We are still here’: Cherokee cyclists journey through Southeast Tennessee to retrace Trail of Tears
Around 20 Cherokee cyclists are currently participating in the Remember the Removal bike ride, a journey covering over 900 miles from the Southeast to Oklahoma. The riders are retracing the path of ancestors forcibly relocated during the Trail of Tears, visiting historical sites and honoring their heritage through extreme physical endurance.
Why does the Remember the Removal ride matter?
The ride serves as a living memorial to the tens of thousands of Cherokee people forcibly removed from the Chattanooga region nearly 190 years ago. According to the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Historian, the Removal Act of 1830 under President Andrew Jackson empowered the U.S. to relocate tribes to “Indian Territory” west of the Mississippi River.
For the participants, the physical struggle of the ride provides a perspective on the historical trauma. Cherokee Nation Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice noted that the hunger, heat, and exhaustion they endure are minor compared to what their ancestors faced.
How does the route honor Cherokee history?
The cyclists travel from ancestral homelands in the Southeast to their current homelands in Oklahoma. This includes navigating the gap between the last Eastern capital in New Echota, Georgia, and the present capital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, which are separated by over 700 miles of interstate.
Along the way, riders stop at sites of deep significance. In Birchwood, Meigs County, the group attended a dedication ceremony for the Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park. They also crossed the Tennessee River at Blythe Ferry, mirroring the exact path their ancestors took nearly two centuries ago.
For some, the journey is deeply personal. 22-year-old Ella Mounce used genealogy work to identify sites that once belonged to her relatives. Mounce, whose aunt helped with the original ride in the 1980s, views every pedal stroke as a way to honor those who cannot ride.
What may happen as the journey continues?
As the riders move closer to Oklahoma, they may experience a shifting emotional landscape. Ella Mounce indicated she expects to feel more sadness and anger as they retrace the trail of displacement.
The group is likely to continue visiting historical markers and performing ceremonies, such as the one held in Cherokee, North Carolina. These stops could further strengthen the bond between members of the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Ultimately, the riders will likely conclude their journey in Tahlequah. Each mile completed serves as a testament to the resilience of the Cherokee people, reinforcing the sentiment expressed by Ernest Pheasant: “we are still here.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles do the Remember the Removal cyclists travel?
The cyclists cover over 900 miles traveling from the Southeast to Oklahoma.
Who is eligible to participate in the ride?
The ride includes participants from the Cherokee Nation as well as members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from North Carolina.
What legal documents facilitated the forced removal of the Cherokee?
According to the Office of the Historian, the Removal Act of 1830 and the Treaty of New Echota—signed by a minority of the Cherokee—provided the U.S. with the means to relocate the tribe.
How do you think physical challenges can help people connect with their ancestral history?