The Trail of Tears: Everyday Life and Historical Context

Introduction

• Trail of Tears: Forced migration of indigenous tribes from the Southeast US to Oklahoma.
• Resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 Native Americans.

Historical Context

• Indian Removal Act: Signed by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830.
  • Authorized the government to extinguish Indian titles to southern lands.
  • Allowed negotiation with tribes for land access and resettlement funds.
  • Highly controversial; supported mainly in the South, opposed by missionaries and some Congress members.
  • Did not explicitly allow forced removal, yet forced removal occurred.

Tribes Involved

• Five Civilized Tribes & Others:
  • Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Seminole
  • Wyandotte, Kickapoo, Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Lenape

The Journey

• Route and Conditions:
  • Avoided towns due to unpopularity, detours increased travel distance.
  • Fees charged to cross private lands; exorbitant ferry fees.
  • John G. Burnett's memoirs highlight brutal weather conditions.

Weather and Hardships

• Cold Weather:
  • Cherokee held in stockades in Tennessee from May to October 1838.
  • Forced to walk in winter, often barefoot, with minimal clothing.
  • Severe exposure led to illnesses like pneumonia.

Resources and Survival

• Shortage of Essentials:
  • Limited access to food, water, shelter, and medicine.
  • Drought in 1838 exacerbated conditions.
  • Many died from starvation and dehydration.

Human Impact

• Physical and Emotional Toll:
  • Samuel Cloud's account reveals deep resentment towards observing citizens.
  • Enslaved African-Americans also walked the trail, serving their Cherokee masters.

Violence and Conflict

• Confrontations:
  • Conflicts with brutal Teamsters and local militias occurred.
  • Lack of wagon space forced many to walk 1,000 miles, often barefoot.

The Route

• Northern Route:
  • Passed through Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas.
  • Planned for 2 months, took nearly 4 months due to conditions.

Resistance and Consequences

• Seminole Resistance:
  • Seminoles waged war rather than relocate, leading to a prolonged conflict.
  • US spent over $20 million; 1,500 soldiers died.

Aftermath

• Fatalities:
  • Estimated 4,000 Cherokees died due to various causes.
  • Shallow graves due to winter conditions.

Long-term Impact

• Continued Encroachment:
  • Indian Territory promised to remain untouched, but eventually diminished.
  • By 1907, Oklahoma became a state, ending Indian Territory.

Modern Recognition

• Trail of Tears National Historic Trail:
  • Managed by the National Park Service.
  • Portions accessible by various means.

Reflection

• Encouragement for further exploration of indigenous American history.