Sights to See: Jackson and the Indian Removal
Prior to Jackson's removal of the Indians, the Five Civilized Tribes, or the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and the Seminoles, lived in the Old Southwest. The Indians adopted many white ways and even intermarried with Americans; however, when Jackson became president, he wanted the Indians' land. Jackson advocated the Indian Removal Act, which gave the Indians a choice: they could "voluntarily" move west to new lands or they could stay where they were and obey American laws that said they could not vote or own property.
The Indian Removal Act caused controversy in America. Some people were torn about the decision, but the bill eventually passed. The effect was staggering for the Native Americans. They were forced from their homes and many died on the Trail of Tears, or the forced march to the West. At the end of the movement, over 46,000 Indians had been forced from their homes. It seemed that Jackson's plan for obtaining the Indian's land worked, but at the cost of many.
The Indian Removal Act caused controversy in America. Some people were torn about the decision, but the bill eventually passed. The effect was staggering for the Native Americans. They were forced from their homes and many died on the Trail of Tears, or the forced march to the West. At the end of the movement, over 46,000 Indians had been forced from their homes. It seemed that Jackson's plan for obtaining the Indian's land worked, but at the cost of many.
Map
This map shows the route the Indians traveled to get to their new land.
Traveler Reviews
President Jackson
March 3rd, 1839
If you asked me if I regret my decision about the Indian Removal Act, I would say no. As President, it is my job to help the nation as best as possible. I truly believed that America needed the Old Southwest land, which the Indians occupied. I am aware that many people may not agree with my actions, especially after the Trail of Tears event, but I am positive that I made the right choice. America is a growing nation and I have done, and will continue to do, all I can to aid this growing endeavor.
If you asked me if I regret my decision about the Indian Removal Act, I would say no. As President, it is my job to help the nation as best as possible. I truly believed that America needed the Old Southwest land, which the Indians occupied. I am aware that many people may not agree with my actions, especially after the Trail of Tears event, but I am positive that I made the right choice. America is a growing nation and I have done, and will continue to do, all I can to aid this growing endeavor.
Principal Chief John Ross
February 12th, 1839
My people were forced out of their land because of the Indian Removal Act. We tried to fight back, but too many people died. As the leader of the Cherokees, I negotiated a treaty with General Winfield Scott to end the bloodshed and violence. A lot of my people still died on the Trail of Tears. My wife was among the people who died. The white men took away my land, my wife, and my people's freedom. Now, we are forced to live on a different land than my ancestors. I resent President Jackson and his Indian Removal Act.
My people were forced out of their land because of the Indian Removal Act. We tried to fight back, but too many people died. As the leader of the Cherokees, I negotiated a treaty with General Winfield Scott to end the bloodshed and violence. A lot of my people still died on the Trail of Tears. My wife was among the people who died. The white men took away my land, my wife, and my people's freedom. Now, we are forced to live on a different land than my ancestors. I resent President Jackson and his Indian Removal Act.
Photographs
Why Should You Visit?
Jackson and the Indian Removal Act was a huge part of America's Westward Expansion. Although America gained land in the Old Southwest, many Indians lost their lives on the Trail of Tears. This was a depressing time for the Indians, but it is still worth a visit.