When: The trail of tears took place from 1838 to The government called it the Indian Removal Act. It was the forced movement of mainly Cherokee native Americans to Oklahoma.

Where: it began in Georgia and slowly spread west.

Cherokee had to travel west along a path for many miles without help. Many of the travelers died along the way, because of disease famine, and bad weather conditions. This is why it is called the trail of tears.

Fun Facts (well, not really fun, but you know what I mean) 1.If a Cherokee tried to bury a dead relative, they would be shot in the shoulder. 2.After the original inhabitants of a lot of land were gone, the government would hold auctions to see who got it. 3.The Cherokee leader at this time was John Ross, also known as chief Little John, who got a few million dollars compensation for the Cherokees’ loss. 4.John Ross’s Cherokee name was Tsan-Usdi which means Little John. 5.The Cherokee marched 1000 miles. 6.Cherokee from Arkansas were also relocated in the late 1820’s.

Quiz Time! 1.Where were the Cherokee forced to march to? 2.Who was the Cherokee leader at the time? 3.What were the leading causes of death along the trail? 4.Which state did the Cherokee come from? 5.What would happen to somebody if they tried to bury a dead relative?

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