Can you explain the event of the trails of tears?

Answer 1

In 1830 President Andrew Jackson signed into law "The Indian Removal Act" which allowed or authorized the removal of the "Five Civilized Tribes" (Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), Chickasaw and Seminole) to "Indian Territory" (modern day Oklahoma).

In 1831 combined army, militia, and volunteer forces began to move these tribes along one of several routes to two forts located in Indian Territory; Fort Gibson & Fort Townson. The last tribe moved were the Cherokee in 1838. It should be noted that some tribes accepted bribes of money and or lands, while others did not and were forced under the treat of death, some of these rebelled resulting in armed conflict. During the move there were several weigh stations along the route, and from; Bad planning or indifference or intentional lack of concern to malfeasant action, the Indians were not allowed or given access to proper food, medical supplies, warm clothing, nor allowed to rest for any significant period of time which resulted in the deaths of many tribal members. These deaths were exacerbated by the untended dead left along the trail.

The native Americans began to call this trail or series of trails, the "Trail where they Weeped / Cried" and it has been changed a little to "The Trail of Tears" by modern translation. The Arkansas Gazette quoted Thomas Harkins (A Choctaw) as saying "[it was] a trail of tears and death"

There were approximately 11 of these trails, taken by different tribes based upon location. They ranged in distance from 200 to 900 miles and went through around 14 states (These distances do not include oversea travel):

• North Carolina
• South Carolina