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The Trail of Tears

© Karen West Sanchez

By 1775, the Cherokee People were as divided as the Americans were to the British. The war council, led by Dragging Canoe, wanted to make war against the white settlers, known to them as unakas. Thus, many Cherokee warriors journeyed to the Chickamauga Creek area to battle. They were called the Chickamauga Cherokee.

Meanwhile, Nancy Wards' voice was being heard in council and commission meetings. She protested against war with the Americans and the British. She spoke for peace.

In July, 1981, a commission for peace was called at Long Island on the Holston River. Americans spoke of trade and peace treaties, but the Chickamauga Cherokee distrusted the Americans and arguing ensued. Nancy stood and spoke, with quiet dignity and calm. "You know that women are looked upon as nothing, but we are your mothers, you are our sons. Our cry is all for peace, let it continue. This peace must last forever". All in attendance were humbled by her wisdom, and each agreed to allow the others to live in peace.

Nancy had continually urged her people to cease trading away the homelands, wishing only for her descendants to dwell in peace in the lands of their ancestors.

History shows, however, that the effects of this peace treaty, and Nancy's words, were soon forgotten. The Americans and Cherokee continued to battle for land and property up until the Cherokee were devastated and exiled from their beloved lands.

With the passing of time, many discouraged Cherokee began moving westward towards the Mississippi River, attempting to continue the traditional way of life. Most, however, remained behind, struggling valiantly to retain the land that the Great Spirit had bestowed upon them.

The removal of the Cherokee from their lifelong home began in October, 1838. In the bleakness of a chilling rain, they were herded, like so much cattle, into the waiting wagons. Men were arrested in the fields where they were laboring, resistance met with a bullet. Women were dragged from their homes with only the clothing they were wearing. The soldiers forbade them to retrieve extra clothing, food or blankets. Children were separated from their parents in the oppressive chaos. In one home, a small child who had died during the night, was being readied for burial. The soldiers drove the women from the home, abandoning the poor, lifeless child.

Chief Junaluska was personally acquainted with President Andrew Jackson. At the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, Junaluska and his warriors were influential in the successful outcome of this conflict with the Creek adversaries, Junaluska himself saving General Jackson's life. He went to plead with Jackson for the protection of his people and was met with a cold, nefarious reply: "Sir, your audience is ended. There is nothing I can do for you".

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