IL-146 generally follows a land route of the Trail of Tears , a trail taken by bands of approximately 9,000 Cherokee who were forced to march through southern Illinois from November 1838 until January 1839 as part of a U.S. government mandated relocation . In 2006 , the state of Illinois designated IL-146 as a historic highway and route of the Trail of Tears . IL-146 intersects with two U.S. Interstate Highways : Interstate 24 at exit 16 near Vienna , and Interstate 57 at exit 30 near Anna . IL-146 passes through an area of Illinois noted for scenic beauty and significant tourist visitation . State-operated parks and recreation areas on or adjacent to IL-146 include , from west to east : The city of Jonesboro was the site of an open-air debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858 . The site of the debate is preserved as a picnic area and park in Jonesboro
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Illinois Route 146