What tribe was part of 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. One of the most affected tribes during this tragic period was the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee, a Native American people known for their rich culture and sophisticated society, were forcibly removed from their homelands in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This article delves into the history of the Cherokee and their harrowing journey during the Trail of Tears.
The Cherokee Nation, one of the five civilized tribes, was among the first Native American groups to adopt European-style agriculture, education, and governance. Their sophisticated society included a written language, a constitution, and a system of laws. Despite their advanced culture, the Cherokee were no match for the powerful forces of the United States government, which sought to expand westward and seize their lands.
In 1830, the Indian Removal Act was passed by Congress, authorizing the government to negotiate with Native American tribes for their lands in exchange for territory in the West. The act was a catalyst for the Trail of Tears, as it paved the way for the forced removal of tribes from their ancestral lands. The Cherokee, along with other tribes such as the Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole, were subjected to this policy.
The Cherokee’s struggle to resist removal reached its peak with the Supreme Court decision in Worcester v. Georgia (1832), which ruled that the federal government had jurisdiction over Native American tribes and that the state of Georgia had no authority to remove the Cherokee from their lands. However, President Andrew Jackson ignored the ruling and ordered the removal of the Cherokee.
The journey of the Cherokee during the Trail of Tears was marked by suffering, death, and despair. In 1838, the Cherokee were forced to leave their homes and embark on a perilous journey to the Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. The trek, which lasted from spring to winter, became a death march for many. The harsh conditions, lack of food, and exposure to disease led to the deaths of thousands of Cherokee, including women, children, and the elderly.
Estimates suggest that between 4,000 and 8,000 Cherokee died during the Trail of Tears, with some sources claiming that as many as 20% of the tribe’s population perished. The remaining Cherokee, who had managed to resist removal, were eventually forced to leave their homes in 1839.
The Trail of Tears remains a somber reminder of the tragic consequences of American expansionism and the disregard for the rights and sovereignty of Native American tribes. The Cherokee Nation, despite their suffering, has persevered and today is one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States. The Trail of Tears serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Cherokee people, who continue to honor their ancestors and fight for the recognition of their rights and culture.
