Tragic Beginnings- The Month That Sparked the Heartbreaking Trail of Tears Journey
What month did the Trail of Tears start? The Trail of Tears, a dark chapter in American history, began in the month of May. This tragic event marked the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated territories in the west. The journey, filled with hardship, disease, and death, is a somber reminder of the consequences of European colonization and the displacement of indigenous peoples.
The Trail of Tears officially commenced in May 1838, when the federal government, under the direction of President Martin Van Buren and his agent, Indian Agent Thomas L. McKenney, began the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee were among the five major tribes—Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole—that were forcibly relocated during this period. Each tribe faced its own challenges and experiences during the journey, but the common thread was the devastating impact on their communities and cultures.
The initial phase of the Trail of Tears saw the forced removal of the Cherokee from their homelands in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. The Cherokee, who had previously fought against removal, were coerced into signing treaties that allowed for their relocation. Despite their resistance, the federal government and state authorities enforced the removal, often using violence and intimidation.
The journey itself was fraught with peril. Many Native Americans were forced to march long distances in harsh conditions, often without adequate food, clothing, or shelter. The heat, cold, and rain took a toll on the travelers, and the lack of sanitation contributed to the spread of diseases such as dysentery, smallpox, and cholera. As a result, thousands of Native Americans died during the trek to their new homes in Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma.
The Trail of Tears is estimated to have resulted in the deaths of between 4,000 and 8,000 Native Americans, with the highest mortality rates among the Cherokee. The Choctaw, Creek, and Chickasaw also suffered significant losses, with the Seminole facing the most prolonged resistance and suffering the least direct impact from the Trail of Tears.
What month did the Trail of Tears start? The answer is May, a month that will forever be associated with the suffering and loss of the Native American peoples. The Trail of Tears serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of European colonization and the need for a respectful and just approach to indigenous rights and land claims.
