In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-192, designating two of the routes taken by the Cherokee people in their removal as a national historic trail within the National Trails System. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail is administered by the National Park Service.

In 1993, through the efforts of the National Park Service and the Trail of Tears Advisory Council, the Trail of Tears Association was created and incorporated in Missouri as a non-profit organization. The corporation papers were signed by the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Trail of Tears Association is to promote and engage in the protection and preservation of Trail of Tears National Historic Trail resources; to promote awareness of the Trail's legacy, including the removal stories of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole; and to perpetuate the management and development techniques that are consistent with the National Park Service's trail plan.

Trail of Tears Association National Bylaws

Board Meeting Minutes - September 20, 2010

1100 North University, Suite 143
Little Rock, AR 72207
Phone: (501) 666-9032
Fax: (501) 666-5875
E-mail: TOTA@arindianctr.org