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2016 Remember the Removal Riders are shown in this photo. For news on this years Riders see our story on page 5.

Newsletter of the National Historic Trail Partnership • May 2017 – Number 27 ESTABLISHING TRAIL OF TEARS SIGNAGE There have been EXPERIENCES numerous questions OF A about the Trail of Tears VETERAN signage. How you VOLUNTEER get them and where they go and who pays? After working with the National Park Service and Trail of Tears Association for many years we now have signs in place in a lot of areas. Most all the Trails pass through the Homeland of the here in , so we had to work and document where they went through the areas. A lot of time and energy goes into that part of it. For example it did take years to fnally get the Bell, Benge and some round up routes added to the long distance trails list for the Trail of Tears. After that we could sign the routes. The National National Historic Trail Parks Services pay for signs and we have to Groundbreaking Ceremony pay for the post and hardware. To go deeper into the process I worked Charleston, TN with Lawrence and Giles County to get On October 6, a groundbreaking a $250,000 National Trails grant to fund signs up. In addition to that, I worked ceremony was held in Charleston for the project. with Coreen Kolisko Donnelly with the a National Historic Trail to mark the National Park Service to get them approved location of , considered to be As Aaron Mahr pointed out, there are by NTOTA and the NPS and then signs the primary point of departure for the signs all along the 780 miles of the ordered. The signs are actually made in a Trail of Tears. Trail, from Fort Cass at Charleston prison in Utah and after completion they to Woodhall’s Depot at Westville, are shipped to where they will be used. Hosted by the Heritage , “but, it is very special to We work with the Tennessee Department Center with about 100 people in have a sign here at Point Zero,” he said. of Transportation (TDOT) and once Ms. attendance, Darlene Goins, executive “We can now bring people here to the Donelly gets done she sends the waivers director of the Heritage Center and departure point of the Trail of Tears in that we have to get signed by the City, Melissa Woody, vice president of Tourism Charleston, and we can tell them what County and State. Then she send us the Development for the Cleveland/Bradley happened those many years ago.” estimate of the cost of making the signs County Chamber of Commerce presided Describing his personal connection with and how many and what size. Then we get over the luncheon and program. the area, Jack Baker said, “This is a very TDOT to give us the estimate of what the important site for our people”, adding post and hardware will cost to get them Participants included Troy Wayne that his ancestors lived near Cleveland. installed. Then we had to fnd that amount Poteete, TOTA Executive Director; Jack of money to pay for that part of the project. Baker, TOTA President; Aaron Mahr, “The perception of how the Cherokee Then we had to go through a Non Proft to Supervisor of National Trails for the people face this very sad story, of the pay for the post and hardware for us. Then National Park Service; Melissa Mortimer to Oklahoma, is that organization would send the money Historic Preservation Planner for the very widely held. But, we don’t want to to the Money person with TDOT and then Southeast Tennessee Development put our people in the role of victims, once that was done then the Signs are District; Bradley County, Charleston, although they were mistreated,”Troy shipped to the TDOT facility that will install and Calhoun ofcials; and Charleston- Wayne explained to those gathered at them. Ours here is in Nashville. Then when Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical Society the sentimental site. “They overcame, they are in the area where the signs go up representatives. they survived, and each succeeding then they install some of the signs. generation of the Cherokee has drawn Goins and Woody introduced inspiration from that experience. No That is how it works. I hope that sheds representatives of supportive one alive today is to blame for that some light on the projects. organizations, including Jonathan episode”, he added, “and now this is an ~ Vicky Garland Cantrell of Charleston’s Caldwell Paving, opportunity to tell a larger story.” Tennessee Chapter of the which provided the matching portion of Trail of Tears Association

