When did the Cherokee start the Trail of Tears? This harrowing event began in 1838, marking a dark chapter in American history. The Trail of Tears was a forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma. This tragic journey resulted in the death of thousands of Cherokees due to harsh conditions, disease, and mistreatment.
The Trail of Tears was a direct consequence of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson. The act aimed to remove Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to make way for white settlers. The Cherokee, one of the five Civilized Tribes, were particularly affected by this policy, as they had established a unique blend of culture, government, and Christian influence.
The Cherokee people were deeply rooted in their ancestral lands, which they called “Tsalagi,” meaning “the people.” Their connection to the land was not just a matter of survival; it was a part of their identity and spirituality. However, the U.S. government’s relentless pursuit of land acquisition led to the forced removal of the Cherokee people.
The Cherokee began the Trail of Tears on November 16, 1838, when federal troops, led by General Winfield Scott, forcibly removed thousands of Cherokees from their homes in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The journey was marked by overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of food and water. Many Cherokees died along the way, and those who survived faced further hardships in the unfamiliar terrain of Indian Territory.
The Trail of Tears lasted until May 1839, when the last group of Cherokees arrived in Oklahoma. The journey covered approximately 1,200 miles, and an estimated 4,000 Cherokees died during the trek. The Trail of Tears is a somber reminder of the devastating impact of government policies on Native American tribes and their struggle to preserve their culture and heritage.
Today, the Trail of Tears is commemorated as a significant event in American history. The Cherokee Nation and other tribes have worked to preserve the memory of those who suffered and to educate future generations about the tragic consequences of the Indian Removal Act. The Trail of Tears serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Cherokee people, who have overcome adversity to preserve their identity and continue their cultural traditions.
