The community of Steelville is rallying around plans to build a memorial monument in the city park in honor of the Cherokees' sufferings on the Trail of Tears. Journal records show the Cherokee had encampments between 1837-1839 on the grounds of what is now Steelville Community Park. Visible from Highway 8, the sculpture along with information panels will be a place for visitors to learn more about this tragic history.

The Steelville Trail of Tears Remembrance Committee, a nonprofit organization, began this dream in the winter of 2023. The committee, led by Jennifer Whitson and her daughter Erin Whitson, knew something should be done to honor their lives, their struggles and their deaths along the Trail of Tears as they walked through the state of Missouri. It's a huge endeavor to raise $200,000 but the group is working effortlessly to plan fundraising events.

Another nonprofit contributing to the goal is Steelville Arts Council (STARCO). During the Plein Air events of 2024 and 2025, the artists painted along the Trail of Tears. The participants were asked to use their artistic freedom to imagine Cherokee figures into their artworks. Forty purchased paintings including several donated pieces were collected with intent to be sold at silent auction in order to raise more funds. 

The first auction took place in Springfield, Missouri at the annual National Trail of Tears Convention last fall. The paintings on display were viewed throughout the weekend. Many of the attending participants and presenters have Cherokee in their family heritage. They shared family stories and some were brought to tears as they admired the art. In the 1830's there were no photographs to capture the images of those who suffered along the trail.

The collection of paintings were also displayed at Heartland Arts Club Gallery in Kirkwood, Missouri. The opening reception for the exhibit on Friday, March 6 was well received with over 50 visitors. The paintings will be on display in Kirkwood along with online bidding throughout the month of March. The auction closes at noon central time on Saturday, April 4.

To view the paintings, find them on Steelville Arts Council, Gallery Zeke or Steelville Trail of Tears Remembrance Committee Facebook pages. To place a bid, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrv4jy7j or send an email to Steelville.TrailofTears@gmail.com. Successful bidders may pick up their paintings on location at the Heartland Arts Club Gallery, 101A W Argonne Dr., Kirkwood, MO 63122 or make arrangements through the remembrance committee in Steelville.