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Next month, as part of The State Historical Society of Missouri's ongoing History on Elm series, the literal and historical significance of Missouri in relation to the Trail of Tears will be explored. From noon to 1 p.m. on April 8th, historical archaeologist Erin Whitson will provide her insights into this topic. A native of Steelville and an archaeologist with the Missouri Department of Transportation, Whitson plans to discuss "how archaeological methods can help uncover facets of (Native American) removal that have been previously ignored. She also aims to highlight how cooperative efforts allow descendants to delve into the history within the very locations where their ancestors once lived and perished," as stated in a press release. As a doctoral student at Binghamton University, Whitson is presently examining two sites associated with the Trail of Tears located in the southeastern part of the state, which were established during the years from 1837 to 1839....

A recent study indicates that the first inhabitants of North America utilized wooden contraptions for moving items, and potentially humans as well, over 20,000 years ago. Scientists found drag marks resembling those of a sled next to ancient footprints at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, which could be oldest human footprint site in North America. The indigenous individuals who were part of the research indicated that the markings were created using a travois, consisting of two poles tied together to form a wooden structure, as stated in the study released in the January issue of the journal. Quaternary Science Advances . The Indigenous communities from the Great Plains region, which encompasses parts of present-day New Mexico, utilized travois dragged by canines (later replaced by equine species after colonization) for transporting their dwellings, household items, and various belongings during initial interactions with European settlers roughly five centuries ...