In 1838, approximately 660 Cherokees led by John Bell and escorted by U.S. Army Lieutenant Edward Deas traveled west along the old Savannah-Bolivar Road, aligned with present-day US Hwy 64, from McNairy County into Bolivar and to Hardeman County, crossing the Hatchie River and adjacent swamps by ferry on November 16 with wagons and saddle horses via a paid voucher to Miller and Borkston. Bell had signed the Treaty of New Echota, which set terms for Cherokee removal in 1835.