DECATUR – The sounds of rolling thunder will be heard from Bridgeport to Waterloo when motorcyclists from across the Southeast ride in the annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride.
The 30th annual event rolls out Sept. 16 across north Alabama to honor Native American Indians who once traveled through the region.
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 called for the voluntary or forcible removal of all Indians from the eastern United States to the state of Oklahoma. The deadline for voluntary native removal was May 1938, and so began the Cherokee “Trail of Tears,” one of the darkest episodes in relations between the United States and Native Americans.
In 1838, the U.S. government hired wagon master J.C.S. Hood to transport Native Americans by foot and wagon from Ross’s Landing in Chattanooga to what is now Waterloo, along a trail that is now U.S. 72.
Hundreds of Native Americans died in Waterloo and others escaped into the hills and today, area residents can trace their Native American ancestry to those who fled.
As many as 4,000 deaths occurred because of this forced removal of civilized Native Americans from their homes.
The Trail of Tears motorcycle ride begins at the on U.S. 72 in downtown Bridgeport with riders departing at 8 a.m. The ride travels west to I-565, arriving at Redstone Harley-Davidson on Alabama 20 in Madison at approximately 10:30 a.m. for an official ride rest and lunch stop. At noon, the riders mount up and continue west, arriving in Waterloo at approximately 2:30 p.m.
A kick-off rally offering children’s activities, live music, a street dance, fireworks show and other free family fun for the public to enjoy is scheduled Sept. 15 in downtown Bridgeport. Bikes will arrive from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Reservation at 3 p.m. and the official opening ceremony gets underway at 5 p.m.
Music begins at 6 p.m. with John Stone and the Trailer Park Allstars taking the stage at 7:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks show and more music.
Waterloo will host a free Indian Festival Sept. 15-17 in remembrance of all those who walked the Trail of Tears. Presented by the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, the three-day event offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights, living history soldier encampment (Friday and Saturday) and displays from Native American artisans and vendors. A memorial walk is scheduled Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. to honor those who experienced the forced journey. Admission is free. The Town of Waterloo is asking for a $5 donation for all four-wheel vehicle parking at the South boat ramp area.
The ride is held rain or shine. For more information including a schedule of events, visit https://www.al-tn-
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