Researchers located the Brown's Ferry Federal Road trace, a small remnant of a larger road network that spread across the United States and its territories, by combining LiDAR, a laser-generated model made from airplane data, with an 1863 United States Coast Survey map to build a three-dimensional model of the ground where the road crossed. This work of history, archaeology, and science made it possible to follow part of the same route the Cherokee were forced to travel on the Trail of Tears and Union soldiers later marched during the Civil War.

Photo: Dale K. Benington

Photo: Dale K. Benington

Photo: Dale K. Benington

Photo: Dale K. Benington

Photo: Dale K. Benington

Photo: Dale K. Benington