2nd Annual Bell's & Benge's Memorial Motorcycle Ride & American Indian Social

from Vicky. Thanks!
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Go to: http://www.gilescountychamber.com/chamber.nsf/?Open
From the Menu on the left, click on "Special Events".
About mid-way down the page, click on "2nd Annual Bell's & Benge's Memorial Motorcycle Ride & American Indian Social".


Special Events
2nd Annual Bell's & Benge's Memorial Motorcycle Ride
& American Indian Social

2004 Premiere Ride
In 1830, with Tennessean Andrew Jackson as President, the U.S. Congress passed the Indian Removal Act. Tennessee Congressman David Crockett bitterly opposed the bill with many others, yet it passed by only one vote.

The Indian removal of 1838-1839 displaced over 100,000 Native American Indians from their ancestral homes in the Southeastern United States to a reservation over 1,000 miles away in the territory now known as Oklahoma. This removal was conducted by forcing the Indians to travel by four primary routes. Approximately 4000 died along the way, and the Cherokees called it, "Nunna dual Isuny", which translates as "The Trail Where We Cried".

Today, it is referred to as the Trail of Tears.

Two of the land routes, Bell’s and Benge’s, passed through Giles County and crossed in Pulaski, making this the only location in the United States to have a connection to more than one land removal route. The convergence of these two historic trails in Pulaski, and Crockett’s strong opposition to the Indian removal inspired the construction of a fitting memorial to the Trail of Tears and to David Crockett.

Saturday, November 5 will be a date to truly remember the people who walked the "Trail of Tears".

The Giles County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Foundation would like for you to participate in the 2nd Annual Motorcycle Ride and Premiere Reenactment Walk to remember those who walked the Trail of Tears.

Riders will leave at the Ride Captains discretion. The walk begin on Jefferson and Village Square and continue onto South First Street turn onto East College Street converging at 11:00 a.m. at the soon to be "Trail of Tears Interpretive Center" parking lot in Pulaski. Native American Social to follow.

At the beginning of the ride you will be given an envelope. Inside will be the name of the Head of Family who walked the Benge’s Route. They will be riding in memory of that Family Group. When we come together at the TOT Memorial in Pulaski there will be a special presentation for the riders.

All donations will benefit the Giles County Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive Center.

For more information, call 931-363-3789 or e-mail, gctourism@bellsouth.net

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Also here is what the flyer says:

COME TOGETHER TO REMEMBER

Come with us as we take a fall ride down picturesque roads to remember the
Native Americans who were forced to walk the Bell's and Benge's TRAIL OF TEARS Routes through Giles County, Tennessee. We observe this memorial during this time of year instead of in the summer because both of these detachments came through Giles County during the mid-fall. Benge's Detachment in late October, Bell's Detachment in early November. It was a miserable journey for them. Along the trail the Cherokee endured inclement weather, inadequate food and water, and they lacked proper clothing. We honor them by remembering the time of year they came through this area.

At the beginning of the motorcycle ride** you will be given an envelope. Inside will be the name of the Head of Family who walked the Benge's Route.
You will be riding in memory of that Family Group. This year we will also be honoring Bell's Route by reenacting the walk through downtown Pulaski. This walk** will begin on Jefferson Street (part of the original trail) turning onto First Street south. When we come together at the Giles County Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive Center there will be a special presentation for the motorcycle riders and for the walkers. At this time our Native Gathering will begin. This is an Indian Social event where all people will "Come Together to Remember."

This event is FREE. Donations, will be accepted to benefit the Giles County
Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive Center.


CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION - (931) 363-3789
CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR UPDATES

**Ride Departure Sites will be determined at a later date.
Riders will leave from these sites at the Ride Captain's direction at approximately 10:00 A.M.
Re-enactment Walkers will gather at the Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive
Center Parking lot and proceed on to Jefferson Street.
Walkers will depart from Jefferson Street at the Walk Captain's direction at
approximately 10:00 A.M.