest priorities for implementation: board, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail system of signs? How will the work be for more potential nominations. The its boat ramps located at sites related to the • Market the trail locally/nationally for Advisory Council, and the National Park funded? These questions will be addressed AHPP is also seeking National Historic Trail of Tears. DAH is hoping to work with Thank you, Donators, for your extra the purpose of gaining support and Service. Four of the actions—those at the National Trail of Tears Association support! Landmark status for the 1.5-mile-long the Arkansas chapter of TOTA to develop understanding of the trail story. emphasizing marketing, a research strategy, board meeting in April 2004. Village Creek State Park segment. Visit the these. • Develop and install signs with logo on site certification, and resource AHPP website for more information, at the trail along its entire length. monitoring—will be addressed through the Thanks to all of you who rated the action www.arkansaspreservation.org/history. • Develop a research strategy/work plan. Strategic Plan implementation. items!

6 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 7 A Look at the 2004 TOTA Conference Trail of Tears Trail of Tears National Park Service National Historic Trail Association National Trails System Trail of Office - Santa Fe Tears Association Trail News is produced by the part- The Trail of Tears Association has The National Trails System Office -Santa nership of the Trail of Tears Association entered into a cooperative agreement Fe administers the Trail of Tears National and the National Park Service National with the National Park Service to promote Historic Trail, the Santa Fe National Trails System Office - Santa Fe. and engage in the protection and Historic Trail, and the Route 66 Corridor preservation of the Trail of Tears National Preservation Program. El Camino Real de Managing Editor Historic Trail resources; to promote aware- Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail is Jerra Quinton ness of the Trail’s legacy, including the administered jointly by the National effects of the U.S. Government’s Indian Trails System Office-Santa Fe and the Contributors Removal Policy on the Cherokee and State Office of the Bureau Jack Baker, Mark Christ, John Conoboy, other tribes; and to perpetuate the of Land Management. Photo courtesy of John Deupree Jere Krakow, Aaron Mahr, Jerra management and development tech- The Cherokee Elementary School children’s choir sings for attendees at a luncheon at the TOTA conference in Quinton, Andrea Sharon, and the Trail niques that are consistent with the These trail and corridor programs are Cherokee, North Carolina, in October 2003. of Tears Association state chapters. National Park Service’s Trail plan. administered in partnership with American Indian tribes; federal, state, Designer Trail of Tears Association and local agencies; non-government Jerra Quinton 1100 North University, Suite 143 organizations; and private landowners. Editor Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Jane Harvey National Trails System Office - Santa Fe Phone Photographers (unless otherwise noted) 800-441-4513 PO Box 728 Jerra Quinton, Andrea Sharon 501-666-9032 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504

Presenter Jaime Pinkham, Tribal Land Program Comments and/or Address E-Mail Phone Director for The Trust for Public Lands and a [email protected] member of the Nez Perce Tribe, speaks to con- Changes? Contact: 505-988-6888 ferees about his experience with regaining and Jerra Quinton Website The Museum of the Cherokee Indian hosts an opening Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith conserving tribal ancestral homelands. Trail of Tears Association www.nationalTOTA.org E-Mail reception and book signing for conference attendees. welcomes conferees at the opening luncheon. 1100 N. University, Suite 143 [email protected] Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 The National Park Service cares for the special [email protected] places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. Website www.nps.gov/trte

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Photo courtesy of John Deupree If not, and you would like to continue receiving Trail News, The Brown family sings gospel hymns in the please join TOTA today! for tour participants in Murphy, North Carolina. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Membership in the Trail of Tears Association automatically includes Photo courtesy of John Deupree 1100 N. University, Suite 143 membership in one state Tour participants visit the gravesite of the Cherokee leader Junaluska, located near Murphy, Little Rock, AR 72207-6344 North Carolina. chapter. Additional state The NPS updates Association members on their current projects and activities. Name ______memberships are $10 each.

Address ______ANNUAL City ______State ______Zip ______MEMBERSHIP DUES Phone (Day) ______(Evening) ______$25.00

Email______Payments to the Trail of Tears Association are tax deductible under section 501 (c) Photo courtesy of Ted Slape State Chapter(s)______(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Two chapter members (to the left, Dr. Sarah Hill from Cherokee Nation Council Member Cara Cowan State Chapters: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Photo courtesy of Wanda Stalcup Georgia, and to the right, Dr. Brett Riggs from North Carolina) (third from left) visits with conference attendees Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee TOTA President Jack Baker welcomes discuss their personal research along the Trail in their at the opening reception/book signing at the conferees at an opening luncheon. individual states with conferees. Musuem of the Cherokee Indian.

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