Walking the path along the Trail of Tears

Dec. 6 marked the third annual Remember the Removal five mile walk event hosted by the Steelville Trail of Tears Remembrance Committee. Participants followed a five-mile path the Cherokee took on the Trail of Tears Dec. 4, 1837. It was discovered in journals on that date 188 years ago, Lt. B.B. Cannon and 365 Cherokee, their slaves, a missionary, a doctor and others traveled the same part of the northern route of the Trail of Tears into what is now Steelville Community Park. The five mile stretch was on Long Spring Road just across from the park. Over 100 people registered this year to remember the removal and walk in the footsteps of the Cherokee when they were forced from their homes.

Quite a long list of local businesses sponsored the walk including: FCNB Bank, Cape Farms, Britton-Bennett Funeral Home, Huzzah Valley, Steelville Manufacturing, Ozark Vitality, Wallis Companies, Perkins Lumber and Steelville Telephone. Many others not listed spent the day preparing and serving hot soup and beverages. Tee Shunk, descendant of Saponi Cherokee Nation, prepared endless baskets of her award winning fry-bread.

Two Bald Eagles circled overhead at the starting point, just as the group began with a song and a handful of tobacco to sprinkle along the path as a sign of respect. The weather cooperated as everyone was blessed with warm sunshine and a glorious sunset. During the event, information panels were placed along the site where the
structure will be built and everyone was excited to see the native garden of river-cane planted along Wittenburg Creek. River cane provided significant cultural benefits to Native Americans. It had traditional uses in making baskets, mats and flutes. It also created a valuable source of food and habitat for wildlife. The river-cane will serve a more practical purpose in Steelville Community Park by helping with erosion and preventing the creek bank from flooding the memorial site.

This year’s event raised over $5,000 to contribute to the Trail of Tears memorial monument. The committee would like to extend an invitation to the entire community to join us in 2026 on the first Saturday of December as we again remember the removal and honor those who lost their lives along the Trail of Tears.

To learn more or to get involved with fundraising events, visit the website www.TrailofTears.SteelvilleHistoricalSociety.com or follow the Steelville Trail of Tears Remembrance Committee on Facebook.