The Trail of Tears Project at Benges and Bells Route, Pulaski Tennessee.
While working as a professor at Martin Methodist College, I was part of a community collaborative effort to create and establish the Trail of Tears Interpretive Center, located just off the square near the center of town. It was here in 1838 two routes of the Trail of Tears crossed on the site of the Giles County.
In 2020, the area was expanded to include an outdoor display at a viaduct adjacent to the stream where the events took place in 1838. I painted three murals, with two installed at the entrance, and a third at the exit (all shown below) as part of an exhibition along the inner walls of the viaduct.
“Wilma Pearl Mankiller,” former chief of the Cherokee Nation and ancestor of the Mankiller family that trekked the trail.
Location: viaduct entrance more
In 1821, “Sequoyah” of the Cherokee Nation, completed his creation of a Cherokee syllabary, making reading and writing in Cherokee possible. Location: viaduct entrance more
“The Children the Oxen and the Trail” Location: Viaduct exit
Children’s Art on display inside the viaduct adjacent to the Trail of Tears Interpretive Center, Pulaski, Tennessee… more
This life sized image of Nanyehi ( One who goes about, 1738-1824), is located inside The Trail of Tears Interpretive Center. Nanyehi was both a political leader of the Cherokee, and an advocate for peaceful coexistence with European colonists. She fought along side her husband, Kingfisher, who was killed in battle, and was given the title Ghigau (Beloved Woman) for her bravery. She went on to marry an Irish trader in the late 1750s, and took on the English name Nancy. In her final years, she warned her people of the consequences of selling or conceding land to the United States.
Tours are available almost daily with a 24 to 48 hour notice. They can be booked through their Facebook page, or by calling 931-580-3789.
The Center is open every Thursday 10am-3pm.
Find the Trail of Tears Interpretive Center on Facebook Visit the web site www.gcptrailoftears.com
Installations in other Middle Tennessee towns:
Laurenceburg / Mount Pleasant / Pulaski