2 OWNER OF OAK GROVE STORE REPLACES STOLEN SIGN Giving Society Established for National Trail of Tears Association Plans were announced at the April board the goals will well serve the association and meeting in Pocola, Oklahoma, by the Funding the trail. ” The Benge Detachment passed through and Sustainability Committee to establish a the present community of Grove Oak in Giving Society for the National Association. By October, the society will have a name, northeast in the fall of 1838. A The initial fundraiser for the Society will be established giving levels, and produced a pin few years ago the Alabama Chapter of held at the National Conference in Pocola in for donors. A reception on Tuesday evening, the Trail of Tears Association, under the guidance of Gail King, placed a sign in October. October 17, has tentatively been set for the this small Sand Mountain community, frst fundraising event for the new society by marking the original path taken by more At the meeting, the committee chair, former the Chapter, which is hosting the than 1,000 . Unfortunately, association president Riley Bock, announced conference, according to Bethany Rosenbaum, someone stole the sign, much to the that the new society will have fve contribution Arkansas Chapter President and member of disappointment of Jamie Godwin, who levels and devote its initial fundraising eforts Board of Directors. owns the Grove Oak Store nearby. to providing matching funds for wayside exhibits and in assisting local chapters with Members of the Fundraising Committee Ms. Godwin, an artist and author, their preconference eforts in publicity and include Shannon Keith (Alabama), Leslie couldn t wait for another sign to be fundraising. Thomas and Tony Harris () and Sandy erected, so she painted a large replica Boaz (Illinois). Rowena McClinton (Illinois) on the side of her building. Also a Bock said, “The committee has been and Delores Wood (Missouri) served on the preservationist, her store is near Buck s talking the last three years about initiating committee through 2016. Pocket State Park, a pristine area in a sustainable fundraising efort. This new Marshall, DeKalb, and Jackson Counties. society will move that conversation into “We are all excited in growing the mission of Due to a lack of funding for park stafng, action. Funding wayside exhibits is an issue the association through these eforts. Financial some vandalism has occurred there, including some damage to what is that local supporters face when marking trail support--at any level of giving—from our known as Cherokee Cave. Ms. Godwin sites. We also anticipate providing meaningful membership, conference attendees, sponsors, is leading an efort to protect the cave assistance to the preconference eforts for and interested supporters to this Society will from further damage, and to prevent the 2018 Decatur, Alabama, conference. One have an immediate impact,” concluded Bock. dumping and vandalism. of the important goals of the association is to keep these conferences in the black fnancially, Contributions to the Society, as are other Buck s Pocket contains a large rugged and to provide some meaningful assistance to gifts to the Association, are tax deductible as gorge that served as a haven for some of the local chapter hosting the event. Both of allowed by law. the Cherokees who managed to escape removal. It remains as one of Alabamas most scenic and virtuously unspoiled CHOCTAW NATION TRAIL OF areas. TEARS WALK 2017 On Saturday, May 20th Choctaws will gather Story by Laurie Brockman at Tvshka Homma to celebrate the strength of their ancestors who survived the Trail of Tears and honor those who perished.

Cultural demonstration and activities are planned, including Choctaw artists, pottery, baskets, beadwork, ancient weapons, dancing, singing, and men’s and women’s exhibition stickball games. For more information call 800-522-6170 or visit www.choctawnation.com

May 2017 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 3 2017 TOTA FIRE DESTROYS UPCOMING WITNESS HOUSE EVENTS IN WILLS VALLEY Georgia Chapter Meeting May 13th, 2017 at 10:30am Bartow County Library, Cartersville, GA Presentation by Wanda Patterson: John Rollin Ridge-The First Native American Novelist

(Above) The Beeson Crow House before it burned. (Right) Remember the Cherokee Fire Destroys Witness House: Millstone over well.

Removal Commemoration A devastating fre destroyed one of the good millstones 3 feet in diameter. This May 20th-21st, 2017 few remaining witness houses in Alabama corresponds to the millstone on top of the Trail of Tears City Park, Battlefeld, MO in March of 2015. All that remains of the well. It is probable that the water mill was for info call Mayor Hickey at 417-343-2551 house built by missionary Milo Hoyt near located a few miles away on Big Wills Creek. the Willstown Mission is the well. Milo It had a log dam 30 feet long. Choctaw Nation Trail of Hoyt’s valuation proved him to be one of Tears Walk the most successful of all the New England The millstone was obviously placed on top May 20th, 2017 missionaries who came South to work for of the well for security reasons. the Cherokees. His total valuation was Tvshka Homma (Tuskahoma), OK put at $3,456.25, and included land in It may have been placed there by Jesse 800-522-6170 or www.choctawnation.com both Tennessee and Alabama. Located Beeson, thought to have been the frst on his properties were several houses, owner of the Hoyt property after removal, Alabama Chapter hosts outbuildings, and a water powered mill. or by the Crow family, subsequent owners Wayside Marker Dedication of the property. Olivia Cox of Landmarks May 21st, 2017 The valuation describes his well as “1 good of DeKalb County said the millstone was Rhodes Ferry Park, Decatur, GA well 32 feet deep with good windows placed on top of the well as early as 1923. details TBA via TOTA Facebook and website walled up with some stone 3 1⁄2 in How Milo Hoyt managed to acquire so much diameter, iron chain & good bucket,” and property and wealth remains a mystery, Remember the Removal valued at $30. This reveals that the well since he received no compensation was enclosed by a structure with windows. working as a missionary and teacher for Bike Rider Event Measurements taken by Larry Benefeld the American Board of Commissioners June 5th, 2017 in October of last year fall within the for Foreign Missions. His entire valuation Cherokee Removal Memorial Park parameters of the valuation. can be found on the website Galileo: 6800 Blyth Ferry Lane, Birchwood, TN 37308 Southeastern Native Americans. It is listed Located on top of the well is a millstone, as “Miloe Hoit Improvements at Wills Town, Remember the Removal ostensibly from Hoyt’s water mill. His Alabama.” Bike Rider Event valuation lists a mill house and a pair of Morning of Friday June 9th, 2017 Photos and story by Larry Smith Nashville Toll Bridge Abuttment Fort Nashborough, Downtown, Nashville, TN MISSOURI CHAPTER WORKS WITH POTOSI DISTRICT OF MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FORREST Remember the Removal Deloris Gray Wood, President, Bike Rider Event Missouri Chapter; Becky Ewing, June 20th, 2017 Ranger, Mark Twain National Forest Pea Ridge National Military Park Potosi District; Bill Bodimer, MTNF Customer Service Representative; 15930 US-62, Garfeld, AR 72732 and Bill Ambrose, Mo Chapter *Continued on page 8. board member, look at the Salem- Potosi Ranger District Forest For more information on the Remember the Removal scheduled events watch map. Photo by Jennifer Falkey, the TOTA facebook & website or the RTR MTNF Non-native Invasive species Facebook page. Coordinator.

