This Tennessee landing belonged to the Cherokee Nation until it became their deportation point in 1838

The Cherokee Trail of Tears

In 1838-1839, the U.S. government forced about 16,000 Cherokee people to leave their homes and walk 1,000 miles to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma.

Many died from cold, hunger, and sickness along this journey called the Trail of Tears. Ross’s Landing in what is now Chattanooga, Tennessee, was a main starting point.

Here, thousands of Cherokee people began their hard journey west. The site marked the beginning of a tragic march that many would not survive.

Ross’s Landing in what is now Chattanooga, Tennessee, was a main starting point. Here, thousands of Cherokee people began their hard journey west. The site marked the beginning of a tragic march that many would not survive.

Cherokee Nation’s Prosperous Homeland

Before removal, Cherokee people lived on 43,000 square miles across Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. They built a thriving society with farms, businesses, schools, and homes.

By the 1820s, they had their own written language created by Sequoyah, a capital city called New Echota, and a government with a constitution. White Americans called them one of the “Five Civilized Tribes” because they adopted some European customs like farming methods and clothing styles.

Gold Discovery Fuels Removal Pressure

Gold found on Cherokee land in Georgia in 1828 changed everything. Miners rushed in as Georgia mines produced 300 ounces of gold daily at their peak. White settlers and land speculators wanted this valuable land.

They pressured the government to remove the Cherokee, seeing chances for wealth in both gold and farmland. Many simply moved onto Cherokee property illegally while state officials looked the other way.

The Indian Removal Act of 1830

President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act on May 28, 1830. The law allowed the government to move all Native Americans east of the Mississippi River to western lands.

Congress set aside $500,000 for relocating eastern tribes. Chief John Ross, who was part Cherokee and part Scottish, fought against this law from the start. He used his knowledge of American laws and perfect English to defend Cherokee rights.

Cherokee Legal Challenges Reach Supreme Court

The Cherokee Nation took their fight to the Supreme Court in two famous cases. In Worcester v. Georgia (1832), Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that Georgia could not force its laws onto Cherokee land.

This was a major legal victory, but President Jackson refused to enforce it. He reportedly said, “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.” Without federal protection, the Cherokee remained vulnerable despite winning in court.

The Fraudulent Treaty of New Echota

On December 29, 1835, a small group of Cherokee called the Treaty Party signed the Treaty of New Echota. They acted without permission from the Cherokee government.

Led by Major Ridge, John Ridge, and Elias Boudinot, they gave up all Cherokee lands east of the Mississippi for $5 million and land in Indian Territory. These men believed fighting was hopeless, but they had no right to speak for the entire Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee Nation’s Widespread Opposition

Chief John Ross and the Cherokee government immediately rejected the treaty. Ross gathered nearly 16,000 signatures on a petition against it, representing almost every Cherokee person.

Despite clear evidence that most Cherokee opposed the deal, the U.S. Senate approved the treaty by just one vote in May 1836. This decision allowed the removal of an entire nation based on a document signed by unauthorized men who represented less than 2% of Cherokee people.

The Two-Year Deadline Approaches

The treaty gave the Cherokee two years to move west, setting a deadline of May 23, 1838. By early 1838, only about 2,000 had left voluntarily. Most stood with Chief Ross in refusing to recognize the unfair treaty.

President Martin Van Buren continued Jackson’s removal policy as the deadline neared. Officials increased pressure through land seizures and property destruction, making life increasingly difficult for Cherokee families trying to stay on their land.

General Scott’s Military Roundup Begins

In May 1838, President Van Buren sent General Winfield Scott with 7,000 soldiers to force the removal. Scott divided Cherokee territory into military districts on May 17 through his Order 25.

Soldiers pulled Cherokee people from their homes at gunpoint, often giving them just minutes to gather belongings. Troops burned houses and crops, then marched families to crude stockades where they awaited their forced journey west.

Summer Removal Attempts End in Disaster

The first group of 800 Cherokee left Ross’s Landing on June 6, 1838, on boats. Two more groups followed on June 12 and June 17, with most traveling on overcrowded vessels. Summer drought stranded many boats, forcing people to walk in extreme heat.

Disease spread quickly through the camps and traveling groups. So many died that General Scott halted further removal until fall, after the first attempts proved deadly.

Ross Negotiates Cherokee-Led Removal

Chief John Ross proposed that Cherokee people manage their own removal to reduce deaths. On July 23, 1838, he convinced General Scott that Cherokee leaders could organize a more humane journey.

Scott agreed, allowing the Cherokee to form groups of about 1,000 people, each led by Cherokee guides. Ross appointed leaders for each group and delayed departure until October when cooler weather would make travel safer and reduce disease.

Visiting Ross’s Landing, Chattanooga

Ross’s Landing is at 100 Riverfront Parkway in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. The site includes a public pier, riverfront walkways, and a cultural plaza with Cherokee art medallions set into the walls.

Visitors can enjoy the Tennessee Riverwalk, which starts here and extends 13 miles along the river. The nearby Tennessee Aquarium, Hunter Museum of American Art, and Creative Discovery Museum are all within walking distance.

The area hosts public events and festivals throughout the year. There are no entrance fees for Ross’s Landing Park. For more information, contact the Chattanooga Visitors Center at 423-756-8687 or visit the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail website for guided tour options.

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