House Approves Wamp Bill Enhancing Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail
July 17, 2006

The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday, by a vote of 356 to 5, passed legislation authored by Congressman Wamp (R-TN) that directs the National Park Service to within six months make a recommendation on expanding the current Trail of Tears to include additional routes used when the Cherokee were forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands.

The additional routes proposed by Rep. Wamp’s legislation have been well documented by National Park Service historians, military journals and newspaper accounts, his office said.

When the original Trail was designated, only primitive research existed, leaving two main arteries- Benge and Bell missing, as well as many water routes, collection forts and related campgrounds, it was stated.

Congressman Wamp’s legislation is needed "because the real human side of the Cherokee Removal still needs to be told. While the existing Trail of Tears National Historic Trail routes include trails from the collection forts to where the Army marched them in Oklahoma, the additional trails sought by H.R. 3085 would allow all Americans to see where the original villages of the Cherokee once lay and that will enhance public understanding of American history," it was stated.

“The designation and the interpretation of the sights and trails associated with the Cherokee Removal will enhance public understanding of American history,” Congressman Wamp said. “Our greatness as a nation is our ability to look at our own history objectively and in proper perspective, being mindful of the errors of the past in order not to repeat them. Through this legislation, we will honor the historic footsteps taken by the Cherokee, document their courage, and highlight their character as a great tribe of strong people.

“Because of historical significance, H.R. 3085 enjoys broad support not only in Congress, as was strongly demonstrated by today’s vote, but also the Cherokee nation, the Eastern band of Cherokee and associated trail organizations, such as the Trail of Tears Association. This legislation is a wonderful example of how Congress can better understand this national event and commemoration of the Cherokee story.”

The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail is operated and maintained by the National Park Service under the Department of Interior. To visit the National Park Service’s Trail of Tears website go to http://imgis.nps.gov/national_historic_trails.html