4 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • May 2017 starvation and disease, giving credence to the name Trail of Tears.

The 2017 Remember the Removal Bike Ride cyclists include the following:

From Adair County: Trey Pritchett, 19, Stilwell; KenLea Henson, 23, Proctor; Susie Worley-Means, 24, Stilwell; From Cherokee County: Brian Barlow, 22, Tahlequah; Hunter Scott, 16, Bunch; Ellic Miller, 23, SELECTS 2017 Tahlequah, (alternate); Macie Sullateskee, 19, Tahlequah, (alternate); From Mayes County: REMEMBER THE REMOVAL BIKE RIDERS Skylar Vann, 23, Locust Grove; Gaya Pickup, 21, The Cherokee Nation selected 10 cyclists for Students were selected based on essays, Salina; From Muskogee County: Shelby Deal, its 2017 Remember the Removal Bike Ride interviews and a physical to ensure they are up 19, Porum; From County: Raven this June. The ride allows young Cherokees to for the grueling challenge. Girty, 20, Gore; Will Chavez, 50, Marble City, retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears Mentor Rider; From Tulsa County: Breanna by bicycle. They travel an average of 60 miles a day, Anderson, 21, Sand Springs. mirroring in part the hardships of their The 10 cyclists, ages 16-24, started training in Cherokee ancestors who made the same trek The Cherokee Nation cyclists will be joined February for the 950-mile journey that spans on foot. Of the estimated 16,000 Cherokees by cyclists from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Georgia, Tennessee, , Illinois, Missouri, who were forced to make the journey to Indians in and start the ride in Arkansas and Oklahoma. , 4,000 died due to exposure, , Georgia, on June 4.

Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News

ALABAMA ARKANSAS (continued) ARKANSAS (continued)

Refer to the following articles our guests and opportunity to increase permanent repository for research that contributed by the Alabama Chapter: awareness of the Trail of Tears to local would be accessible to the public. residents, past-President John McLarty Fire Destroys Witness House in Wills Bethany Henry Rosenbaum and Research Chair Carolyn Kent are Valley on page 4. Chapter President, working with the National Park Service to Removal Era Key Found on page 9. get Trail of Tears Original Route markers GEORGIA on the road we will take on the feld trip Owner of Oak Grove Store Replaces Members are recovering from their day to Cane Hill, Arkansas. They are also Stolen Trail Sign on page 3. combined eforts involving the 2016 working hard to get interpretive panels Conference held in Dalton Georgia. We at Evansville and Cane Hill.We are looking ARKANSAS especially thank Linda Baker secretary for forward to a wonderful conference and GaTOTA, Tony Harris VP, and Debby Long The Arkansas chapter has been busy hope to see you there! In other chapter planning for the upcoming annual related news, we are working with the with the CVB and Sue Hammock with the conference at Fort Smith in October! Sequoyah Research Center in Little Rock Convention Center. We are honored to be co-hosting the and Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Currently the chapter’s energies are conference with the Choctaw Nation as in Springdale to coordinate a more directed towards co-signing the Federal well as working with the Cherokee Nation Road as part of the Removal Trail, to provide a hog fry and culture day working with the NPS to develop a FIND experience at Fort Smith National Historic YOUR PARK driving tour brochure, and Site. This year’s conference theme focuses fnish up a wayside exhibit for Welch’s on the encounter and exchange on the Mill in Forsyth County, GA. Interestingly borderlands and diverse role Fort Smith our membership is already at 132 for the played in maintaining peace on the frst quarter of 2017. Our website has “Permanent Indian Frontier.”Thank you been updated gatrailoftears.com. to all the volunteers, partners, National Park Service, Troy Poteete, and Jack Baker Leslie Barker Thomas for their leadership and service. To make Planning Meeting Choctaw Casino Pocola 3-21-17. GaTOTA - President the conference the best experience for Photo by Bethany Henry Rosenbaum [email protected]

