Chattanooga Times Editorial
Friday, 19 April 1996, pA8

There are no historical markers to acknowledge it, but students of local history long have known Chattanooga was a primary debarkation point for the infamous Trail of Tears in the 1830s. Only now do we learn that during that forced removal to the West, two detachments of the beleaguered Cherokee Nation crossed directly over Moccasin Bend.

It seems there is no end to discoveries that deepen our understanding of the remarkable historical significance of this Chattanooga landmark.

Moccasin Bend, defined by the sweeping turn of the Tennessee River at the foot of Lookout Mountain, was inhabited by ancient tribes of Native Americans for thousands of years before Europeans set foot here. The Cherokees who lived there were modern inhabitants in a relative sense. And that makes the peninsula's Civil War history seem like only yesterday.

Its future is what remains to be determined.

Already designated a National Historical Landmark, Moccasin Bend should become a national park. More specifically it should be added to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Only by such inclusion can this treasure trove of history be properly preserved.

Lacking permanent protection under the wing of the national parks, Moccasin Bend will continually be under pressure for piecemeal development. History proves that. And human nature being what it is, the time will come when the pressures overwhelm the better judgment of local officials entrusted with stewardship of this land.

Only two years ago, city and county officials eagerly supported an outdoor amphitheater for Moccasin Bend. The misguided initiative would have opened the way to tourist development on a large and destructive scale. It was derailed only after prolonged and widespread public protest.

Now a small group of dedicated volunteers seeks national park status for the Bend. Their quest is bolstered by the work of Dr. Duane King, director of the Southwest Museum in Los Angeles and a leading scholar of Cherokee history.

It was Dr. King's research, which unearthed Army pay vouchers from the period, that lately confirmed Moccasin Bend's link to the Trail of Tears. His discovery made a powerful argument for preservation even more compelling.

And with Dr. King's support, Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park are planning a Trail of Tears interpretive center here, possibly within view of the Tennessee Aquarium, to enhance its tourist draw. Dr. King believes it could be the most outstanding Native American museum in the country, and it's time for it.

Chattanooga has never adequately paid tribute to its Native American history. A first-class museum and cultural center would be both an educational and economic asset.

But first things first. And the first thing is to secure national park status for the Bend.

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp has signed on in that effort, and we commend him for it. He has solicited support from Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, the only Native American member of the Senate, among others. And he says he's "fascinated" by the history of the Bend and prospects for reviving federal legislation which authorized its acceptance as a national park 46 years ago.

Rep. Wamp does not play down the difficulties. The National Park Service is under congressional pressure to restrict its activities. Expanding its holdings will be a significant challenge. But then, Moccasin Bend is a significant piece of American history. Saving it is worth the effort.