Battle Of Neches Observance July 11, 2009

From Tyler Courier-Times-Telegraph, 7/5/09 page 5D:

Battle Of Neches Observance Slated July 11, 2009

The annual observance of the Battle of the Neches is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. July 11 at the battle site, at Texas Highway 64 and Farm-to-Market Road 4923, about 15 miles west of Tyler, said Sondra McAdams, vice chairwoman of the American Indian Cultural Society Inc.

Andrew Hair will speak on the preservation of historical sites. Danny Hair will perform the smudging ceremony and Chairman Eagle Douglas will tell the story of the battle.

Betty Miller, and a team of genealogists, will assist those who are interested in finding out more about their Native American heritage. Those individuals are asked to bring their information, including family bibles, birth certificates, marriage licenses or anything of historical importance.

This year's event will feature the auction of a year-old quarter horse filly, and proceeds for this donated gift will go toward the renovation of the building on the land.

"We have been working on this for some time," Ms. McAdams said. "When finished, we will have a learning center for children and adults."

The learning center will be a place where the history of the 13 tribes represented at this battle will be taught, she said.

The picnic begins at 5:30 p.m. Those who attend are asked to bring a covered-dish item and lawn chairs. The information/crafts booth will offer information on the 13 tribes, as well as some crafts for sale.

The AICS is 501(c) 3 organization and owns the site of the Battle of the Neches, also known as the "Last Battle of the Cherokee" in the state of Texas. The AICS provides tours of the site for adults, as well as schoolchildren and scout groups, offers classes on the Cherokee language and holds the annual memorial service in July for those who died there.

For information, e-mail Douglas at Eagle1839@hotmail.com or Ms. McAdams at 2feathers2@msn.com or call 903-425-8581.