HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – New benches at the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park have been dedicated to honor two women who contributed their time to engaging with the community about Native American history in Hopkinsville.
Two benches were recently built and placed near the Heritage Center to honor the memory of Kristina Scott and Midge Durbin of Hopkinsville, both of which had an impact on operations and programming at the commemorative park.
“Both women dedicated countless hours to caring for the Trail of Tears cabin, welcoming visitors, and sharing the history of the Trail of Tears and the Hopkinsville campsite,” said a statement from the City of Hopkinsville. “Their passion helped preserve this important story for future generations. These benches serve as a lasting tribute to their service, dedication, and love for our community.”
Durbin died at the age of 90 in 2023 and dedicated her time in her later years to the park. Similarly committed to the history of the park, Scott died at the age of 59 in 2025.
The park is located at 100 Trail of Tears Drive at the site of the encampment that was occupied by Cherokee exiles on the Trail of Tears which holds the gravesites of Chief Whitepath and Fly Smith. Visitors will also find the Heritage Center, which is a small museum at the front of the park inside a restored log cabin.
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