When did the Cherokee tribe start the Trail of Tears? This harrowing journey began in 1838, a dark chapter in American history that marked the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to Oklahoma. The Trail of Tears was a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of many Cherokee people due to harsh conditions, disease, and despair.
The Cherokee Nation, one of the five civilized tribes of the Southeast, had long been at odds with the expanding United States government over land rights and sovereignty. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed into law by President Andrew Jackson, paved the way for the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands. The Cherokee, who had established a written constitution and were considered one of the most progressive tribes of their time, were no exception.
The Trail of Tears officially began on May 30, 1838, when federal troops and Georgia state militia forced thousands of Cherokee from their homes in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. The Cherokee were given little time to prepare for the journey, leaving behind their homes, farms, and loved ones. Many were stripped of their personal belongings and forced to march under the scorching sun and relentless heat.
The journey was fraught with peril. The Cherokee were herded into makeshift camps, where they faced overcrowding, inadequate shelter, and poor sanitation. Disease spread rapidly, and many Cherokee died from dysentery, cholera, and other illnesses. The harsh conditions only worsened as the group traveled through unfamiliar territory, facing rugged terrain and harsh weather.
The forced relocation of the Cherokee was not without resistance. Some Cherokee, led by leaders such as Sequoyah and John Ross, fought to prevent the removal. However, their efforts were largely in vain, as the federal government and state authorities continued to pressure the Cherokee to leave their ancestral lands.
The Trail of Tears lasted approximately a year, with the final group of Cherokee arriving in Oklahoma in the spring of 1839. The journey covered over 1,000 miles, and an estimated 4,000 Cherokee died during the trek. The Trail of Tears remains a somber reminder of the tragic consequences of the Indian Removal Act and the suffering endured by Native American tribes during this period.
Today, the Trail of Tears is commemorated as a national historic trail, and the Cherokee Nation continues to honor the memory of those who perished during the forced relocation. The Trail of Tears serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Cherokee people, as well as the profound impact of government policies on Native American communities.
