Post 3: Trail of Tears Begins

The Trail of Tears marks one of the darkest chapters in American history, where the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands took place. The Cherokee Nation, in particular, experienced great suffering during this tragic event.

In 1838, following the ratification of the Indian Removal Act in 1830, the U.S. government began implementing its plan to forcibly relocate Native American tribes in order to open up valuable territories for white settlement. The Cherokee, who had assimilated into American society and even developed their own constitution, were not immune to this policy. The government used various tactics, such as fraudulent treaties and coercion, to pressure the Cherokee Nation into signing the Treaty of New Echota in 1835. This treaty allowed for the forced removal of the Cherokee from their lands.

In May 1838, the Cherokee were rounded up from their homes at gunpoint and forcibly marched to designated "Indian Territory" in present-day Oklahoma. The journey was treacherous, as the Native Americans were ill-prepared and lacked sufficient food, clothing, and shelter. Many had to sell their possessions at a fraction of their worth in order to survive. The hardships faced during the journey were further exacerbated by poor weather conditions, disease, and exhaustion. Estimates suggest that at least 4,000 individuals, primarily elderly men, women, and children, lost their lives during the journey.

Federal troops played a significant role in enforcing the removal. Under the command of General Winfield Scott, they were ordered to remove the Cherokee by any means necessary. Troops were often cruel and showed little regard for the suffering of the Native Americans. They forcibly evicted the Cherokee from their homes, looted their belongings, and burned down their houses and crops. The sight of their homeland being destroyed served as a painful reminder to the Cherokee of the injustice they were experiencing.

The onset of the Trail of Tears represents the beginning of the long and harrowing journey for many Native American tribes. Unfortunately, the Cherokee were not the only tribe forcibly removed during this period. The Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole also endured immense suffering. The Trail of Tears is a tragic testament to the forced displacement and immense hardship faced by Native American tribes, leaving a lasting scar on America's history.

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