Westward Expansion Map

America passed the Indian Removal Act which forced Indians to move further West. Cherokees called this the Trail of Tears because many died on the very long journey. Some of the people have survived in the long journey. Some people just had to go back because of the cold and of the people that have died along the very long journey. ~Caption by Cassandra and map by Eboni

The Trail of Tears was a road of death, many Indians lost their homes of America's greed. Tears mixed with rain to form a river, a river that carries the dead to heaven. America was a sad, cold nation then, just like the journey of snow and rain. Indians never forgot this trail of suffering. Never have, never will.

~Jack

Illustration by Ashleigh and Ellie

A Poem by Ashleigh

I saw Cherokees dragged from homes.

Cattle put in wagons.

15, 000 survived and one fourth died.

It was very sad.

Some people cried for their loss.

That is why it is called the Trail of Tears.

The Indian Removal Act

     In the 1830s President Jackson encouraged the continental congress to pass the Indian Removal Act. This act gave the president the power to move Native Americans to land west of the Mississippi River. They would be moved to the Indian Territory- land in what is now Oklahoma.

~Paraphrased by Alan

     The Indian Removal Act was when Indians had to move because white men forced them out of their homes. Many Native Americans died on the trail. Over 1/4 of Native Americans died. Andrew Jackson said, "Adams can write but Jackson can fight."

~Tommy

Illustration by Tommy

     President Van Buren ordered his army to force the Indians to go further west. Indians were so mad they were almost killed. When the trail had ended 1/4 had died.

~Nicole

A Poem By Taz

Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
It is sad
on the
Trail of
Tears.

Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
People died
on the Trail
of Tears.

Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
One fourth
died on the
Trail of
Tears.

Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Ancestors were
there on the
Trail of
Tears.

Indians Moving West

     The United States soldiers had to force out the Indians. The Indians had to walk 800 miles which was known as the Trail of Tears. Cherokees were arrested and got dragged away from their homes. 645 wagons started to move west. By 1839 the Trail of Tears ended. 15, 000 started at the Trail of Tears and 1/4 died of diseases and bad weather.

~Gabriel

Illustration by Israel

The Cherokee felt sad and some people died on the trail. The white men forced them to move West and they had to walk. They cried- that's why they called it the Trail of Tears.

~Jimena and Eboni

Book Recommendation

If you want more, Soft Rain is a great book. It is about a young girl and her family who were forced to move. But as you read you will find out what really happens. 

~Whitney

What Was

They were strong when things were wrong.
They walked for miles and never stopped.
As they were pushed, and longed for home, they were supposed to roam.
And if they didn't they wouldn't make it to the new home.
But will they be pushed again?
And if so, how much and where next?

~ Whitney

Take one of our student created quizzes to see how much you know about the Trail of Tears. Comment below and we will let you know how you did!

Jack's Quiz:

1. What were the tribes that moved? (on the Trail of Tears)

   A. Cherokee and Creek

   B. Creek and Seminole

   C. Cherokee and Chickasaw

   D. All the above

2. Why did they move?

   A. Americans were moving west

   B. They didn't have enough money

   C. They liked the Spanish

   D. They wanted to

3. When was this?

   A. 1830

   B. 1897

   C. 1899

   D. 2004

4. What was this called?

   A. Trail of Tears Act

   B. Moving Act

   C. Indian Removal Act

   D. Indian Punishment Act

5. Who encouraged congress to pass this law?

   A. Jackson

   B. Adams

   C. Washington

   D. Jefferson

*BONUS- 10 points. Write a paragraph explaining why the Indians moved. Include why, when, how, what and who.

Kyle's Quiz

1. What was the Trail of Tears?

2. About how many people died on the trail?

3. What were two of the five tribes that traveled on the Trail of Tears?

"An innocent Cherokee is getting hauled out, and is being forced to move West."

By Kyle

A speech by Cherokee War Chief Dragging Canoe at the conclusion of the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals of 1775. Dragging Canoe spoke against the sale of Cherokee land.  

By Andrea

Portrait of Chief Dragging Canoe
 

A map of the trail the Cherokee tribe took from North Carolina to Indian Territory, now called Oklahoma. 

By Andrea