The trailhead is located about 100 yards from the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokeeand shares a parking lot. DATES: May 27, 2023 through August 19, 2023. In the Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee throws open its doors and warmly invites you to visit to learn about their culture and history. The infographics central visual is a map showing the routes of the Trail of Tears in 183839. U.S. Route 129 was paved around 1934 and existed in relative obscurity for the next half-century. Its also a good chance to hone skills needed for the long wet stretches along the Tennessee River that are bound to happen. A new eBook and audiobook version of Cherokees of the Smoky Mountains: A Little Band that has Stood Against the White Tide for Three Hundred Years has been released. As we reach the dam some two hours later, we witness the immense hydro output of the first of many Tennessee River dams. Is it the flowiest trail in the east? Don't miss the renowned drama,Unto These Hills. There were many illnesses along the way that killed off more than five thousand of the remaining Cherokee Indians. As you enjoy the fresh air in our 2100 seat amphitheater, it's easy to get lost in the Cherokee story of struggling and uplifting triumph. Its here that you see why people would choose to inhabit such a place and hold it in such a sacred reverence. The appearance of DeSoto and his army establishes an ominous portent of what will befall the Cherokee Nation during the next three-hundred years. Upper Laurel Falls is a great sight to see. It is said that the mothers cried so much for their lost children that the chiefs prayed for a sign that would lift up the mothers spirits and allow them to continue to care for the children who had not yet died during this brutal trip. They wanted to trade their eastern land for the western side of the Mississippi River and felt their rapid immigration (and the possibility of gold) was reason enough to enact legislation to enforce their claim. Locals tell me that each of the balds still retains a specific story that links the landscape and wildlife to the native people of the region. However, the vast majority of Cherokee, including Principal Chief John Ross and the rest of the Cherokee National Council, rejected the treaty as illegitimate and petitioned the U.S. Senate not to ratify it. This is the burial place of three men who had led a minority faction of Cherokee in favor of removal to Indian Territory. Our box office will be on your right, just before the next light. The rough, occasionally rocky trail shadows LeConte Creek, which flows off the northwestern shoulders of Mount LeContethe third-highest peak in the Great Smokiesand takes that awesome free fall along the way. On March 24, 1839, the last Cherokee detachment arrives in Indian Territory. (That route passed just south of a point labeled Polson Cemetery, in what is now the northeastern corner of Oklahoma. It was in 1835, that the treaty of New Echota was negotiated. . This route, marked by a solid blue line, began on the Hiwassee River at Calhoun and Fort Cass and followed that river a short distance northwestward to join the Tennessee River at Blythe Ferry. The trailhead is 3.8 miles west from the Sugarlands Visitor Center on . Unfortunately for the Native Americans who inhabited this land, the state governments became involved. Sort By: Taking place in the 1830s, the Trail of Tears was the forced and brutal relocation of approximately 100,000 indigenous people (belonging to Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole, among other nations) living between Michigan, Louisiana, and Florida to land west of the Mississippi River. Both disbandment routes are marked in purple. It is from your anticipation of the coming outdoor drama! Measuring fifty-four miles long and nineteen miles across at its widest point the park consists of slightly more than half a million . To get to our attractions, turn left onto Drama Road at the red light between our office and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is one of these special places, tucked away off Highway 321 North in Gatlinburg. Revel in the thrills. While it was initially paved in 1963 and a bridge was constructed in 1995, the trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs because of wear from overuse. Unto These Hills drama is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee that traces back to the years before the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears to the present day. On the Ohio the route tended northwestward and then southwestward along the Kentucky-Illinois line to the Mississippi River. They were not given food, supplies, or any other help from the government. This resulted in the transfer of hundreds of thousands of acres of prime land from Indian nations to the white farmers. Theres magic and mystery here. This difficult and deadly journey is now known as the Trail of Tears. Luckily, it has been a Cherokee tradition for centuries. The reality is that the current would dissipate as it meets resistance and in no time wed