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • May 2017 5 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News

ILLINOIS ILLINOIS (continued) MISSOURI (continued)

ILLINOIS CHAPTER TAKES TOP The Illinois Chapter would like to thank House of Representative ofce, Monday, HONORS FOR GIS RESEARCH the Shawnee National Forest and the February 13, 2017. Rocky is the only Trail of Tears research in southern Illinois CAI-SIU for their hard work researching Cherokeee Citizen serving in the Missouri was recently highlighted at the annual and interpreting the Trail of Tears and House. Dr. Bill and Rocky are Missouri To Bridge a Gap Conference held in Tulsa, their eforts of engaging tribal youth Chapter Board Members. The meeting Oklahoma. Illinois Chapter partners, through conservation education and focused on the possible restoration and the Shawnee National Forest and the youth employment opportunities. preservation of the Snelson-Brinker Center for Archaeological Investigations - Cabin on the Northern Route in Crawford Southern Illinois University (CAI-SIU) took The Shawnee was recognized with a County. The Snelson-Brinker Campsite top honors for their presentations about special award for their two Stitch in Time was Certifed as a National Park Service the Trail. The purpose of the conference is quilts that focused on the Cherokee Trail Certifed site by Aaron Mahr in October to bring together Native American tribes of Tears that passed through southern 2006. and federal agencies in order to provide Illinois in 1838-39. The Stitch in Time a forum to discuss issues, management program is a local component of the Russell ‘Rusty’Wiseman, MoDOT activities, and consult in a government larger Passport in Time program, which Historical Preservation Ofcer, and MO to government setting. In addition, the is the Forest Service’s outreach volunteer TOTA Vice President, has been working conference provides an opportunity program. The program focuses on local and doing research on the Hildebrand for tribes and their partners to share historical events and places in southern Route on Highway 72 at the Stouts Creek knowledge with each other in order to Illinois which are transformed into works bridge at Lake Kalarney. The Bridge form stronger relationships. of art by using the concept and methods is identifed for replacement as Iron of community quilting. Volunteers come (County) 72, J9P3058. A public meeting together and decide upon a design was held in Ironton on March 21, and based around a particular theme and also a Virtual Meeting on-line where then all participate in bringing the MoDOT took comments for 21 days design to fruition. The two Trail of Tears from the public. Ofcials were present quilts portray the harsh conditions faced to answer questions regarding Section by the approximately 5,000 Cherokee 106 and Section 4(f) compliance, and as they marched through southern to make the public aware of the historic Illinois in the dead of winter during bridge, granite walls that lines part of their forced removal. These quilts were the roadway, and the historic roadway/ created in an efort to raise awareness traces. of this signifcant episode in our nation’s history. Members of the Dent County Historical Ayla Amadio of the CAI-SIU won frst prize Society were out on the Hildebrand for her poster illustrating GIS research on Route starting at Marcoot Tower in the the Trail of Tears in Missouri and Illinois, MISSOURI Mark Twain National Forest in Reynolds while the Shawnee received second place County where the 31.7 miles of Original for a poster highlighting the overnight Michael Romero Taylor, Lee Kreutzer, and Route NPS Trail Signs on County roads environmental education camp that Jill Jenson, a team of Cultural Resources ended at Highway 72. The group walked is hosted by the Forest. This camp has Specialists, from the National Trails the trail into Dent County on January been supported by the Eastern Region Intermountain Region, Santa Fe, NM are 2 and again February 18. Tom Botkins the last three years and helps to bring planning a visit to Missouri in late April. who was the Trail leader showing the native children from removed tribes, back The Missouri Chapter Trail of Tears members what to look for like pull-outs, to their ancestral homelands to learn Association has been busy in the mid- old buildings along the Trail on the Old about the resources and landscape. In part of the state doing research and also Centerville Road located on the Salem addition, the Shawnee National Forest boots on the ground activities. Portion of the Ozark Plateau. was also recognized with an honorable Dr. Steve Belko, Executive Director, William Tolson. an intern with the mention for a poster on the Shawnee Missouri Humanities Council, Dr. William City of Rolla. is working under Rolla Conservation Corps, a resident Tribal ‘Bill’ Ambrose, and Jason Chipman, City Administrator John Butz who has Youth Conservation Corps supported by Missouri State Representative for asked William to work on a Trail of the Eastern Region and the Washington Crawford County, met at Rocky Miller’s Tears project across Phelps County to Ofce of the Forest Service.

