The Trail of Tears
The Cherokee Tribe

Elizabeth Antonacci
All Saints Academy, Breese

Upon hearing the word Indian, we often think of uncivilized people, but the tribe of Indians called the Cherokee contradict that thought. The Cherokee were once a great and independent nation who settled around the Great Smoky Mountains. They owned their own homes, churches, schools, and used log cabins as their dwellings. Cherokees were expert cattle raisers and farmers, and they used these skills as a great source of income and food. Even though the Cherokee practiced different customs and ways of living, they possessed their own peaceful and unique way of life.

However, this sophisticated and peaceful way of life was short-lived. In 1830 Congress passed the Indian Removal Act. The Removal Act ordered all Cherokee residing in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee to relocate to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. By 1835 the Cherokee were forced out of their homes, giving all possessions and property to the white man. The Cherokee were imprisoned in stockades until further plans were made to move them to Indian Territory. They were to travel a grueling trail through several states, including Illinois. The tough life of the Cherokee had just gotten tougher.

After learning of the government's intentions to move the Cherokee, John Ross, a Cherokee chief, tried persuading the government to change its mind, but he was unsuccessful. His pleas not to uproot his people fell on deaf ears. Within a year, the Senate approved the Indian Removal Act (Treaty of New Echota) knowing that only a minority of Cherokee, with no legal right, had signed it. With the approval of the Treaty of New Echota, there lay only dark days ahead for the Cherokee.

In October 1838 groups of Cherokee began their long trek to Indian Territory. By December of that same year, a proportionate amount of Cherokee had reached southern Illinois. By this time, many Cherokee were suffering from hunger and disease and were also often worried about their safety since so many people had a disdain for the Indians and considered them a threat. As a result of carrying disease, the Cherokee were not allowed entry into any towns or villages that were on their path, causing the Cherokee to take longer routes so as not to pass through any towns.

While camping near Golconda, Illinois, many Cherokee were shot and murdered by locals. After the murders, a lawsuit was filed against the United States government demanding $35 a body to bury the dead. Since their suit was thrown out, the Cherokee bodies were thrown in shallow graves near Brownfield, Illinois.

With sickness in their midst and their numbers dwindling, the suffering Cherokee trudged on across southern Illinois, passing towns along the way, including Dixon Springs, Watrace, Vienna, Mt. Pleasant, and Jonesboro, Illinois. As the Cherokee trekked on, hard times continued to follow them. In December 1838 the Cherokee were forced to stop, for the cold winter winds had become harsh. They built a camp and huddled together in what is known now as the Trail of Tears State Forest. Even though they built camps close together and tried to keep warm many succumbed to the cold winds. However, some were fortunate enough to escape the depths of the climate. Others who were not as fortunate were torn away from their families and sold into slavery.

In the early months of 1839 the Cherokee were able to move on because the winter winds had let up. The suffering Cherokee continued on at a grueling pace through southern Missouri and along the northwest corner of Arkansas.

Between late February and early March 1839, a group of Cherokee reached their destination in Indian Territory. Now it was time for the Cherokee to begin their long painful process of rebuilding their lives.

The U. S. government moved more than seventeen thousand Cherokee to Indian Territory between the years of 1838 and 1839. Even though many Cherokee made it to their new homes safely, the death toll had risen to more than four thousand. Most lost their lives from starvation and the elements. The government failed to provide food and blankets that they had promised. As a result of these shortages, many became sick and died. The once strong and proud nation of Cherokee lay scattered and defeated across Oklahoma Indian Territory.

Dejected, and with tears in their eyes, many Cherokee traveled to Indian Territory. They cried for their homes that were destroyed, their friends and families who had perished or were sick, and for their hopes and their dreams that were crumbling with every step. With so much sadness and many tears, it was only appropriate that the Cherokee christen their path to exile, and name it the Trail of Tears. Not only were lives lost, but the Cherokee's pride also died that winter along with the pride of their nation. Some things can never be restored. But in their hearts the spirit of their nation still lives on like a flame burning bright.—[From Sonia

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Bleeker, The Cherokee Indians Of The Mountains; Joseph Brucha, Trail of Tears: Paths of Beauty, Edith Dorian, Hokahey American Indians Then And Now, Danny Farrow, "The Cherokee Trail of Tears," rosecity.net/tears/ (Feb. 10, 2002); Eileen Lucas, The Cherokee Inez Ramser, "The Trail of Tears Timeline 1838-1839," davison.kl2.mi.us/academic/hewittl2 (Feb. 10, 2002); Readers Digest, America's Fascinating Indian Heritage; Carl Walden, Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes.]

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