1838 |
February |
15,665 people of the Cherokee Nation memorialize congress protesting
the Treaty of New Echola. |
March |
Outraged American citizens throughout the country memorialize
congress on behalf of the Cherokee. |
April |
Congress tables memorials protesting Cherokee removal. Federal troops
ordered to prepare for roundup. |
May |
Cherokee roundup begins May 23, 1838. Southeast suffers worst drought
in recorded history. Tsali escapes roundup and returns to North Carolina. |
June |
First group of Cherokees driven west under Federal guard. Further
removal aborted because of drought and "sickly season." |
July |
Over 13,000 Cherokees imprisoned in military stockades awaiting break
in drought. Approximately 1500 die in confinement. |
August |
In Aquohee stockade Cherokee chiefs meet in council, reaffirming the
sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. John Ross becomes superintendent of
the removal. |
September |
Drought breaks: Cherokee prepare to embark on forced exodus to Indian
Territory in Oklahoma. Ross wins additional funds for food and clothing. |
October |
For most Cherokee, the "Trail of Tears" begins. |
November |
Thirteen contingents of Cherokees cross Tennessee, Kentucky and
Illinois. First groups reach the Mississippi River, where there crossing
is held up by river ice flows. |
December |
Contingent led by Chief Jesse Bushyhead camps near present day Trail
of Tears Park. John Ross leaves Cherokee homeland with last group:
carrying the records and laws of the Cherokee Nation. 5000 Cherokees
trapped east of the Mississippi by harsh winter; many die. |
1839
|
January |
First overland contingents arrives at Fort Gibson. Ross party of sick
and infirm travel from Kentucky by riverboat. |
February |
Chief Ross's wife, Quati, dies near Little Rock, Arkansas on February
1, 1839. |
March |
Last group headed by Ross, reaches Oklahoma. More than 3000 Cherokee
die on Trail of Tears, 1600 in stockades and about the same number en
route. 800 more die in 1839 in Oklahoma. |
April |
Cherokees build houses, clear land, plant and begin to rebuild their
nation. |
May |
Western Cherokee invite new arrivals to meet to establish a united
Cherokee government. |
June |
Old Treaty Part leaders attempt to foil reunification negotiations
between Ross and Sequoyah. Treaty Party leaders John Ridge, Major Ridge
and Elias Boudinot assassinated. |
July |
Cherokee Act of Union brings together the eastern and western
Cherokee Nations on July 12, 1839. |
August |
Stand Watie, Brother of Boudinot, pledges revenge for deaths of party
leaders. |
September |
Cherokee constitution adopted on September 6, 1839. Tahlequah
established as capital of the Cherokee Nation. |