6 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • May 2017 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News

MISSOURI (continued) preserve the history and culture that the trail represents. William is a student at Missouri S&T University. Missouri Chapter President Deloris Gray Wood and Board Members Dr. Bill Ambrose has supplied maps, diaries and helpful research to assist in the project. Willim will frst start identifying the Trail across the City of Rolla. Deloris and Dr. Bill are also working on the project in Phelps County and have been busy in locating Descendants of Margaret “Peggy” Easky Dick. OK chapter at the grave marking ceremony at Tahlequah City Cemetary. the Trail on the Northern Route from – Photo by Marybelle Chase Potosi in Washington County to Rolla in Phelps County. Along the Trail it includes NORTH CAROLINA (continued) OKLAHOMA Crawford County (Snelson Brinker Cabin) and Maramec Spring/Massie Iron of the Trail of Tears include Anne Rogers, On Saturday, October 15, 2016, Works/Maramec Cemetery and Pine Hill Tom Belt, and Brett Riggs. Anne spoke descendants of Margaret “Peggy” Easky Cemetery (Phelps County) and Pine Hill at East Carolina University and North Dick and members of the Oklahoma Cemetery. Carolina State University, while UNC- Chapter attended a luncheon on the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage TV’s “My Home” featured Tom and NORTH CAROLINA Center at Tahlequah, Oklahoma. At 2:00 Brett discussing Judacullah Rock. Anita p.m. a memorial marking was held for The NCTOTA’s winter meeting, held Finger-Smith recently spoke at Red Clay Margaret “Peggy” Easky Dick, a survivor November 19 at the Macon County State Historic Site in Tennessee, as well of the forced removal. Descendants and Public Library, featured guest speaker as in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Chapter members gathered JD Arch, Eastern Band Veterans Service at the Tahlequah City Cemetery at the Ofcer and Remember the Removal The Spring NCTOTA meeting is grave of Mrs. Dick where Oklahoma Legacy Rider. Saturday, April 8 at the Swain Center of Chapter President Curtis Rohr welcomed Southwestern Community College in everyone. Robin Stand, a descendant, The NCTOTA Board of Directors met in Almond. Artist and EBCI member Jef read her great-great grandmother’s biography and remarks were made by January in Sylva at the Jackson County Marley, Heritage Arts Director for the several of the descendants and also by Public Library to develop our Chapter Nantahala Arts Center, will give a tour Troy Poteete, Executive Director of the Strategic Plan (still in the planning of the art facilities and demonstrate a TOTA. stages) and to review/update our Sequoyan printing press. bylaws. A bronze plaque had been placed on the Upcoming events include the 2017 monument of Margaret “Peggy” Easky Continuing work on the Chapter website Remember the Removal Rider send-of Dick. This plaque indicates that she was http://www.nctrailoftears.org/ , Alan in June and a symposium next spring a survivor of the Trail of Tears. Booklets Keith, John Wible, Sue and Doc Abram co-sponsored with Western Carolina compiled by David Hampton providing have been logging miles in western NC University as part of their campus- the biographical and genealogical information of the honoree were given to to develop auto tours. Those interested wide Cherokee theme for 2017-18. The all the participants. in various 1-2 hr. tours to sites and NCTOTA Summer Chapter meeting exhibits along the Trail can use these is tentatively scheduled for July 22 in The Oklahoma Chapter held their fall alongside our NPS brochure. Hayesville, followed by a tour of Spike meeting November 5, 2016 at the Buck Mound and a recreated early Cherokee Casino, West Siloam Springs, NCTOTA ofers congratulations to Dr. Cherokee Homestead. Oklahoma. National TOTA President, Andrew Denson on the release of his Sue Abram Jack Baker introduced the program book Monuments to Absence: Cherokee NCTOTA President Removal and the Contest over Southern Oklahoma Chapter continued on next page Identity . Others promoting recognition

