Cherokee Trail of Tears
If you have never taken part in the Cherokee Trail of Tears, you are
missing an unbelievable experience! This ride is one of the largest
organized rides in the United States. The Cherokee Trail of Tears
started in 1994 by a guy named Bill Cason.
The number of Motorcycles attending varies from year to year, but this
last year, over 9000 Motorcycles was estimated to be a part of the
Cherokee Trail of Tears.
The Cherokee Trail of Tears is always scheduled for the third weekend
in September. It begins in Chattanooga Tennessee and ends in Florence
Alabama. You can also join the extended Cherokee Trail of Tears ride to
Tahlequah Oklahoma. The ride originally ended in Waterloo Alabama.
You should arrive downtown Chattanooga early. The Cherokee Trail of
Tears leaves promptly at 7AM, so many arrive as early as 2:00 and 3:00
AM. It's a good idea to ride to Chattanooga Friday and camp nearby.
Enjoy the Pow Wows both at the Food / Rest stop about halfway and at
the end of the ride in McFarland Park. It is cool to see the people in
the native garb helping to commemorate the Cherokee Trail of Tears.
Why do riders participate in the Cherokee Trail of Tears ride? Back in
the early 1800's, the Indians were removed from their land by force. It
was called the Indian Removal Act and was created partially as a result
of the discovery of gold in the lands they occupied. We should remember
what was done to the Indians so as to never repeat this part of
history. This ride is to help people remember plight of the Native
American people ripped from their land and homes.
The numbers vary depending on who you listen to, but approximately
4,000 Indians died trying to make the journey toward Oklahoma. Many
thought they were savages, but these Indians were actually very
sophisticated. Most of the deaths were from Starvation, Disease and the
very bitter cold of that winter.
Andrew Jackson was president at the time, and signed the Act into law.
Burning homes and destroying property were the start of this tearful
act. The Indians were not allowed to go into towns due to disease,
which made the over thousand mile trek even longer.
The Cherokee Trail of Tears crosses nine states and around 2200 miles.
The ride actually covers several trails. The ride includes portions of
The Northern Route, The Bell Route, the Drane/Hood Route, The Benge
Route and crosses eight states.
You can buy merchandise along the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Sales
support historical markers, scholarships, and signs along the Trail.
|
|