float gently along with the first of a million paddle strokes. At this point on the "Varmintrace" Road from Princeton toward Cumberland River the Cherokee Indians in 1838 camped on the 1200 mile "Trail of Tears." The enforced trek began in the Great Smoky Mountains and led westward to Indian Territory, costing the Cherokees nearly one-third of their population. Great Smoky Mountains. This agreement was never accepted by the leaders of the Cherokee people, but President Andrew Jackson signed it nevertheless. Well continue to post updates from Ian and Jamie here and follow the journey via our Instagram story updates. The most authoritative source for restaurants, attractions, & cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. We use smaller, lesser-known trails that weave and tumble over creaks, fertile forested plateaus, and across bridges made from fallen trees. The Trail of Tears Tennessee Interactive Map. Throughout the Cherokee Nations timeline, sacrifices were made repeatedly to help spur the growth and expansion of the United States but one of the heaviest was the Treaty of New Echota. Featuring 318 curves, this winding mountain road is unlike anywhere else in the world. At about the two-mile point, Inspiration Point is indeed inspiring with its long mountainscape vistas. the states of NC,TN . Toward the western end of the journey, the group had to travel overland from what is now Russellville, Arkansas, to Evansville, taking a route likely used later by the Bell party (mentioned below). If youre using a GPS, enter the street address 1755 Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC 28711 as your destination. The 80-foot, double-decker drop of Laurel Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the Great Smokies, and the trail reaching it is, at 2.6 miles, the longest fully paved path in the national park. And covetousness on the part of the white race was the cause of all that the . While the park does have a tragic history, the present day forest is a vibrant but serene setting, with a large population . Better than Ridgeline? The road ends at our parking area. Harrahs features over 21 stories of four-star luxury hotel rooms along with fine dining, the relaxing Mandara Spa, and all of the gaming you can possibly enjoy in the Smokies. Around the fire is where wed explain why we have paddles strapped to the outside of our packs and why they weigh the same as a baby elephant. To get to our attractions, turn left onto Drama Road at the red light between our office and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. These included things such as teaching them to speak, read, and write English. Cutting across to the next peninsula wouldve been a risky move at this point, yet risks are part of daily life now. Title. 114 within 3 miles. Cherokee authorities estimate that 6,000 men, women, and children die on the 1,200-mile march called the Trail of Tears. A short distance into Arkansas some people broke from the main group and set out westward into what is now Oklahoma, using a route marked in purple on the map. The show runs approximately 2 hours. The waters boil and spiral violently under its concrete pillars. This 5.4-mile (R/T) trail off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail accesses the tallest single-drop waterfall in the national park. There the group dispersed into Indian Territory, heading (on a route marked in purple) toward Mrs. Webbers plantation. ( Photo: Depositphotos) This popular waterfall is 2.6 miles round-trip. The Trail of Tears is marked not only by the fallen tears of the indigenous people forced to relocate from their homelands, but by over 5,000 dead bodies. Each route is marked and labeled in a different color. Other routes ran from the Fort Lindsay area in western North Carolina, just south of what is now Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and from Calhoun and Fort Cass (now in Charleston) in southeastern Tennessee. Cherokees of the Smoky Mountains is a powerfully emotive history that weaves facts with strong commentary on the multitude of terrible injustices committed against the southern Appalachia Cherokees that resulted in the Trail of Tears. Were carrying everything we need for five to six winter days in the mountains and for seven weeks on the river. Where trees give way to open clearings (balds), views drop in an almost 360 view over flat river valleys and distant mountain ranges hundreds of miles away. It didnt help that in 1829, the Georgia Gold Rush became known to those who hadnt before heard of it. High forested bluffs and low-level mountains start at the waters edge on the opposite bank and ascend steeply back up, creating a deep valley. Carry a Global Satellite GPS Messenger in case of emergency. The "Great Smoky Mountain Lumberjack Feud," also a dinner show in Pigeon Forge, recalls the heyday of lumbering in the Smokies; it features 18 different competitions, plus comedy and music. A place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern sensibilities. Zoom in to find a location in Tennessee, then click on the yellow balloon of