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • May 2017 7 Trail of Tears Association State Chapter News UPCOMING EVENTS (continued) OKLAHOMA (continued) TENNESSEE (continued) Tennessee Chapter Annual speaker, Dr. Duane King, director of the to Fort Cass at Charleston, Tennessee. Membership Meeting Helmerich Center for American Research During the ceremony, hosted by the located at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical June 24th, 2017 Oklahoma. Dr. King’s talk was “Killing Society and the City of Calhoun, Tellico Plains, TN David Vann 1800-63.” Following the TNTOTA representative Shirley Lawrence details TBA on TN Chapter Facebook Page and meeting, Dr. King and several members dedicated new signage and Historical via e-mail of the Oklahoma Chapter travelled to Society President Joe Bryan read excerpts near Locust Grove, Oklahoma, to the from a journal account of the Fort Cass North Carolina Chapter Haner-Adair Cemetery where David Vann approach. Summer Meeting is buried. On November 12, members of TNTOTA Tour of Spike Buck Mound participated in a memorial walk at the July 22nd, 2017 The spring meeting of the Oklahoma Cherokee Removal Memorial Park at Hayesville, NC Chapter will be Saturday, April 22, 2017 Blythe Ferry in remembrance of the at the ballroom behind the Cherokee departure of the Peter Hildebrand Wayside Exhibit Dedication Restaurant in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The detachment, the fnal detachment to meeting will begin at 10 a.m. The speaker leave from Blythe Ferry. An Original October 15th, 2017 at 2:00pm will be Marybelle Chase, vice-president Route Trail sign was unveiled by Battle of Webbers Falls Park of the Oklahoma Chapter. Shirley Lawrence and Lee Trevino with Webbers Falls, OK Carolyn Jones and Wally Leary reading memorials. Anita Finger-Smith TENNESSEE Presentation on The Bell Route signage project continues Several TNTOTA members participated in to make progress. In March, Floyd Ayers educational activities this year including Genesis of the Eastern Bank of and Franklin County Historical Society Shirley Lawrence and Laura Spann who Cherokee Indians President David Moore met to discuss provided TOTA educational information October 15th, 2017 at 3:30pm Doris Trevino provided Shawn Pitts with at the International Cowpea Festival Webbers Falls Historical Society Museum copies of vouchers for the Bell Route to in Charleston in September and Vicki Downtown Webbers Falls, OK assist in mapping the route Rozema, Ph.D., who gave a presentation through Selmer and McNairy. The Bell on the Trail of Tears in January at the Trial of Tears Association Route crossed the at McMinn County Historical Society. Ross’s Landing and travelled by land TNTOTA members also helped host, gave Board of Directors Meeting following a route that largely parallels talks, or attended the annual symposium October 16th, 2017 at9:00am today’s U.S. 64. at Red Clay State Park and the Tennessee Choctaw Casino Hotel, Pocola, OK to Sam tour. On October 16, Main Street in Calhoun, 22nd Annual Trail of Tears Tennessee was designated as an Original Finally, TNTOTA is pleased to announce Conference and Symposium Route segment of the route from Fort its new Facebook page: TN Trail of Tears October 16th-18th, 2017 Butler, now Murphy, North Carolina, Association. Choctaw Casino Hotel, Pocola, OK Conference begins at Lunchtime 14th Annual Trail of Tears Memorial Walk November 4th, 2017 at 9:00am David Crockett State Park, Shelter #1 1400 West Gaines St, Lawrenceburg, TN For more info contact Vicky Garland at 931-766-0827 or visit our events page at www. facebook.com/events/533441340199793

Shirley Lawrence dedicating Original Route signage in Calhoun, TN on October 16. *Event Dates are Subject to change. Photo by Bruce Hari.

8 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • May 2017 REMOVAL ERA KEY FOUND AT GEORGIA’S FORT BUFFINGTON SIMILAR TO ONE FOUND AT ALABAMA CABIN SITE John Latty gave an interesting program at one of the TOTA conference sessions in Dalton, GA last October that included

Education committee meeting during TOTA conference. From Left to Right: Anita a photo that really got our attention. The Finger-Smith (NC), Cleta Townsend (TN), and Denise Dowling (MO). photo is of a key that has been passed down through about fve generations SPRING BOARD MEETING of the Latty family. It came from Fort The spring board meeting was held on committee has been checking in to the Bufngton, a removal facility in Georgia, April 3rd at the Choctaw Casino and Trail of Tears curriculum for each state and is very similar to the key that was Resort in Pocola, OK. This will also be and looking at what each chapter sees excavated at the Cabin Site in Fort Payne, the location of the National Conference as needs for education. The Research Alabama. on October 16-18, 2017. We had a full Committee is looking at the possibility agenda for the day, including fnancial, of a Historic Preservation Ofcer for John Latty’s g-g-g- grandfather, whose Executive Director, and Presidential each chapter, to act as a point of contact name was also John, served as a private reports. We looked at the fnancials as we and to coordinate with state Historic in Captain Bufngton’s Mounted Militia change over from a state fscal year to a Preservation Ofcers. The chapter Company during removal. Upon his federal fscal year. We also got a fnancial preservation ofcer would also look at return from service, he brought back the summary from the 2016 National what research needs are, create research key, which came from Fort Bufngton, Conference that was in Georgia. guides, and possibly a digital repository and it has been a treasured family for research. The Collaboration heirloom. It is thought that both keys We got a brief rundown of what is in Committee has been looking at the were to locks safeguarding provisions or store for the National Conference this interpretive media development process arms and munitions. year from The President of the Arkansas and creating a media kit checklist. Finally, Chapter, Bethany Henry Rosenbaum. The the Fundraising and Sustainability Fort Bufngton was built in the 1830’s conference is shaping up nicely and is on Committee had proposed a “giving by local militia and was located near track to be yet another wonderful event. society.”There will be diferent levels of Canton, GA. A historical marker for We had some discussion on the dates for the society, based on the amount of the Fort Bufngton was erected in 1992 the 2018 Conference in Decatur, AL and donating made. They are planning the by the Georgia Department of Natural the 2019 conference was left undecided have a reception to be held during the Resources on Cumming Highway. for now. 2017 conference at Pocola. A photo of the marker and more information may be obtained from the There was discussion about the The meeting was well attended. internet by Googling Fort Bufngton, Remember the Removal Bike Riders and Everyone had a chance to taste the Georgia. the gran t they received. They will be food fare, as lunch was provided at the planning some public events along the Choctaw Casino, it gave everyone a peek John W. Latty is the author of the 2011 route. The events will tentatively be at into what they might expect in the fall. book titled, Carrying of the Cherokee Blythe Ferry, Nashville Bridge Abutment, As this was my frst board meeting, as History of Bufngton’s Company of and Pea Ridge. The riders for this year a member of the board, it was a lot to Georgia Mounted Militia. have been chosen and have been in take in, there was a lot of information training all year. The riders have also covered. I especially appreciated the Story by Larry Smith attended history classes. They will be update from the National Park Service, leaving out to begin their journey the on how things are looking on their end day after Memorial Day. They do have a and how things may be changing going Remember the Removal Bike Ride page forward. I am eager to serve on the on Facebook, so you can follow them board and the Arkansas Chapter. I think along the way. https://www.facebook. the National Conference will be great com/removal.ride and I am looking forward to it. Sasha Bowles Committees met and presented their Removal Era Key Found: Key from Fort Bufngton, a Vice President of the removal facility in Georgia. work and their new ideas. The Education Arkansas Chapter of the Trail of Tears Photo provided by John Latty

