Cherokee History and the Trail of Tears

Overview of the Cherokee Nation

  • The Cherokee people historically had a stable lifestyle.

    • Lived in cabins.

    • Engaged in farming and cotton spinning.

    • Established schools and churches.

  • The Cherokees integrated elements of European culture while maintaining traditional customs.

Historical Territory

  • At its peak, the Cherokee land extended across eight states in the Southern Appalachians.

  • Between 1721 and 1819, the Cherokee nation lost over 90% of its territory to the expanding United States.

  • During the 1700s, Cherokees faced:

    • Devastating smallpox epidemics.

    • Wars with colonial forces.

Transition and Rebuilding

  • After 1800, the Cherokees began a period of rebuilding and transformation:

    • Established a formal government including:

    • Police force.

    • Court system.

    • In 1827, the Cherokee constitution was drafted.

    • The first national elections occurred in 1828.

Cultural Innovations

  • Invented a written alphabet by Sequoyah, allowing for quick learning among the Cherokee.

  • Founded the first Indian newspaper printed in both English and Cherokee.

Conflict with Georgia

  • Despite lawful governance and cultural advancements, Georgia’s population sought more land,
    viewing the Cherokee as a threat.

  • In 1828, Andrew Jackson was elected president and advocated against the Cherokees,
    stating they must "disappear."

Legal and Civil Rights Violations

  • Georgia enacted laws infringing upon Cherokee civil rights:

    • Cherokees could not:

    • Testify in court.

    • Hold council meetings.

    • Legally operate their government.

  • Elias Boudinot, editor of the Cherokee newspaper, wrote of their oppression.

Discovery of Gold

  • Gold was discovered on Cherokee land, prompting an influx of miners:

    • By months end, approximately 4,000 white intruders were mining gold on Cherokee territory.

  • The Georgia Guard militia arrested Cherokees who attempted to mine their own land.

Indian Removal Act

  • In 1829, the Indian Removal Act was proposed in Congress to displace five southern tribes:

    • Cherokees, Choctaws, Creeks, Chickasaws, and Seminoles.

  • Public outcry against the act saw petitions across the U.S. denouncing it.

  • In May 1830, the Act passed the House by a narrow margin and was signed into law by Jackson.

  • The act claimed to uphold prior treaties with tribes.

Chief John Ross and Court Battle

  • Chief John Ross and Cherokee leaders sought justice through the Supreme Court:

    • Significant case: Worcester v. Georgia (1832).

    • Justice John Marshall ruled:

    • The Cherokee nation is a distinct community with its own territories and laws.

    • Georgia has no jurisdiction over Cherokee lands.

  • President Jackson ignored the ruling, continuing to support removal efforts.

Land Lottery

  • Despite the Supreme Court ruling, Georgia held a lottery offering Cherokee land to citizens:

    • Thousands signed up, leading to forced relocations of Cherokee families.

  • Cherokees faced harassment and violence:

    • Letters to the federal government detailed the assaults by white citizens.

Treaty Negotiations

  • As tensions escalated, some Cherokees negotiated the New Echota Treaty in December 1835:

    • Signed by a minority, largely opposed by Cherokee leaders.

  • Despite documenting opposition (90% of the Cherokee population signed a petition), the Senate ratified the Treaty.

Forced Removal and the Trail of Tears

  • In May 1838, federal and state troops began the forced removal of approximately 16,000 Cherokees:

    • Encapsulated by the Trail of Tears, where families were uprooted from their homes and placed in prison camps.

    • Led by Lieutenant John Phelps, akin to historical horrors of times long past.

  • Conditions of the march were disastrous:

    • Harrowing journeys in extremes of weather, with delayed movements leading to approximately 146 Cherokee deaths.

Suffering in Prison Camps

  • In prison camps, Cherokees lacked food, medicine, exacerbating disease spread:

    • Daniel Butrick, a missionary, noted the dire conditions:

    • High infant mortality and elderly deaths were prevalent.

  • The Cherokee council remained resolute, affirming their national identity despite losses:

    • Made requests for self-managed relocations to General Winfield Scott, who consented.

Detachment and Journey West

  • The first detachments departed from the prison camps in the summer:

    • Final group leaving in December.

  • Many Cherokees marched over 800 miles, enduring harsh weather and disease:

    • Estimated at least 2,000 died due to removal conditions.

Rebuilding and Legacy

  • The Trail of Tears resonates as a reminder of the suffering of many tribes:

    • Emblematic of the plight faced by an estimated 70,000 Native Americans through forced relocations.

  • In response to historical tragedies, Congress established the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail in 1987:

    • Preserved by the National Park Service, offering visitors insight into the Cherokee journey.

    • Significant locations include Blythe Ferry and Village Creek.

Contemporary Cherokee Nation

  • The Cherokee have rebuilt as one of the largest tribes in the U.S., obtaining many sovereign rights.

    • Thrive as significant employers in Eastern Oklahoma.

  • Continued connection to traditional values and cultural preservation, reflecting resilience.

    • Includes descendants of those who escaped the roundup.

Reflection on the Trail of Tears

  • The Trail of Tears unveils profound injustices, yet celebrates the strength and perseverance of the Cherokee people:

  • It encourages ongoing exploration and remembrance of historical resilience, serving as a warning against oppression and a source of inspiration.