Livingston County, KY Hampton “Mantle Rock Nature Preserve” “Mantle Rock” is a 30-foot high natural sandstone bridge spanning 188 feet, truly a point of interest for any geography major but it was the archeological history of this rocks extensive bluffs and honeycomb formations. This natural wonder ‘housed’ many of the Cherokee Nation and serves in recognition as an emblem of resistance, survival and spirituality to many returning Cherokee who continue to visit and pay their respect. * “In the winter of 1838 the Cherokee began the thousand mile march with scant clothing and most on foot without shoes or moccasins. The march began in Red Clay, Tennessee, the location of the last Eastern capital of the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee were given used blankets from a hospital in Tennessee where an epidemic of small pox had broken out. Because of the diseases, the Indians were not allowed to go into any towns or villages along the way; many times this meant traveling much farther to go around them. After crossing Tennessee and Kentucky, they arrived in Southern Illinois at Golconda about the 3rd of December, 1838. Here the starving Indians were charged a dollar a head to cross the river on “Berry’s Ferry” which typically charged twelve cents. They were not allowed passage until the ferry had serviced all others wishing to cross and were forced to take shelter under “Mantle Rock,” a shelter bluff on the Kentucky side, until “Berry had nothing better to do”. Many died huddled together at Mantle Rock waiting to cross. Several Cherokee were murdered by locals. The killers filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Government through the courthouse in Vienna, suing the government for $35 a head to bury the murdered Cherokee.” In 2004, the preserve was recognized as a certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic and trail and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The newly posted signs around town will easily lead you to a new parking area located in what appears, to be the middle of vast forests and grasslands. The short hike to Mantle Rock is relatively simple. Dress comfortably with proper footwear and bring basic hiking supplies. The trek to the stone arch is a half mile jaunt down a gravel/dirt road.