what wasthe name of the road once used by native americans that led thousands of american settlers to western new york

Answer 1

IT has a number of names over time, read here, in the "history" section.

Most call it the Portage Road, or the old French Road, but most nowadays call it StarRoute 394

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_State_Route_394

Answer 2

trail of tears