Boozman Introduces Butterfield Trail Act

Press Release

U.S. Representative John Boozman introduced the Butterfield Overland Trail Study Act to study the historical "Ox-Bow Route" for potential addition to the National Trails System.

H.R. 1373 directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a resource study of the route through the states of Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The study will evaluate alternatives to protect and interpret the resources of the route, including historically significant locations.

"This is a treasure that we must act to preserve," Boozman said. "It is important to remember our past and the history of our country. Before the Pony Express and the trans-continental railroad, this trail led the way for westward expansion. This piece of our national history is a tool for educating future generations and a means to attract tourists to learn more about the settlement and growth of our country."

In Arkansas, the Butterfield Overland Trail runs from the Missouri line through the Pea Ridge National Military Park and continues on through Washington and Crawford Counties to Fort Smith.

H.R. 1373 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Boozman introduced this legislation in the 110th Congress. The House of Representatives included language authored by Boozman in H.R. 3998 America's Historical and Natural Legacy Study Act, which passed the House in December of 2007.

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