Hilltop,

I knew about a much shorter commemorative ride, but hadn't heard about a longer organized ride. However, a couple of years ago I did some reasearch and, after visiting a couple of related historic sites in northern Georgia, followed the northern route of the Trail of Tears from Red Clay State Park near Chattanooga to Tahlequah Oklahoma, stopping by many of the designated places along the way. I learned a lot and it was a very moving experience, as was a trip to Memphis I took earlier that year to visit the National Civil Rights Museum.

I would recommend eiher trip to anybody. It's a good thing to reflect from time to time on what we are capable of doing to each other.

Brian

Yes, over 4000 men, women and children died during the "trip" from their homes to various locations in Oklahoma.
I cannot imagine the treatment these gentle people endured during that time.
Some of the people were gathered in the square to welcome us and also had a meal consisting of sweet potatoes, green bean salad, beets, homiony and yellow cornbread waiting ready for us at the camp ground outside of town.
Very kind and generous people. There is a townhall which contains drawings and artifacts and handwritten records (behind glass) that were interesting. I would like to revisit the area when we have more time.

Did your "Trail of Tears" trip cross the southern tip of Illinois? I was surprised by this information. A sign at a rest stop in southern Illinois claimed to be on or near the trail of tears. It stated that the Chief of the tribe asked the Officers if they could pass that way. Southern Illinois was a hunting ground for the Cherokees and they felt within themselves that they would never pass that way again after removal. The officer in charge agreed. It added time to their trip. They encountered worsening weather, had trouble crossing the Mississippi. Onset of cold weather worsened their hardships.

Jemdandy,

Yes, it did. I crossed from Kentucky into Illinois on Rte 91 at Cave in Rock, taking a ferry over the Ohio River. Then took mostly 146 through Illinois to Cape Girardeau. From there, of course, it was over the Mississipi River and on to Missouri, starting with the Trail of Tears State Park.

Hilltopviews,

Who organizes/runs the group ride? Is there a website?

Did the ride visit the museums and grounds at Red Clay State Park (perhaps the most interesting of all the sites) and Tahlequah? How about other historical sites along the way?

There is a lot to see. The two museums I mentioned above stand out in my mind. There's another one not too far from the beginning of the trail in Cherokee, NC that's more glitzy and kid-friendly, but I found less informative than the other two. What I did enjoy in Cherokee was Ocanaluftee Indian Village, a bit more complete than the recreations in Red Clay and Tahlequah and with more live demonstrations.

I had hoped to sandwich another ride along this trail in between trips to Nova Scotia and Savannah, but just couldn't manage it this year. I think I'll try again next year. I might be interested in joining a group depending on its size and what it visits along the way.

Bill Cason and The Trail of Tears Remembrance Association Organanize the Ride.

See you on the ride I'll be riding down through Illinois this year hope someone wants to ride with me.

Wolfman (that big Fuzzy guy riding the Lava Red Ultra)

Here is a link that might be useful: Trail Of Tears Remembrance Association