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The Route
Photographer: Tom Bosse
Taken: November 25, 2016
Caption: The Route
Additional Description: Research tells us that the Benge Detachment departed the fort on Ross' Landing Road and headed south to the Gunter's Landing Road intersection, following that route west. Maps and surveys show the Ross' Landing Road crossing the SE corning of this property. On the first day of their nearly 800 mile journey, John Benge reported to Chief John Ross, "We find on examination of the condition of the detachment.. collected at this place (Fort Payne).. that many of them, at least two-thirds, are in destitute condition and in want of shoes, clothing and blankets.. the detachment consists of 1190 persons.. we have only 83 tents." The only known surviving wagon from the historic Cherokee Trail of Tears measures nine feet six inches long. The Benge Detachment had 57 wagons for over 1100 people.
Submitted: December 7, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.
Database Locator Identification Number: p371685
File Size: 1.970 Megabytes

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