Wyetta

How can I support the Atonement of the Removal of the Cherokee from their Native Lands?

As mentioned elsewhere in this site, each year, the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians sponsor and facilitate a bicycle ride of the removal route called Remember the Removal. For the Cherokee Nation, this program is specifically targeted to young adults. On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with one ofContinue reading “How can I support the Atonement of the Removal of the Cherokee from their Native Lands?”

Forgiveness

In Tahlequah, at the entrance to Northeastern State University, resides a sculpture that really moved me. “Transformation Through Forgiveness” was sculpted by Dutch born artist Francis Jansen and donated in 2016. There were some other quotes on it that moved me. I’d like to share one here. “May the creator bless us each and everyContinue reading “Forgiveness”

Denouement

I awoke Sunday morning to a beautiful cool, sunny day. I loaded up and was about to pedal out of Stilwell when I noticed a flat on my rear tire, the first flat of the entire 950 mile journey. I patched her up, thanked the silver turkey, my bike, for being so steadfast and peddledContinue reading “Denouement”

The End but not really

My heart filled with anticipation as I saddled up for the final stretch before reaching the detachment depots. Although more centralized, the end of the Trail of Tears was similar to the beginning, a series of ending spots which differed by detachment. According to Laurenda Joenks’ article, The Trail of Tears Marches On, “The BengeContinue reading “The End but not really”

Arkansas Trail of Tears Sites

I passed three Trail of Tears sites in Arkansas: Fitzgerald Station and Farmhouse (one of the campsites mentioned primarily by the Canon detachment), the site where William Ruddick’s (Reddix) house used to be in Pea Ridge (a campsite and supply station for the detachments), and the Latta House in Prairie Grove which was moved toContinue reading “Arkansas Trail of Tears Sites”

All Kinds of People

Being 6 feet tall with a long brown ponytail, wearing a bright yellow biking shirt with a bright teal helmet peddling around on a bike loaded down with 4 panniers worth of gear, I stand out pretty quickly, especially in small towns like Cassville, MO. Often times, locals approached me out of sheer curiosity. “WhereContinue reading “All Kinds of People”

Bell’s Tavern & a River Fording

Upon seeing the map of the Trail of Tears landmarks in the Springfield area, I got a wild hair and decided to head south and try to find the location where Bell’s Tavern used to be, near the confluence of Wilson Creek and the James River. Although the back roads had more hills than theContinue reading “Bell’s Tavern & a River Fording”

Sewers?

I had an uneventful day biking from Lebanon to Springfield. Seriously, no photos and nothing interesting to report. However, the day from Springfield to Cassville was filled with discoveries. On my way out of Springfield, I discovered a little known landmark. Here, the Trail of Tears passes through a Wal-Mart and then is exposed forContinue reading “Sewers?”

Roubidoux Springs and Gasconade Crossing

After a pair of lovely morning health shakes courtesy of Michelle at Healthy Avenue Nutrition, I biked a few miles west to Roubidoux Springs, which Rev Butrick spelled as Robidoo in his journal. The Canon detachment, mentioned above, was the first detachment to traverse the trail of tears and was comprised of those Cherokee peopleContinue reading “Roubidoux Springs and Gasconade Crossing”

Meramac Springs and Uranus

In the 1830s, Missouri was the wild west. Rev. Daniel Butrick makes reference to it being “barren land.” There weren’t really many towns, and houses were few and far between. I guess that this was a mixed blessing for the Cherokee. It probably meant that there were fewer opportunities for the locals to stir upContinue reading “Meramac Springs and Uranus”