The Chattanooga Area Historical Association is hosting a program on the Trail of Tears on Monday, July 29 at 6:00pm. The event is free and open to the public, and will be held at the downtown Chattanooga Public Library.
The program is titled, “It’s My Trail, Too: A Comanche Indian's Journey on the Cherokee Trail of Tears." Ron Cooper will be the speaker.
In January of 2011, Mr. Cooper began walking the Trail of Tears as closely as possible - and often directly on - the original roadbed. The journey of 835 miles took him through six states and lasted over three months.
He is the first person in modern times to undertake the trek and was therefore compelled to write a book about the experience. It's My Trail, Too is part trail guide and part memoir, with history of the Cherokee Removal woven throughout. Cooper also shares the challenges of long-distance hiking and his philosophy and experiences as a 21st century Native American - a perspective that is rarely heard and thought-provoking.
If you would like more information about this event, please contact Scott Seagle at 423/364-3169 or email at seaglehomes@comcast.net.