your choice to see the site name, address, access, image, and website. The Tail of the Dragon attracts around 250,000 bikers each yearand its easy to see why! Click here to Learn more about all attractions, Click here to Learn more about alice in wonderland, Click here to Learn more about unto these hills, Click here to Learn more about oconaluftee indian village, Click here to Learn more about package deals, Click here to Learn more about group sales & discounts, Click here to Learn more about school & youth groups, Click here to Learn more about trail of tears, Click here to Learn more about contact us, Click here to Learn more about employment, Reserved Seating for Unto, Backstage Tour, Souvenir Bag (Program/Popcorn/Bottled Water/Poncho), Click here to visit our Google My Business Profile, Click here to email groupsandtouring@cherokeeadventure.com, Click here to view location 564 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719. They sacrifice themselves so that a small group of Cherokee will be able to remain in their homeland. Despite the evidence showing how many tribes adopted modern farming techniques and were celebrating an economic surplus, the United States still justified the Indian Removal act of 1830 as a way to better utilize the land. You will turn right at the third red light and left at the next light. These tribes adopted many of the cultural habits of the white settlers: the women wore gowns. Many people think of this simplistically as the cowboy and Indian days. The play opens with the arrival of the Spanish Conquistador, Hernando DeSoto in 1540. But sadly, shortly following the mens execution, the infamous Trail of Tears begins. Tsalis resistance to removal leads to the untimely death of his beloved wife, Wilani, as well as him and his sons near the end of the play. He even joins forces with Andrew Jackson at the famous Battle of Horseshoe Bend where another famous Cherokee leader, Junaluska saves Jacksons life. One such group, conducted westward by Cherokee leader Richard Taylor, set out (as shown in bold green) from Rosss Landing and joined the northern route about halfway to Nashville. Consequently, when the majority of Cherokee continued to resist removal, the U.S. government dispatched soldiers to force them from their homes. After this was done, they marched all of the remaining Cherokee Indians to the Indian territory. Yesterday, strong south-easterly winds and dangerous sideways swell forced us from the east side of the Tennessee River into a large cove stretching a mile inland. Rainbow Falls Trail. According to another statistic, the so-called Five Civilized Tribes, the most populous Native American nations affected, were the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole. The discovery of gold in Cherokee County in 1835 sets the stage for tribal lands to be overrun by the whites, who illegally occupy lands, build settlements and town, and generally disregard the cultural practices and freedoms of the Native population. The Smoky Mountains are full of little hidden gems destinations that are full of culture and deserving of your time and attention. Ian Finch and Jamie Barnes are currently on a 1,200-mile journey to retrace the steps of the Cherokee. Scott and his men coerced the Cherokee people into stockades at sword point. . 1839, with four-thousand silent graves reaching from the foothills of the Smoky Mountains to what is known as Indian territory in the West. The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation in 1838, . Those who had negotiated this treaty were not representatives of the tribal government or anyone else. Also, they were converted to Christianity, and encouraged to adopt European-style economic practices. Abrams Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountains, Experience the Lakes of the Great Smoky Mountains, Fort Watauga: Remembering Its Significance, Michies Tavern below Jeffersons Monticello, What You Should Know About Clingmans Dome, 10 Mistakes Made by Vacation Rental Owners, 10 Important Safety Tips For Hiking in The Smoky Mountains, 14 Common Misconceptions About Gatlinburg, 6 Cherokee People Of Great Influence in the Arts and Crafts, Blue Laws and the Movements to Restrict Alcohol Use in History, Dolly Partons Contributions to East Tennessee, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The Creation, Plants and Wildlife of the Smoky Mountains, 10 Quick Tips And Recommendations About Gatlinburg, 10 Things to do in the Smoky Mountains near Maggie Valley NC, 6 Trails for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains near Cherokee NC, 7 Restaurants With Live Music in the Smokies, 8 Awesome Winter Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Family Reunions and Romantic Getaways in Gatlinburg, Golfing in the Smoky Mountains of Sevierville, Great Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains For 5 Different Types of People, Horseback Riding The Great Smoky Mountains, Information and Activities about Ober Gatlinburg, Popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains, The Journey