209Emily

Indian Removal Act


 * The Indian Removal Act was to gain the consent of the Native Americans in the United States for reallocation of most, to areas ultimately west of the Mississippi River. This act was passed to clear American lands of indians so Westward Expansion could flourish. The act was first sentences in 1830 by Andrew Jackson. The first tride of Native Americans to be affected by this were the Cherokee indian in Georgia. At first, these indians were allowed land in Georgia, but with the move of white settlers and the discover of gold. Georgia tried to take its land back. In 1838, the goverment sent in federal troops to escort indian to differnt lands. To the indians, this was know as the "Trail Where They Cried". To us, it is know as the "Trail of Tears".


 * During the winter of 1838, 15,00 Cherokee indians undertook the harsh journey. These Native Amercian's were fourced to walk form Georgia to the "Indian Territory", which is presnent day Oklahoma. Soliders forced Cherokee into bayonet points while the soldiers searched there homes, looking for goods.While on the trail, indians carried only what they could carry with them. Large, personal items would be left behind. While on the trail, certain diseases became quite commen. Wooping Cough, Typhus, Dysentery, Cholera,and Starvation were just a few.More than 5,000 Indians died on the journey.





Trees sway in the howling wind Rain thunders down All are in pain Indians wishing for it to be gone Lying on the cold, rocky ground

Onward moving Forward to the new lands

Tripping, falling Everyone wants it to end All their belongings on their backs Rain thunders down So is the trail of tears