Imgres

The Trail of Tears

By dwilliams070

  • Treaty of New Echola

    15,665 people of the Cherokee Nation memorialize congress protesting the Treaty of New Echola.

  • Outrage

    Outraged American citizens throughout the country memorialize congress on behalf of the Cherokee.

  • The Removal

    Congress tables memorials protesting Cherokee removal. Federal troops ordered to prepare for roundup.

  • Tsali

    Cherokee roundup begins May 23, 1838. Southeast suffers worst drought in recorded history. Tsali escapes roundup and returns to North Carolina.

  • StickySeason

    First group of Cherokees driven west under Federal guard. Further removal aborted because of drought and "sickly season."

  • death in confinment

    Over 13,000 Cherokees imprisoned in military stockades awaiting break in drought. Approximately 1500 die in confinement.

  • john ross

    In Aquohee stockade Cherokee chiefs meet in council, reaffirming the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. John Ross becomes superintendent of the removal.

  • drought breaks

    Drought breaks: Cherokee prepare to embark on forced exodus to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Ross wins additional funds for food and clothing.

  • the begginingb of the trail

    For most Cherokee, the "Trail of Tears" begins.

  • Thirteen contingents of Cherokees

    Thirteen contingents of Cherokees cross Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois. First groups reach the Mississippi River, where there crossing is held up by river ice flows.

  • Contingent led by Chief Jesse Bushyhead

    Contingent led by Chief Jesse Bushyhead camps near present day Trail of Tears Park. John Ross leaves Cherokee homeland with last group: carrying the records and laws of the Cherokee Nation. 5000 Cherokees trapped east of the Mississippi by harsh winter; many die.

  • fort gibson

    First overland contingents arrives at Fort Gibson. Ross party of sick and infirm travel from Kentucky by riverboat.

  • the death of quati

    Chief Ross's wife, Quati, dies near Little Rock, Arkansas on February 1, 1839.

  • the death of the cherokee

    Last group headed by Ross, reaches Oklahoma. More than 3000 Cherokee die on Trail of Tears, 1600 in stockades and about the same number en route. 800 more die in 1839 in Oklahoma.

  • the new beggining

    Cherokees build houses, clear land, plant and begin to rebuild their nation.

  • cherokee government

    Western Cherokee invite new arrivals to meet to establish a united Cherokee government.

  • assassination

    Old Treaty Part leaders attempt to foil reunification negotiations between Ross and Sequoyah. Treaty Party leaders John Ridge, Major Ridge and Elias Boudinot assassinated.

  • Cherokee Act of Union

    Cherokee Act of Union brings together the eastern and western Cherokee Nations on July 12, 1839.

  • Stand Watie

    Stand Watie, Brother of Boudinot, pledges revenge for deaths of party leaders.

  • Cherokee constitution adopted

    Cherokee constitution adopted on September 6, 1839. Tahlequah established as capital of the Cherokee Nation.