John Bridges Tavern and Store Site is a historic tavern complex site located along Illinois Route 146 near Buncombe , Illinois . The tavern and store were built in the early 1830s by either John Bridges , Sr. , or his son John Bridges , Jr . In 1838 and 1839 , the Trail of Tears passed through southern Illinois , and the tavern and store served as a stopping place for Cherokee who had been removed from their homeland . Additionally , a spring on the property provided a water source for the Cherokee and their animals . The tavern burned down in 1940 , and the complex has been partially demolished , but some remains of the store still stand and archaeological investigations have been conducted at the site
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
John Bridges Tavern and Store Site