Through Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 5. In 1907, Oklahoma officially became one of the states in America, and Indian territory was gone for good. The Tail of the Dragon came to national attention in the 1990s when motorcycle enthusiast Doug Snavely launched the Deals Gap Hot Lap newsletter and formed the Deals Gap Riding Society. Those who spoke out against this treaty were Daniel Webster and Henry Clay; however, it still passed by a single vote. Despite this dark and tragic episode in the lives of the Cherokee, the ending of the play is filled with beautifully sculpted imagery and effective emotional symmetry, symbolizing the re-emergence of a people whose spiritual fortitude, social complexities, and human courage will never be broken. This immersive village experience will surround you with native culture and shed light on all aspects of Cherokee history. The parties under Ross left in early fall, and arrived in Oklahoma during the devastating winter of 1938. Mountainside Theatre The incedient that became knows as the trial of tears took place in 1838; the Cherokee Native American Indian tribe was forced towards the west of United States of America. In the valleys at their base, huge arterial rivers are fed by small creeks that start their journey somewhere amongst the 5,000ft summits. The footpath up isnt long, but the grade will have you huffing and puffing a bit, and remember to have a jacket or pullover with you even on a summers day: Its typically significantly cooler and damper here at the conifer-cloaked high point of the Great Smokies than the lower elevations. Witness and experience the life of a Cherokee Indian with our historical packages! The Native Americans were forced to abandon their homes, Abrams Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountains, Experience the Lakes of the Great Smoky Mountains, Fort Watauga: Remembering Its Significance, Michies Tavern below Jeffersons Monticello, What You Should Know About Clingmans Dome, 10 Mistakes Made by Vacation Rental Owners, 10 Important Safety Tips For Hiking in The Smoky Mountains, 14 Common Misconceptions About Gatlinburg, 6 Cherokee People Of Great Influence in the Arts and Crafts, Blue Laws and the Movements to Restrict Alcohol Use in History, Dolly Partons Contributions to East Tennessee, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The Creation, Plants and Wildlife of the Smoky Mountains, 10 Quick Tips And Recommendations About Gatlinburg, 10 Things to do in the Smoky Mountains near Maggie Valley NC, 6 Trails for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains near Cherokee NC, 7 Restaurants With Live Music in the Smokies, 8 Awesome Winter Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Family Reunions and Romantic Getaways in Gatlinburg, Golfing in the Smoky Mountains of Sevierville, Great Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains For 5 Different Types of People, Horseback Riding The Great Smoky Mountains, Information and Activities about Ober Gatlinburg, Popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains, The Journey Through Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 2.1 mi $ Quick Bites American Vegetarian Friendly. Jamie Barnes and I sit on a small floating boat dock in rural Waverly, Tennessee. As one block notes, the U.S. Congress passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830. They were forced to travel across the Mississippi to the so-called Indian Territory. . The map shows the water route by which several groups of Cherokee traveled from southeastern Tennessee to what is now northeastern Oklahoma. However, Congress ultimately approved the treaty despite this. During the Civil War, the notorious Kirkland Bushwhackers, a gang of deserters, would ambush Union troops along the trail. The outdoor drama tells the triumphant story of the formation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from first contact with Europeans through the years following the infamous Trail of Tears. From August 23 to December 5, 1838, 10 detachments of Cherokee, totaling 9,032 people, are conducted from camps around Fort Cass toward Indian Territory. The packs are shoulder-crushingly heavy thanks to the length of this journey. Sidetracked | Adventure Travel Inspired. When much of the tribe was removed to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears in 1838, a handful escaped and remained in the mountains. From this road you will take exit 74, which again becomes Hwy. By the late 1800s, the Indians were almost completely finished off, their subjugation complete, their numbers decimated. Please note, there are gunshots, flashing lights, and loud noises during the performance. This infographic provides a map of the principal routes used during the Trail of Tears, the forced relocation during the 1830s of Native American peoples from their lands in the southeastern U.S. to lands reserved for them west of the Mississippi River. With its thrilling twists and turns, the road takes its name from its resemblance to a curvy dragons tail. Each upgrade in pace or gradient requires some tweak. You