Downpour Did Not Dampen Spirits at Trail of Tears & Bicentennial Event in Farmington

(Farmington) A downpour of rain Wednesday evening in Farmington did not dampen the spirit of a nice crowd who were at Long Park to hear a host of speakers about the Trail of Tears and the Old Plank Road.

This was also a kickoff celebration as Missouri and St. Francois County are both celebrating 200 years of existence this year.

Denise Dowling is one of the organizers of the event.

Rocky Miller is a former Missouri state representative.

He spoke at the event.

Brick Autry from Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site also spoke to the crowd.

He talked about The Hildebrand Route of the Trail of Tears.

State Representative Dale Wright of Farmington also spoke to the crowd.

Lana Wampler is on the Highways of History Committee.

She tells us about a special monument that stands across the street from Long Park.

Six young bicyclists with the Cherokee Nation were on hand Wednesday and spoke to the crowd.

They are currently participating in this year’s Remember the Removal Bike Ride.

They are retracing their ancestors steps on the Trail of Tears.

They started in Georgia, went through Tennessee, made their way into Missouri and stopped in Farmington Wednesday for the celebration.

Now they are peddling on to Oklahoma where they will finish the ride.