The Trail of Tears

In the early summer of 1838, General Scott and the United States Army invaded the Cherokee Nation. This began one of the sadest episodes in history. They were closing a culture that had done nothing wrong and definitely did not deserve this. This event became known as "The Trail of Tears".

The indians, men women and children, were forced from their land. They were forced to march one thousand miles mostly on foot with very little food and facilities along the way. The conditions of their journey were horrible and they felt no hope. Being forced from their homeland and into Oklahoma was not what they wanted to do. With no choice, they moved on.

The signing of the Treaty of New Echota, had started this whole invasion. During the journey to Oklahoma, nearly 4000 indians died. Many tears were shed and much sadness was felt. The Cherokee mothers grieved and felt great pain.

As a result of the romoval of the Cherokee, three lives were taken. The Cherokee killed Major Ridge, his son, and Elias Boudinot for signing the Treaty. Three is a very small number compared to the 4000 Cherokees that lost their lives due to "The Trail of Tears".