Arkansas Chapter of the Trail of Tears

Each calendar year the Arkansas chapter of the Trail of Tears Association offers a writing award for articles dealing with any phase of the removal of American Indians across Arkansas. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 escalated the pressure for removal of tribes east of the Mississippi River to the Indian Territory west of Arkansas, now the state of Oklahoma. Travel across Arkansas was pivotal to the removal experience of many of these tribes.

Articles to be considered will be those published in an Arkansas historical journal between January 1 and December 31 and submitted by April 1 of the following year. Topics could include transportation factors such as roads, ferries, and bridges; economic elements such as trading posts, public houses, and contractors; or biographical treatments of persons involved with removal. Articles will be judged on their contribution to knowledge about the Indian Removal period as well as use of primary and secondary materials.

A copy of the journal containing the article should be mailed to Carolyn Kent, P.O. Box 8112, Jacksonville, AR 72078.

The author of the winning article will be awarded $150. The society publishing the journal containing the winning article will receive $50.

Other notable articles may receive a certificate.

If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Kent by phone 501-834-6246, cell phone 501-425-5724, or email Carolke5@aol.com.