Interpreting the Trail of Tears Along the Arkansas River

Legacies & Lunch November 2026

During National Native American Heritage Month, Aaron Boswell will discuss the development of an interpretive strategy for the Arkansas River water route of the Trail of Tears, created through his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Aaron Boswell will discuss the development and implementation of an interpretive strategy for the Arkansas River water route of the Trail of Tears, created through his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In the 1830s, Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole people were removed through Arkansas toward Indian Territory, many under intense pressure from the U.S. government and white settlers. Numerous detachments traveled the Arkansas River aboard overcrowded, unsanitary cargo boats. Boswell will explore the research, planning, and design behind exhibits, identification signs, mileage markers, and digital resources along the 308-mile route, helping preserve and share these stories. 

We are excited to offer a lunch including a sandwich, chips, a cookie, and a drink to in-person attendees in 2026, courtesy of the CALS Foundation. Meals are limited and will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. We cannot accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies, and registration does not guarantee lunch will be available. Registration is not required, but is recommended to help us in planning and event promotion.   

Aaron Boswell is a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He is a Cherokee citizen with a distinguished career in military and federal service. He began his career as a U.S. Army Military Police Officer, serving in humanitarian and combat operations before completing his service in 2000. Since joining the Corps in 2008, he has supported numerous emergency operations and developed expertise in interpretation and outdoor education. A certified Interpretive Guide and recipient of the Chittenden Award for Interpretive Excellence, Boswell has had his work published in Legacy. 

Promotional artwork courtesy of Mary Lupton Art.

About and Attendee Information 

Legacies and Lunch is a free monthly program of the CALS Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, focusing on Arkansas-related topics. This is a hybrid program offering participants the opportunity to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom. To participate in person, join us at the Darragh Center on the 5th floor of the CALS Main Library (with elevator access). Parking is available in the surface lot (accessible from 2nd St.) and the CALS parking deck (accessible from Rock Street). Parking will be validated. To participate virtually, register for the webinar using the button above.

ASL interpretation will be provided for this program. For any questions about the program please call 501.320.5726 or email Danielle Afsordeh.

This program will be live-streamed to YouTube, and the recording will be available immediately following the event.

Past Legacies & Lunch Events