The Sad Story of the Cherokee People Being Forced to Leave Their Homes

Cherokee people resided on their territory for a very long period of time. There were their homes, families, farms and sacred places. There was also soil and trees. It was part of their lives, their memories and their identity. The Cherokee were organized into good communities. They had chiefs, laws, homes and had a strong sense of land. They tended to their families, and fought to preserve their lifestyle. However, many of the powerful desired to have their property.

Being Forced to Leave

The Cherokee didn’t want to go. They were in their own land. It contained the tombs of their loved ones, and the birthplace of their children. More than houses were lost with the leaving. It resulted in the loss of the world they knew. It meant farewells to places which held meaning in their hearts. Their removal was not fair. A number of promises to the Cherokee people were unfulfilled. They had their rights violated. They were overruled. Although they attempted to put up a fight in peaceful ways they were not treated justly.

Many Cherokee families were fearful and sad as they were forced to leave. They packed what little that they could take. They were forced to abandon their houses, farms and their memories. There were some elderly persons. Some were sick. Some were youngsters who didn’t quite understand that they had to leave. All families were affected by the pain. It was a long and tough trip. Many Cherokee were forced to endure the cold, starvation, disease and suffering. They were all weary, and they feared. The way from home was a way of tears.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

A lot of people passed away on the way. Families suffered the loss of loved ones and those losses remained forever in their hearts. This sadness did not abate at the end of the trip. The Cherokee were left to begin again, in a new location. They had to construct new houses, as they had suffered a lot of losses. They were forced to bear their burden of grief as they sought to go on living. It was extremely difficult, but they did come out here with great strength. They maintained their culture, their family ties and their hope. There is more to this story than what has already transpired. It is still relevant today.

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

#16

The pain of being forced from home can last for many generations. The Cherokee Nation recalls this history as it is a part of who we are. Remembering is the living of the truth. The tragedy of the Cherokee people is a good lesson in life. It is a demonstration of the folly in dispossession and the neglect of human lives. It displays the evil effects of avarice and false promises. Most importantly, it reminds us of the humanity of every people, and their right to be respected, to be treated just, and to live in their own homes safely.

#17

#18

#19

#20