Past: Trail of Tears Meeting

Dr. Mark Wagner Speaking on

Researching the Bridges Site and the Trail of Tears

The Cherokee Trail of Tears crossed through southern Illinois. Its path is through Pope, Johnson and Union Counties and it is the path of the tragic re-location of native Americans from the southeastern part of the United States in 1838-1839 to the Indian Territory in present day state of Oklahoma.

The Illinois Chapter Trail of Tears Association and the Johnson County Genealogical and Historical Society will have a joint meeting on Sunday October 15, 2017 in Vienna, Illinois at the Vienna Public Library, located on the south side of the public square. The meeting begins at 2:30 pm and the public is invited to attend and learn more about the Trail of Tears in southern Illinois. The Illinois Chapter Trail of Tears Association works with the National Trail of Tears Association and the National Park Service to preserve and promote the Trail of Tears, a national historic trail.

The program will be presented by Dr. Mark Wagner, Director, of the Southern Illinois University Center for Archaeological Investigations. He will be presenting information on his research and investigation of the Bridges site and Wayside Store in Johnson County, which is on the path of the trail of Tears. The Cherokee not only travelled by the Bridges Wayside Store but reportedly traded there as they camped in the area for several weeks during the winter of 1838-1839. Dr. Wagner and his group spent several weeks doing archaeological digs on this site searching for artifacts and the history of the site. He will present his findings and conclusions.

Both organizations encourage you to attend to learn more of the rich history of southern Illinois and to find out more about the activities of each organization. For more information about this program telephone (618) 771-6877.