How long was the trail of tears

The Trail of Tears is one of American history’s darkest chapters. It refers to the forced relocation of Native American nations from their ancestral homelands in the Southeastern United States to areas west of the Mississippi River, mandated by the Indian Removal Act of This tragic event, primarily affecting the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations, is a poignant example of the struggles and injustices faced by Native Americans in the 19th century.

The prelude: Rising pressures

The early 19th century saw escalating pressure from European-American settlers on Native American lands.

Driven by the desire for agricultural land and fueled by the discovery of gold, settlers encroached upon Native American territories. The US government, under President Andrew Jackson, advocated for the removal of Native Americans from these lands, arguing that it was the only way to ensure their su