The Princeton Trail of Tears Commission is inviting the community to its annual meeting on Friday, which will include a special guest speaker.
Commission member Robert Ward announced that the meeting would commence at 5:00 PM, with Shelly Morris as the featured speaker.
click to download audioHe explained that the historical significance of Mantle Rock lies in the winter of 1838 and 1839 when the Cherokees were being forced to relocate from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina to Oklahoma. During this time, he said the Ohio River was frozen, leaving 1,766 Cherokees stranded at Mantle Rock for two weeks until they could be ferried across the river.
click to download audioAccording to Ward, during their journey on the Trail of Tears, the Native American Indians made stops at Big Springs in Princeton and several other locations in Caldwell County, including the Fredonia area.
click to download audioHe noted that Morris is an expert on the history of Mantle Rock.
Ward also emphasized the need for new members to join the Princeton Trail of Tears Commission and extended an invitation to everyone to attend the annual meeting, which will be held at 5:00 Friday afternoon at Princeton City Hall.
