The Trail Of Tears

Cornerstones of Freedom, Second Series, is the updated and newly designed extension of the acclaimed original series. Focusing specifically on key events in American history, from colonial times to the present day, the Cornerstones books support history, social studies, and geography curricula for middle-school students. Each book includes expanded subject coverage, subheadings, informative sidebars, glossary terms, timelines, and additional resources, as well as an attractive new design and dramatic photographs. In 1838 and 1839, the United States government forced thousands of Cherokee Indians to leave their homes in Georgia and to travel nearly 1,000 miles to northeastern Oklahoma. This difficult journey resulted in many deaths, and it also shattered the spirit of those who survived. Author Deborah Kent describes the history of the Five Civilized Tribes, the arrival of the Europeans, and the events that would eventually lead to the Trail of Tears, as well as the aftermath of this tragedy and the Indians' attempts to make a new life in Oklahoma.