The Trail of Tears in Pulaski County - Making History Personal
History can really take on more meaning when you are able to stand in the place where it happened and learn about the people who lived it. In Pulaski County, you are able to do that in several ways. Today, we wanted to tell you a little bit about the history of the Trail of Tears in this area that we learned at https://visitpulaskicounty.org/trail_of_tears_wayside_exhibit/ and https://visitpulaskicounty.org/itineraries/trail-of-tears-itinerary/. If are interested in understanding this time in history in a personal way, we would like to share some of what we learned with you in this blog.
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| photo credit: https://visitpulaskicounty.org/itineraries/trail-of-tears-itinerary/ |
The Treaty of New Echota
The Trail of Tears is a stark example of a sad and tragic point in American history. The Cherokee Indians and four other Indian nations travelled the distance of over 800 miles from 1837 to 1839 as the US government forced them to leave their homelands and relocate in what is today known as Oklahoma. It started with a treaty signed by 20 tribal members who were acting outside the authority of the Cherokee government. Led by a Major Ridge, this Treaty of New Echota lined out that these Indian nations would relocate west of the Mississippi in exchange for $5 million.
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| photo credit: https://visitpulaskicounty.org/trail_of_tears_wayside_exhibit/ |
The Trail of Tears
The majority of the Cherokee did not see this treaty as legitimate, but in 1836 it was enacted into law by the United States Congress. According to the treaty, the Cherokee were supposed to move voluntarily within two years. When they refused, they were removed by force along the Trail of Tears. Hundreds of Cherokees died as around 15,000 were forced from their homes and travelled by foot, wagon, and horse along the dangerous journey to be resettled. During this time, two groups of about 1,000 Cherokee each camped along Roubidoux Spring in 1837 and 1839 in Waynesville, MO.
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| photo credit: https://visitpulaskicounty.org/trail_of_tears_wayside_exhibit/ |
Laughlin Park Memorial
This area is now certified on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Only seven sites in Missouri are certified Trail of Tears sites, and two of those are within 45 miles of Laughlin Park, where Roubidoux Spring is. Throughout Laughlin Park, you’ll find memorial storyboards teaching the history of the Trail of Tears and the devastating journey of the Cherokee.
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| photo credit: https://visitpulaskicounty.org/itineraries/trail-of-tears-itinerary/ |
More About the Trail of Tears
You will also find historical information about the Trail of Tears at the Old Stagecoach Stop House in downtown Waynesville, and also at the Pulaski County Courthouse Museum. For both these museums it is best to call ahead. Standard hours are 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays. It is also recommended that you check out the Heritage Cultural Art Center in Waynesville and book your time ahead to learn about Native American History and traditions from the hosts there.
Convenient, Comfortable, and Affordable Lodging.
If you have an appreciation for history and Native American culture, we believe you will be touched as you take in and learn more about the history in Pulaski County. At the end of the day, you can relax with great lodging available at one of our hotels in the Fort Leonard Wood area. Enjoy a free breakfast and swimming pools at Comfort Inn, Fairfield Inn, and Hampton Inn in Saint Robert. It is our mission to provide an excellent stay at great locations, and great hotel brands. When you were looking for affordable lodging in the Waynesville area, you can’t be the quality at Fort Wood Hotels. Just go to our website to see all the amenities you could enjoy and book your stay, today. If you’d like to hear more about things to do in Pulaski County, be sure to follow us on social media. We have links below for you to choose your favorite platform.
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