Trail Of Tears Across Arkansas
Class | FULL
Explore the powerful and often overlooked history of the Cherokee in Arkansas with educator Sasha Bowles, a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. Long before the Trail of Tears, Cherokees began settling in Arkansas in the 1700s, first in the east and later in the Arkansas River Valley. Their presence shaped the region’s development and laid the groundwork for future migration and commerce.
Arkansas holds a unique place in this history— it’s the only state to witness the forced removal of all five major Southeastern tribes, with hundreds of miles of the Trail of Tears crossing its land. This program examines why the Cherokee originally moved to Arkansas, what drove further relocation, and the events that led to their forced removal through the state.
With over 20 years of experience in environmental education and cultural interpretation, Sasha weaves personal heritage into this meaningful exploration of resilience, displacement, and legacy.
This program will meet in person at OLLI Headquarters (HQ), located at 481 S. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen; please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
OLLI HQ
Sasha Bowles
I’m Sasha Bowles a non-traditional educator with over 20 years of experience. Skilled in environmental education, cultural interpretation, and community engagement. As a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, I weave my heritage into programming to highlight the cultural and historical significance of the region. Passionate about fostering connections between nature and visitors while promoting conservation, I’m dedicated to sharing Arkansas's natural beauty and history through innovative and engaging outreach