The Trail of Tears Commemorative Day leads off the Native Cultural Circle's annual Inter-Tribal PowWow. The Port Royal site is the only remaining uncovered segment of the original trail in Tennessee.
The Native Cultural Circle's Inter-Tribal PowWow is held the second weekend of October. Every year the group hosts the annual two-day powwow as a means of educating the general public about Tennessee's native peoples traditions, culture and customs.
Clarksville is blessed, because the powwow site has truly historic significance, in that it is staged adjacent to last remaining uncovered segment of the Trail of Tears in Tennessee. The land is included in the Port Royal State Historic Park, where the quiet beauty of the area is well suited to the occasion.
This year's PowWow featured host drum the White Horse Singers from Alabama, along with Southern Echo of Crossville, Tennessee.
Last year, the inaugural Trail of Tears Commemorative Walk celebrated the National Parks Service designating the trail segment as an authentic Trail of Tears site. Over 100 native people turned out for the walk, many wearing native regalia. Representatives from the Tennessee Indian Commission and Montgomery County Mayor's Office spoke at the observance acknowledging the solemnity of the occasion and its truthful place in American history. Park Ranger David Britton greeted Native American leaders and elders, exchanged flags and read a state proclamation.
Park Ranger David Britton last week announced the National Parks Service has now designated Port Royal State Park as an official Trail of Tears Historic Park. For this year's powwow celebration, on Saturday, October 11th, at 10 AM, there was a re-enactment of the march through the town of Port Royal. There were also re-enactments of 1830's domestic skills and medicine. Visitors were able to sample the foods the Native Americans were actually provided during their encampment. Additionally, guided historical tours throughout the park were conducted and there were exhibits on the Trail of Tears and the Town of Port Royal at the park's interpretive center. When tours of the park were completed, visitors were encouraged to go on to the Inter-Tribal Powwow Grounds and continue their discovery of Tennessee's Native peoples culture.
For more information on the Trail of Tears Commemoration or Port Royal Historic State Park, contact Port Royal State Park Office, 931-358-9696. The park office is located at 3300 Old Clarksville-Springfield Road.
