Trail History
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 called for the voluntary
or forcible removal of all Indians from the eastern United
States to the state of Oklahoma. May of 1838 marked the
deadline for voluntary native removal, many people agreed to
move, however many refused. The military was prepared to
use force and did so under the command of General Winfield
Scott. General Scott ordered the round-up and removal of
over 17,000 Cherokees who refused to leave. So began the
Cherokee "Trail of Tears," one of the darkest episodes in
relations between the United States and Native Americans.
The process was swift and brutal. Detachments
of soldiers arrived at every Cherokee house and drove men,
women, and children out of their homes with only the clothes
on their backs. They were forced into encampments while
awaiting removal. The first group was taken by boat across
Alabama after leaving Ross’s landing. Great hardship and
death became part of their journey Food and supplies were
limited and disease was rampant. In June of 1838, the
rivers were to low for travel. The last group was sent by
land to Waterloo, where they reloaded and continued. Because
of so much hardship, all remaining were carried on different
routes. As many as 4,000 deaths occurred because of this
forced removal of civilized Native Americans from their
rightful homes.
The Creeks were from Alabama and Georgia. They gave up
millions of acres of land and homes. Many were put into
chains and taken to Oklahoma. Over 14,000 were removed, with
over 3,500 dieing. They traveled thru the Tuscumbia area and
camped near Spring Park.
The Chickasaw were people from Alabama, Tennessee, and
Kentucky. They also suffered the same indignation.
The Choctaw were from Alabama and Mississippi. Over
14,000 were sent to Oklahoma, however approx. 5,000 remained
in Mississippi and lower Alabama.
During the Seminole removal from Florida, a group split
and entered into the swamps. There they fought the U. S. for
7 years, and were never conquered.
Join us as we honor those from the past who traveled this
Trail of Tears. Let us learn from this mistake, accept each
other as we are, and walk together in peace.
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