Near Evansville in Washington County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Almost The End Of The Cherokee's Sad Journey Westward
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, February 19, 2023
1. Almost The End Of The Cherokee's Sad Journey Westward Marker
The Indian Removal Act was signed by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830. This act put in motion the systematic removal of the Choctaws, Muscogee Creeks, Chickasaws, Seminoles, and Cherokees from their ancestral homes in the east to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). The trek from their ancestral homes was a sad uprooting full of uncertainties and dangers and has become known as the "Trail of Tears."
In the winter of 1838-1839 three parties of Cherokees came by here. These groups traveled west by land until they reached the Line Road north of Van Buren. Here they turned north and proceeded on the line Road to this area. Two groups turned and went west into Indian Territory. The third group ended their removal journey at Vineyard (Evansville).
Lieutenant Robert Whiteley with about 724 Cherokee passed here August 3, 1838. Lieutenant Gustavus S. Drane's Cherokee party passed here September 2, 1838. The Bell party of about 650 Cherokees led by Cherokee, John A. Bell, and Lieutenant Edward Deas reached here January 8, 1939 and disbanded. Other Cherokee parties coming from the north by Cane Hill may have passed here.
In the 1830s, John Latta moved to this area and called the place Vineyard, for "The Lord's Vineyard." He built his two story log house (photo above) about 1834. He was postmaster
this page online
This grant program is made possible by one-time appropriations from the 86th Arkansas General Assembly.
Erected by Arkansas Chapter, Trail of Tears Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 28, 1830.
Location. 35° 48.107′ N, 94° 29.744′ W. Marker is near Evansville, Arkansas, in Washington County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 59 and State Highway 156, on the left when traveling north on State Highway 59. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Evansville AR 72729, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Arkansas, on the Ozark Plateau, in the Cherokee Heritage Region, and in Osage Territory. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Ozarks. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bethlehem Methodist-Episcopal Church South (approx. 5 miles away); Bethlehem Cemetery (approx. 5 miles away); Fruit Cellar (approx. 9.2 miles away); Dr. William and Laura Welch House - 1855 (approx. 9.2 miles away); Zebulon and Eunice Edmiston House 1872
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, February 19, 2023
2. Almost The End Of The Cherokee's Sad Journey Westward Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Confederates Fall Back Before Union Assault (was approx. 9.4 miles away but has been permanently removed); The Troops Who Fought at Cane Hill (was approx. 9.4 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Marc Hayot, May 17, 2026
3. Almost The End Of The Cherokee's Sad Journey Westward Marker
I couldn't find this on the site until today and submitted this one myself. Some of this comes from that post. It is on the right-hand side of the property if you are facing the building. It is at the intersection of State Highway 59 and State Highway 156, on the right when traveling south on State Highway 59. The marker is located on the grounds of the Evansville Fire Station/Community Building. The marker itself is small and difficult to see from the road. An easy way to find the marker is to pull onto the property and drive to the front of the property.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2024, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 348 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 29, 2024, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. 3. submitted on May 23, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
