Trail of Tears

From the time of George Washington's administration through that of Andrew Jackson, the American government promoted the removal of the Cherokee and other Indians to Oklahoma.  In 1838-1839, the majority of the Cherokees were forced from their native homeland in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee and made to travel to the new "Indian Territory," Oklahoma, on what has become known as the "Trail of Tears."  A quarter to one-half of the Cherokee population perished during the removal, along the trail, and in the first year in Oklahoma.

During this removal, more than 300 Cherokees hid in the mountains and escaped arrest. Over a period of years, these people managed to remain in the area, and eventually were recognized by the U.S. government as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in 1868.  Those who remained in Oklahoma became the Cherokee Nation.  It was not until 1984 that the two formally met since removal.