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Trail Of Tears Tour 2006
Review Written By: Janet Schilling
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I watched the touring coach as it pulled up to me in Locust Grove and thought I was embarking on a simple tour; a tour on which I would experience a pleasant afternoon of sight seeing and learn a bit of history.  As anyone who has ever been on one; a tour can be a wonderful experience when the people involved get along, the trip is well planned and the accommodations are good.  These elements were all a big part of this tour.  The weather cooperated beautifully, as did most of the routes we traveled to arrive at our destination.  Our bus seemed to be filled with interesting people willing to entertain each other.

However, this review isn't just about the the roads we traveled to arrive at Pea Ridge, AR;  it is more about the emotions that were experienced as we went back in time and almost literally walked in another's shoes.

As we left Locust Grove we were entertained and educated by one of our riders on the bus.  He shared some history and several anecdotes with us.  We laughed and we learned a little and it made the journey very pleasant.  Next we had a former teacher share some little known facts about Oklahoma, "Sooner" history, I felt at times both proud and ashamed of my fellow Oklahomans.  I was impressed with his knowledge of history.  We even had the makings of a healthy debate brewing for a few moments.  This is something that often happens when you have a large group  of intelligent, well educated adults contained in a small area.

Soon however, we reached our second destination;  Ryan's, for lunch.   We were treated to an excellent buffet lunch, (the yeast raised rolls were to die for) in a private room.  After a lot of good food and pleasant conversation, it didn't take long before we were on our way to more stories and laughter on the bus.

The next stop is when the tour really began to become an amazing experience.

At The National Military Park Museum,  the lovely ladies of the Cherokee Pocahontas Indian Women's Club; led by Mary Jane (President) proceeded to delight us all with a rendition of the Lord's Prayer performed in sign language.

After this touching experience, the Mayor of Pea Ridge, AR surprised us all with a declaration that from this day forward, September 9th would be proclaimed; the annual Cherokee Pocahontas Indian Women's Club Day.  The group was presented with a Certificate signed by the Mayor and sealed by the State of Arkansas;  along with a book illustrating the history of Pea Ridge, AR.  I have pictures of this presentation for all to enjoy.

Following this, we were given ample time to explore the National Military Park Museum, and enjoy a short movie telling us all about the Battle At Pea Ridge that saved Missouri for the Union.  We also learned about the area reserved for tourists; a place where you can literally walk on a portion of the very path taken by the Indians who walked on the Trail Of Tears. 

From here we traveled a bit farther by bus to the Elk Horn Tavern;  Historical sight of the Battle At Pea Ridge and the area designated for us to experience the Trail Of Tears.   It was a humbling experience for this traveler.  I found myself worn out after a short walk on a lovely summer day and realized to a small degree; the reality of what hardships must have been endured by the Indians that had been forced to walk across several states in weather meant to be avoided.  The Indians we found had been given the option of traveling across the country during the summertime when serious diseases ran rampant, or during the early winter months when illness was less a concern then bitter cold and lack of adequate supplies.

I left the Pea Ridge area with a deeper respect for those that traveled before me.

After we left the Trail Of Tears we traveled back to Locust Grove to enjoy dinner at the Country Cottage Restaurant.  A buffet was offered with a wide variety of selections; and again was enjoyed by all in a private room.  The room was a charming replica of a turn-of-the-century Victorian style restaurant.  A large gift shop offered a wide variety of Victorian style giftware.

I left the tour at this point to drive back home.  As they left the last thing I heard was that Travel Bingo was about to be played.  Dangit!  I wish I hadn't missed that!

As for me, these are the things I learned on this tour:

•    I learned that Wanda will fuss over each and everyone of us to make sure we are having a good time.
•    The women were the best dressed, casually elegant bunch of ladies I have ever met.  Fun loving and ready to explore.  They supported each other in having a good time.
•    The men were true gentlemen.  Full of anecdotes and interesting stories to tell.  They held doors for us, flirted a bit and treated us all like the ladies we are.
•    Glen, the bus driver really cared about the people being safe and having a good time.  And he wouldn't give up until that dang video player was working on the bus.  He also didn't hesitate to pull over and let us enjoy the critters grazing along the way.
•    I also learned; I have a lot to learn.  I'll just have to go on more tours until I do!

And now.  For my favorite part of this review...
The PICTURES
Additional Note:  Before I arrived, I am told ...
The tour coach made their first stop in Locust Grove to visit the "Cavalier Ranch", shop for Antiques and to see the Cavalier/Vann Cemetery.  The 2 rooms of their home was built in 1866 by Joseph Vann. In 1891 John T. Cavalier bought improvements on land from the Vann family. The land was alloted in 1906

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