can stumble upon a lot of hidden gems when you take the scenic routelike that unassuming restaurant or a secret swimming hole. Full view. These moments are all about finding your system and pace and staying within that framework. The trees and vegetation in these mountains are the source of the haze (smoke). Youll have access to multiple world-class vantages on Mount LeConte, most notably Myrtle Point,andyou might be lucky enough to run into one of the llama pack strings that haul supplies along the Trillium Gap Trail to LeConte Lodge. There were three major land routes, with variations over certain stretches, on which Cherokee traveled primarily on foot or horseback or in wagons. Annotation: . AL,AR,GA,IL,KY,MO,NC,OK,TN . Remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people, forcefully removed from their homelands in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee to live in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. 11409 Municipal Center Dr #24594, Knoxville, TN 37933. There are also seven leaves on each stem. 10 Campsites in the Smokies; 10 Pancake-Themed Restuarants; 10 Quick Tips And Recommendations About Gatlinburg; 10 Things to do in the Smoky Mountains near Maggie Valley NC; 6 Trails for Hiking in the Smoky . Marked in light brown at the eastern end of the main map are routes by which Cherokee were forcibly removed from their homes in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina and confined in stockades or camps to await their removal to Indian Territory. There it crossed the Mississippi River into Arkansas, where it passed south of what is now Wynne, ran southwestward to Little Rock, and then tended northwestward along the Arkansas River to what is now Russellville. In Meigs county, Tennessee, nine detachments of Cherokee, totaling more than 9,000 people, cross the Tennessee River at Blythe Ferry on their westward journey. The text relates the powerful and dramatic history of Cherokees, who for 40,000 years thrived in the difficult terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains and its surrounding regions areas of what is now . In roughly 3 miles, you will find the Tail of the Dragon. Follow Drama Road all the way up. Though often glossed over in the history of the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the most critical aspects of America's history is the Trail of Tears more appropriately named the Nunna Dual Isunyi by the Cherokee Nation.The Trail of Tears is marked not only by the fallen tears of the indigenous people forced to relocate from their homelands, but by over 5,000 dead bodies. At this point, after 500 miles of paddling, were almost halfway into retracing the journey the Cherokee took during their forced removals to Oklahoma in 1838. Hernando deSoto had been relentlessly searching for gold; eventually it was discovered in the Georgia Mountains. The Native Americans were forced to abandon their homes and travel thousands of miles. Wed meet lonely hikers in the remote stretches and small groups sometimes frequented the shelters. If you are traveling fromAtlanta, Georgia(approx. Despite these natives embracing the changes that the white settlers demanded, their land was still valuable and coveted. The Trail of Tears stands as a monument of suffering, sacrifice, and fear. Despite their efforts, the treaty was ratified and signed into law in 1836. Weve descended over 3,000ft in one long and hot morning. Of that number, it is thought that about 4,000 died, having succumbed to hunger, exhaustion, cold, or disease, whether in removal camps in the East, on the westward journey itself, or during their first year in Indian Territory. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, encompassing some of the oldest mountains on earth, is located in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. By 1838, only about two thousand Cherokees had deserted their Georgia homes for Indian Territory. Continue west passing by Waynesville, Sylva and Dillsboro. The Cherokee eventually killed Major Ridge, his son, and Elias Boudinot for their part in the treaty. That legislation, which had been strongly advocated by President Andrew Jackson, authorized the federal government to negotiate treaties granting Native American peoples unsettled lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for their desirable lands within state borders (especially in the Southeast). The more white settlers who flooded the area, the more people wanted this land for their own. This audiobook gives a voice to the outrage Kephart evokes at American imperialism and racism at some of its . In 1836, the federal government forced the Creeks from their land. This vast and beautiful landscape was the ancestral home of the Cherokee for thousands of years. Trail of Tears and the Civil War. Check the video or better yet, judge it for yourself during an overnight stay in Cherokee. Those western lands, then designated as Indian Territory, later constituted most of the . But if were going to celebrate the land that would one day becomethe Great Smoky MountainsNational Park it is important that we celebrate the Cherokee Nation too and that means remembering their history, both good and bad. All Rights Reserved.PIDDLIN is a registered trademark of Blulynx Communications, LLC. The road ends at our parking area. NM In 1926, President Calvin Coolidge signed a bill that established the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Trails are free of charge, and open every day, all day. Date:1889. This is said to represent the seven Cherokee clans who were forced to make the journey. Conditions in the camps are often miserable. It was by these routes that some 15,000 Cherokee were to set out for the West. The road ends at our parking area. