The Potawatomi Trail of Death remains a largely overlooked tragedy in our nation's history. From September to November 1838, more than 850 Potawatomi people were force-marched over 660 miles from Indiana to Kansas - a journey that claimed many lives due to harsh conditions (America 250: Stories of America -- Potawatomi Trail of Death). 

 

Potawatomi Trail of Death Map

 

 

 

 

While several Potawatomi Trail of Death markers have been placed, many of them go unnoticed and they fail to give justice and proper awareness to those impacted. Springfield was the most established city that the Potawatomi were marched through. 

 

Current Marker -- East of Springfield, IL

5315 Oak Crest Rd

 

 

 

 

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 26, 2020

 

This petition seeks to provide awareness and promote the funding of erecting a structure/memorial to commemorate those who endured the Potawatomi Trail of Death, in Springfield, Illinois. 

When it comes to the physical appearance of the memorial, one thing that is important is working directly with the Potawatomi people – collaborating with them and creating a monument that honors and memorializes those who lost their lives, especially the two children who died right here in Springfield. Another thing that could be incorporated into the memorial is the Potawatomi seal pictured below. That way, we can better memorialize, honor, and remember this tragedy and those who were victims of it.

Link to Potawatomi Seal

 

As students of the University of Illinois system, we know that remembering our past is critical to understanding our present and future, and feel like it is our duty to represent those who have not been adequately represented. By creating a dedicated memorial to these victims of forced removal, we hope to educate our community about this sad chapter of our history, honor the lives lost, and serve as a reminder of the resilience of the Potawatomi people. We believe that this memorial will also encourage further studies into the family histories of those affected, deepening our understanding of this human rights tragedy.

Please stand for those who had to march and sign the petition as we seek justice and remembrance for the suffering endured on the Potawatomi Trail of Death.

Thank you.