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • May 2017 9 Vision Becoming Reality Using Partnerships to Develop TOTA State Chapter the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Contacts In 1987, Congress acknowledged the Hiwassee River Heritage Center, TN Alabama signifcance of this tragic event in our Nation’s James Brown Cherokee Plantation, TN Shannon Keith history by establishing the Trail of Tears Jentel Farm Trail Segment, IL National Historic Trail. The National Park Service House, TN Phone: 205-301-0704 administers the Trail in cooperation with John Ross House, GA Email: [email protected] federal, state, and local agencies; the Cherokee Memorial and Museum, NC Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Lake Dardanelle State Park, AR Indians; interested groups; and Arkansas La Petite Roche, AR Bethany Henry Rosenbaum private landowners. Laughlin Park, MO Mantle Rock, KY Phone: 417-592-2623 The Trail of Tears Association and the National Maramec Spring Park/Massey Iron Works, MO Email: [email protected] Park Service National Trails Intermountain McGinnis Cemetery Trail Segment, IL Regin, Santa Fe have been working with trail Mount Nebo State Park, AR partners to increase visibility for the trail and Georgia Murrell Home, OK to develop it for visitor use. Old traces, historic Leslie Thomas Museum of the Cherokee Indian, NC buildings, and other resources are being Phone: 770-757-0931 preserved. Many sites have been certifed and New Echota State Historic Site, GA Email: [email protected] numerous on-the-ground projects have been Paducah Waterfront, KY completed, such as route signing, visitor-use Petit Jean State Park, AR development, interpretive wayside exhibits, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, AR Illinois and interior museum exhibits at existing Port Royal State Park, TN Sandy Boaz facilities. Radford Farm, KY Red Clay State Historic Area, TN Phone: 618-833-8216 Certifed Sites Rockdale Plantation/George Adair Home, GA Email: [email protected] Andrew Ross House, AL Running Waters, John Ridge Home, GA Arcadia Valley Campground, MO Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, TN Kentucky Audubon Acres, TN Snelson-Brinker Cabin, MO Alice Murphree Berry’s Ferry and John Berry Homesite, KY Star City Ranch Trail Segment, MO Big Spring, KY Tennessee River Museum, TN Phone: 270-886-5375 Cemetery, TN Toler Farm Trail Segment, IL Email: [email protected] Browns Ferry Tavern, TN Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, KY Campground Church and Cemetery, IL Trail of Tears State Park, MO Missouri Cedartown Cherokee Removal Camp, GA Trail of Tears State Forest, IL Deloris Gray Wood Chattanooga Regional History Museum,TN Tuscumbia Landing, AL Cherokee County Historical Museum, NC Vann Cherokee Cabin, GA Phone: 573-729-2545 Cherokee Garden at Green Meadows, GA Vann House Historic Site, GA Email: [email protected] , OK Village Creek State Park, AR / Home, GA Wagner Farm Trail Segment, IL North Carolina City of North Little Rock Riverfront Park, AR Wayside Store and Bridges Tavern Site, IL Susan M. Abram, Ph.D. Columbus-Belmont State Park, KY Waterloo Landing, AL Crabb-Abbot Farm, IL Willstown Mission Cemetery, AL Phone: 828-227-2735 Crider Tavern Complex, KY Email: [email protected] David Crockett State Park Trail Segment, TN Delta Cultural Center, AR Federal Protection Components and Oklahoma Interpretive Sites Fitzgerald Station and Farmstead, AR Curtis Rohr Fort Gibson, OK Arkansas Post National Memorial, AR Fort Payne Cabin Site, AL Cadron Settlement Park, AR Phone: 918-341-4689 Funk Heritage Center, GA Cherokee Memorial Park, Blythe Ferry, TN Email: [email protected] Giles Co. Trail of Tears Interpretive Center, TN Fort Smith National Historic Site, AR Green County Trail Segments, MO Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Tennessee Mark Twain National Forest, MO Golconda Riverfront, IL Debbie Moore Gray’s Inn, KY Mocassin Bend, TN , TN Pea Ridge National Military Park, AR 713-715-2254 Hamburger Hill, IL Shawnee National Forest, MO Email: [email protected] The Hermitage, TN Stones River National Battlefeld, TN Historic Road from Ross to Ridge’s, GA

