Where is the Trail of Tears Start and End?
The Trail of Tears, a dark chapter in American history, refers to the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to territories west of the Mississippi River. This tragic event began in 1830 and lasted until the 1850s. Understanding the starting and ending points of the Trail of Tears is crucial in comprehending the scope and impact of this devastating migration.
The Trail of Tears started in the southeastern United States, primarily in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. The Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creek, and Seminoles were among the tribes affected by this forced relocation. The government’s policy, known as the Indian Removal Act of 1830, was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson, leading to the displacement of thousands of Native Americans.
The journey of the Trail of Tears took the affected tribes through various routes, with the most common being the Northern Route and the Southern Route. The Northern Route, also known as the “Old Indian Trail,” led the tribes through the states of Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. The Southern Route, on the other hand, took the tribes through the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The Trail of Tears ended in the Indian Territory, which is now present-day Oklahoma. The Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Seminoles were the first tribes to arrive in the Indian Territory, followed by the Creeks, Cherokees, and eventually the Seminoles. The journey was fraught with hardships, including disease, starvation, and violence, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans.
The Trail of Tears is a somber reminder of the consequences of forced assimilation and the disregard for Native American rights and sovereignty. Today, the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail commemorates the suffering and resilience of the Native American tribes during this dark period in American history. The trail stretches over 2,200 miles and passes through 12 states, serving as a testament to the tragic journey of the Trail of Tears and the enduring legacy of its survivors.