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. To this day, the Cherokee Rose still blooms along the route of the now famous Trail of Tears. Millions of people have witnessed Americas most powerful drama, which rewrites the Cherokees place in the world. At times like this, when food is rationed and counted, you remember what it feels like to be hungry. Check out these scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains you dont want to miss! Others, though, thought it better to agree to leave in exchange for money. Over the years, more and more bikers have discovered the thrills of riding the Tail of the Dragon. They then continued their journey by boat. Taste Of Italy. 1 hour): Take I-40 west to exit 27 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway). Words: @IanEFinch // With @JamieBarnesUK // Photos: @WillSaundersphoto. While in Cherokee, dont miss your chance to experience one of the finest casinos in the Southeast. After turning onto the Arkansas River, the route tended northwestward across Arkansas to Little Rock and what is now Russellville and then westward to Van Buren and Fort Smith. The trails interlace through the nearby Great Smoky Mountains, so you already know the views and terrain will take your breath away, even if your recreation of choice doesnt! He made a plea to General Scott to allow him to lead his people west. These are the stories I search for and hold onto. President Andrew Jackson said in 1832, if nobody wanted to enforce the Supreme Courts ruling (which he definitely did not), then the decision would fall stillborn. The show runs approximately 2 hours From there it tended southwestward to the Batesville area in northeastern Arkansas and then westward to Fayetteville, where the group disbanded. Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest, this road has no houses, driveways, businesses, or intersecting roads. Travel back to the 18th century in the Oconaluftee Indian Village and witness the struggle between the Cherokee and early European settlers in A Time of War live demonstrations. This treaty would trade all Cherokee land east of the Mississippi for relocation assistance, compensation for lost lands, and five million dollars. The Park would include land from two states: Tennessee and North Carolina. From that site and other collection points, groups of Cherokee would begin their westward journey. Gain a better understanding of one of the saddest chapters in American history at Trail of Tears State Park, where nine of the 13 Cherokee Indian groups being relocated to Oklahoma crossed the Mississippi River during harsh winter conditions in 1838 and 1839. It was more of a mopping up effort. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. is the oldest Native American cooperative in the country, with over 350 juried artisans creating traditional Cherokee masks, pottery, baskets, jewelry, and much more. The men simply wanted the land, and would do anything necessary to procure it. Going against the Supreme Court, he used the military to supervise the removal of Five Civilized Tribes from their homes to a new destination further west. They wished to grow cotton and secure their fortunes. Adult tickets start at $35 One of the Choctaw leaders told an Alabama newspaper that it was a trail of tears and death. John Ross, who had advocated against this treaty so long and valiantly, unfortunately lost his wife during the western movement of the Cherokee. They were forced to make the journey to the Indian territory on foot. Owner Rob Scheer grew up rolling logs in the woods of Wisconsin, became serious about competition as a young man and went on to develop three lumberjack . 14,000 members of the Cherokee Nation off their land in the North American southeast to Arkansas and Oklahoma on the "Trail of Tears", a small band of . Another group, conducted westward by Cherokee leader John Drew, followed the water route to its end, on the Grand River in Indian Territory, and then traveled overland to the site of Tahlequah, the future capital of the Western Cherokee. This went so far as to include African Slaves. 2,743. This was more than twelve hundred miles away. Many wanted to. Should they stay and fight? Book your entry ticket online! It is at this point where the heartbreaking story of Tsali and his family begins to unfold. They traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or . 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