John Ross, The Cherokees, and the Trail of Tears: A Tragedy of Broken Promises and Forced Removal

John Ross, a prominent figure in American history, served as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation during a tumultuous period marked by the struggle for sovereignty and the tragic events of the Trail of Tears. His leadership and unwavering determination left an enduring legacy, shaping the course of Native American history.

Early Life and Education

John Ross was born on October 3, 1790, in Turkeytown, Alabama, to a Scottish father and a Cherokee mother. His father, Daniel Ross, was a prosperous merchant and land speculator, while his mother, Mollie McDonald, was a respected member of the Cherokee community. Ross received a privileged education, attending Kingston Academy in Tennessee and completing his studies at the College of William & Mary in Virginia.

Toward the Setting Sun: John Ross, the Cherokees, and the Trail of Tears

by Brian Hicks

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Ross's early experiences exposed him to the complexities of interracial relations and the encroaching influence of white settlers on Native American lands. These formative years instilled in him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by his people and a lifelong commitment to their well-being.

Leadership and Sovereignty

In 1828, John Ross was elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, a position he held for over three decades. Under his leadership, the Cherokee Nation experienced a period of significant progress and cultural revitalization. Ross implemented a comprehensive plan of economic development, establishing schools, businesses, and a constitutional government. He also played a key role in preserving Cherokee traditions and language.

Ross's leadership was characterized by a strong belief in Cherokee sovereignty and the right to self-governance. He steadfastly resisted the efforts of the United States government to force the Cherokee to cede their lands and assimilate into white society. Ross and the Cherokee Nation pursued legal challenges, including the landmark case of Worcester v. Georgia, which recognized the sovereignty of Native American nations.

The Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears

Despite the Cherokee's legal victories and Ross's diplomatic efforts, the United States government under President Andrew Jackson persisted in its policy of Indian removal. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, which authorized the federal government to relocate Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the East to territories west of the Mississippi River.

The Cherokee Nation vehemently opposed the Indian Removal Act, but their resistance was met with military force. In 1838, the U.S. Army forcibly removed approximately 16,000 Cherokee from their homes and marched them westward on a grueling journey known as the Trail of Tears. Under Ross's guidance, the Cherokee endured unimaginable hardships and suffering along the 1,000-mile route to present-day Oklahoma.

Legacy and Impact

John Ross's legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. His unwavering commitment to Cherokee sovereignty and his efforts to preserve their culture and traditions continue to inspire Native American leaders and activists today. The tragic events of the Trail of Tears remain a poignant reminder of the broken promises and forced removal that Native American nations have endured throughout history.

Ross's leadership and the Cherokee Nation's struggle for self-determination have had a profound impact on American history. Their story serves as a testament to the resilience and dignity of Native American peoples in the face of adversity.

Additional Resources

• Cherokee Nation: John Ross
• History.com: Trail of Tears
• PBS: American Experience: Trail of Tears: Resistance and Removal
• Encyclopedia Britannica: John Ross

Toward the Setting Sun: John Ross, the Cherokees, and the Trail of Tears

by Brian Hicks

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3653 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	449 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE