In Memorium: Bill Cason, organizer of Trail of Tears Memorial Ride

JASPER, Tennessee (WDEF) – Family members tell us the man who started the Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride has passed away.

Bill Cason was a US Air Force veteran from Jasper.

But his major contribution to our area was remembering a dark chapter in local history.

Cason organized bikers to recreate the Trail of Tears from 1838, where the Cherokee people were removed from our area to a reservation in Oklahoma.

120,000 riders took part in the three day ride from Chattanooga to Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

Money from Trail of Tears merchandise also provided scholarships each year to Native American students.