Vandals destroy bricks at Trail of Tears monument

WATERLOO -- Mayor Jerry McIntyre frequently drives to the end of Main Street in the mornings to take in the beautiful view of the Tennessee River.

The view is accented by a Trail of Tears historical marker.

On Wednesday morning, however, the view was far from pleasant. A brick pavement surrounding the marker had been vandalized, with 75 to 80 engraved bricks destroyed. Many were dug up and cast onto the rocky riverbank, where they broke.

"It's just sickening," McIntyre said. "You try to build something that will last for years and years, and someone does this."

McIntyre estimates the damage at $5,000 to $6,000. The bricks were bought by individuals, who put their names or the names of a loved one or institution on the brick.

"Someone deliberately threw them on the rocks to smash them," Police Chief Paul Norman said.

The chief said this is a serious offense because it involves desecrating a historical landmark.

"It could become a federal crime," Norman said. He said, legally, it's on the level of damaging any federal landmark, such as the Washington Monument.

There are no suspects, but the chief said he has collected some physical evidence at the scene. He didn't comment on what type of evidence was discovered.

Many bricks were left untouched. Norman said that leads him to believe the culprit or culprits were startled by someone and quickly left.

The chief believes more than one person was involved in the vandalism.

McIntyre said the bricks that were damaged had not been secured in mortar. He said, from now on, no brick will be placed at the monument unless it is secured.

He said the bricks vary in cost. Those that are 8 inches by 8 inches are $200. The smaller ones are $50 or $100 if they are laser-engraved.

"For someone to have done this is just stupidity," he said. "Many people donate the bricks as memorials to someone. Whoever did this is playing with people's feelings. It's hard to put it into words."

The mayor said the bricks will be replaced. Photos and other materials document what was written on the bricks, and where the bricks were placed.

McIntyre said the bricks are not insured, and the town and Trail of Tears Riverwalk Committee likely will have to pay for the replacements.

"In a little town like this, that cost hurts," he said.

Norman said the landing where the monument is situated is a popular location. He said local youths often hang out there, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are to blame.

"It's a sacred area to them and everyone in town," he said. "A lot of these kids are related to people whose names are on the bricks. They really seem to have respect for it."

The chief is the only officer in the town's department. He varies patrol times so nobody knows when he'll be at any location.

Sometimes, a Lauderdale deputy or state trooper drives through the area, as well, he said.

Anyone with information or who may have seen anything Tuesday night along Main Street is asked to call the police department at 764-3237, Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office at 760-5757, or Crimestoppers at 768-7552.

The marker commemorates a pickup point for some of the American Indians who were forced west by the federal government in the 1800s.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@timesdaily.com.