Jackson and Indian Removal
Sights to See
Andrew Jackson had a tumultuous history with the Indians so it wasn’t a surprise when he pushed the “Indian Removal Act” through both houses of Congress. The act forced Indians living east of the Mississippi to either subject to the laws that prohibited them from voting, owning property, testifying in court against a white person in court, and obtaining credit or leave their homes and travel west to new lands that were almost barren and/or had other tribes already living on them. It wasn’t much of a choice so naturally the Indian nations resisted. The Five Civilized Tribes, the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles, were no match for Jackson and the federal troops. Some tribes turned to violent resistances while others wearily submitted themselves. One of the most tragic events of the Indian Removal was the march of 12,000 Cherokee men, women, and children westward to Oklahoma. The Cherokees were not provided with enough food, proper clothing, or blankets for the cold fall and winter of 1838-1839. The Trail of Tears, as it would be come to known, would cause a quarter to a third of the Indians forced to march to die. The Jackson administration would remove 46,000 Indian which would open 25 million acres of land to white settlement.
Andrew Jackson had a tumultuous history with the Indians so it wasn’t a surprise when he pushed the “Indian Removal Act” through both houses of Congress. The act forced Indians living east of the Mississippi to either subject to the laws that prohibited them from voting, owning property, testifying in court against a white person in court, and obtaining credit or leave their homes and travel west to new lands that were almost barren and/or had other tribes already living on them. It wasn’t much of a choice so naturally the Indian nations resisted. The Five Civilized Tribes, the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles, were no match for Jackson and the federal troops. Some tribes turned to violent resistances while others wearily submitted themselves. One of the most tragic events of the Indian Removal was the march of 12,000 Cherokee men, women, and children westward to Oklahoma. The Cherokees were not provided with enough food, proper clothing, or blankets for the cold fall and winter of 1838-1839. The Trail of Tears, as it would be come to known, would cause a quarter to a third of the Indians forced to march to die. The Jackson administration would remove 46,000 Indian which would open 25 million acres of land to white settlement.
Map
Traveler Reviews
Andrew Jackson- It is no secret I am a strong opponent of the Indians. They are an uncivilized people who need guidance. The lands occupied by the Indians will be settled by Americans who will used it to benefit our society. With the Indians out of the way, we will be able to cultivate the land. The Indian Removal was necessary in order for the United States to grow and prosper. I believe future generations will look back with admiration on the success of the Indian removal.
Cherokee Indian- We were ridiculed and scorned as we were forced to walk hours without breaks. Blankets and warm clothes were a luxury the white men apparently could not give us. Many did not have shoes. The little food we received was given to the children. My mother and sister both did not survive the journey. We were plucked from our ancient homeland and tossed out in unfamiliar land.
Andrew Jackson- It is no secret I am a strong opponent of the Indians. They are an uncivilized people who need guidance. The lands occupied by the Indians will be settled by Americans who will used it to benefit our society. With the Indians out of the way, we will be able to cultivate the land. The Indian Removal was necessary in order for the United States to grow and prosper. I believe future generations will look back with admiration on the success of the Indian removal.
Cherokee Indian- We were ridiculed and scorned as we were forced to walk hours without breaks. Blankets and warm clothes were a luxury the white men apparently could not give us. Many did not have shoes. The little food we received was given to the children. My mother and sister both did not survive the journey. We were plucked from our ancient homeland and tossed out in unfamiliar land.
Photos from Trip
Why you should visit
Jackson and his removal of the Indians east of the Mississippi represented the loss of the land and culture of thousands of Indians. It was their final resistance of the westerners. Ultimately, they were forced to leave their homeland without a choice in the matter. The Trail of Tears is remembered as one of the greatest tragedies in American history. The history of the Indians is the history of our country.
Jackson and his removal of the Indians east of the Mississippi represented the loss of the land and culture of thousands of Indians. It was their final resistance of the westerners. Ultimately, they were forced to leave their homeland without a choice in the matter. The Trail of Tears is remembered as one of the greatest tragedies in American history. The history of the Indians is the history of our country.