The Cherokee Trail of Tears story is one of political discord and ensuing tragedy as Cherokees faced removal from their homeland in the 1830s. However, the story begins with wars between South Carolina and the Cherokee Lower Towns in the 1700s. By examining the viewpoints of the Cherokee, the early British colonists, and then the Americans, one can see that healing from national strife can take centuries. In exploring this story, we learn about mistaken paths that leaders can take in the pursuit of what they see as the greater good for their people. We also see the strength and courage that come from pursuing truth, the necessity of resilience and adaptation to overcome challenges, and the promises of the future that stem from compassion, compromise, and connections to fellow strugglers on life’s complicated journey.
The Cherokee Trail of Tears
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