What tribe was on the Trail of Tears? 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 designated territories in the West. Among the tribes that suffered this tragic fate were the Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, and Seminole. This article will focus on the Cherokee tribe and their experiences during the Trail of Tears.
The Cherokee tribe, known for their rich culture and sophisticated society, was one of the most prominent Native American groups in the southeastern United States. They lived in what is now the states of North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. The Cherokee had a highly developed system of governance, including a written constitution, and were one of the first Native American tribes to have a system of education and a newspaper.
The forced removal of the Cherokee from their ancestral lands began in the 1830s, primarily due to the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This act, signed into law by President Andrew Jackson, aimed to remove Native American tribes from their lands in the southeastern United States and relocate them to lands west of the Mississippi River. The Cherokee, however, fiercely resisted this forced relocation, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Cherokee in the landmark case Worcester v. Georgia (1832), stating that the Cherokee were a sovereign nation and that Georgia had no authority over them. Despite this ruling, President Jackson ignored the Supreme Court’s decision and continued to push for the removal of the Cherokee.
The Cherokee’s struggle to resist removal led to the formation of the Cherokee Nation in 1835, with Principal Chief John Ross leading the tribe. The Cherokee also sought assistance from the federal government, hoping to secure their rights and lands. However, their efforts were in vain, and in 1838, the federal government ordered the removal of the Cherokee.
The forced removal of the Cherokee from their ancestral lands is often referred to as the Trail of Tears due to the immense suffering and loss of life that occurred during the journey. Tens of thousands of Cherokee were forced to walk from Georgia to Oklahoma, enduring harsh conditions, including extreme weather, hunger, and disease. It is estimated that over 4,000 Cherokee died during the trek, with many more succumbing to illness and starvation upon arrival in their new designated territory.
The Trail of Tears remains a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences of European colonization and the devastating impact it had on Native American tribes. The Cherokee tribe, like many others, had to endure the loss of their homeland, culture, and lives during this dark period in American history. Despite the hardships, the Cherokee have managed to preserve their culture and continue to thrive as a sovereign nation today.