10 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News • May 2017 Save the Date

October 16-18 ARKANSAS CHAPTER AND CHOCTAW NATION ------·PRE-REGISTRATION FORM CO-HOST 22ND ANNUAL TRAIL OF TEARS CONFERENCE & SYMPOSIUM ON THE BORDER ______This years conference features a feld trip to The Conference will feature several other Name Pea Ridge Battlefeld and historic Cane Hill on speakers. Also, please note the upcoming ______the Cherokee Nation/AR Border and a Cultural events section for before and after events Day at Ft. Smith National Historic site featuring scheduled for the beneft of conference Email a traditional Cherokee hog fry, an exhibition attendees by local organizations. ______of the traditional Cherokee marble game, and a Choctaw exhibition game between local Please visit our web site at Address stickball teams. The day will include guided www.nationaltota.com and our Facebook pages for more details on ______tours of the Ft. Smith National Historic site time and and presentations which City, State, Zip which includes a Trail Tears exhibit, the jail, will be announced as the conference and Hanging Judge Parker’s Courtroom. schedule is frmed up. ______Phone A lecture by Cherokee citizen Stacy Leeds, HOTEL RESERVATION Dean of the Univ. of AR Fayetteville School of How would you prefer to Law about the legal and political situations INFORMATION register for the conference? Choctaw Casino Hotel which gave rise to the lawlessness which p Mail necessitated Judge Parker’s court is scheduled 3400 Choctaw Rd. • Pocola, OK 74902 Return to: P.O. Box 329, Webbers Falls, OK 74470 immediately preceding the events at the Ft. Room Block: Trail of Tears p Online or [email protected] Smith National Historic Site. Reservations: 800-590-5825

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

May 2017 • Trail of Tears National Historic Trail News 11 Trail of Tears Association P.O. Box 329 Webbers Falls, OK 74470

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

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

Benefactors $1000+ Cherokee Nation Blue Ridge National Heritage Eastern Band of Cherokees

Patrons $500 – $999 Ms. Carolyn Nohria - $500 Ms. Dorothy Horner - $535

Sponsors $100 - $499 Ansley Saville - $250 Franklin Dumond - $120 Joan Revell - $100 Rownea McClinton - $250 Donna Byas - $120 Mary Ellen Meredith - $100 Glenn Jones - $230 Charlotte Buchannan-Yale - $110 Tammy Martin - $100 Sarah Hill - $230 Diane Parrish - $110 Wayne Lee - $100 Lawrence Simmons - $215 R. Wesley Harris - $110 Don Kinney - $100 Andrew Denson - $210 Jay Hannah - $110 Caroline Johnston - $100 Gary Payne - $200 Cindi Crane - $110 Elmer Hogue, Jr. - $100 Diana Threadgill - $175 Macon County Historical Society - $100 Bobbie Hefngton - $100 Kentucky- River Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park - $100 Patsy Hanvey - $100 Parkway Commission - $150 City of Waynesville - $100 Debra Eskie - $100 Donna Haley - $150 Jack Baker - $100 Cara Cowan-Watts - $100 Billie Napolitano - $135 Sarah Kirk - $100 Cheryl Cook - $100 John Wible, Jr. - $130 Rose Stremlau - $100 Donald Coleman - $100 Barbara Miller - $130 Susan Starbuck - $100 Charles Baugh - $100 Maxwell Ramsey - $125 Richard Starbuck - $100 Dick Bass - $100 H. Riley Bock - $125 Elizabeth Slappey - $100 Teresa Atchison - $100 Robery Wyland - $120

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