When the original Trail was designated in 1987 only primitive research existed, leaving two main arteries, Benge and Bell, omitted. Both of these routes pass through Arkansas. The Bell Route, traveled by John Bell's Treaty Party across Tennessee and Arkansas, leads up the Arkansas River through North Little Rock, Maumelle, Conway, and on to Fort Smith. The Benge Route, used by Cherokee leader John Benge's detachment, begins in Ft. Payne, Alabama, passing through Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and northern Arkansas, before arriving in Oklahoma.

The Trail of Tears Documentation Act asks the Secretary of the Interior to study these additional trail segments, emigration depots, and land components and incorporate them into the national landmark.

“While the Trail of Tears story will always be one of sorrow and regret, it is important that we remember it accurately,” said Congressman Snyder. “Knowing the history of our country and the mistakes we have made helps us prevent repeating such mistakes in the future. With the recognition of the Benge and Bell paths, Arkansans will be able to know the historic footsteps taken in our state.”

In the 1830s, the U.S. government began using forced treaties and U.S. Army action to relocate Native American tribes from their homes in the eastern United States into Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. Forced removal of the Cherokee took an estimated 15,000 from their homelands in southern Appalachia for a journey West that caused the loss of an estimated ¼ of the tribes’ population, and would eventually be called the "Trail of Tears."

To see a detailed map of the Trail, which ran through North Little Rock, Conway, Maumelle and up the Arkansas river, visit the National Park Service site here http://imgis.nps.gov/national_historic_trails.html

Congressman Snyder was one of 20 cosponsors representing all eight states along the historic trail of the bill. Congressman Marion Berry (AR-01) and Congressman Zach Wamp (TN-03) were original cosponsors.