Potawatomi Indians
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Follow the Trail and Learn Their Story
The history shared through the Salisbury Canvass Cruise represents only a small part of the much larger story of the Potawatomi Trail of Death. Numerous tribal organizations, historians, descendants and historical groups have worked to document the 1838 forced removal and preserve the stories of those who endured the journey.
One continuing effort is the Potawatomi Trail of Death Commemorative Caravan. First held in 1988 and traditionally conducted every five years, the caravan retraces the approximately 660-mile route from Indiana, through Illinois and Missouri, to Kansas.
Participants travel the historic route, visit markers and significant locations, honor the Potawatomi ancestors who made the journey, and help educate new generations about the forced removal.
The most recent commemorative journey was held in 2026, with the next scheduled for 2031.
Chariton County is only one small section of that 660-mile trail. We encourage you to continue beyond our local story and explore the many resources dedicated to preserving the history of the Potawatomi people and the Trail of Death.
