[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 94 (Tuesday, July 18, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRAIL OF TEARS STUDY ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 17, 2006

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased that the U.S. House of 
Representatives is considering H.R. 3085, the Trail of Tears 
Documentation Act, which I introduced last year with my friend, 
Representative Zach Wamp. This important legislation has 20 cosponsors 
from 8 different states and works to preserve an important chapter of 
our history so others can learn from our past.
  The lessons that lie along the Trail of Tears are more than a chapter 
in a history book. They are the lessons that teach future generations 
to celebrate diversity rather than to push it into the farthest corners 
of our country. Only by experiencing this tragedy can we begin to 
understand why so many Native Americans died along this trail.
  The Trail of Tears Documentation Act would encourage the Secretary of 
the Interior to complete the National Historic Trail of Tears from 
North Carolina to Oklahoma. The proposed routes include two trails in 
Arkansas where close to 2,000 Cherokee traveled after the U.S. 
government forced them to find new land in Indian Territory. The Bell 
route heads up the Arkansas River from Tennessee through Little Rock 
and Fort Smith, and the Benge route extends west from Randolph County 
to Washington County.
  Our legislation asks the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a 
feasibility study of the additional trail segments, emigration depot, 
and land components currently missing along the historic trail. Once 
complete, individuals will be able to travel the entire length of the 
trail and experience interpretations of that period in American 
history.
  It is unacceptable that such a critical part of our history remains a 
patchwork of missing pieces. As Americans, we need to capture this part 
of history so we never forget the stories of families torn apart at the 
hands of our country. By preserving this trail, we will give our 
children and grandchildren the opportunity to experience this tragedy 
firsthand and develop a better understanding of what happened to Native 
Americans in this country.

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