Treaty of New Echota facts for kids
The Treaty of New Echota was an agreement signed on December 29, 1835. It happened in New Echota, Georgia. This treaty was between the United States government and a small group of Cherokee people. This group was known as the Treaty Party. The treaty forced the Cherokee Nation to give up their lands in the southeastern United States. They had to move to a new area called Indian Territory. This difficult journey is now known as the Trail of Tears.
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What Was the Treaty of New Echota?
The Treaty of New Echota was a very important and sad agreement. It was signed in 1835. This treaty said that the Cherokee people had to leave their homes. Their homes were in places like Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. They had to move far away to a new place. This new place was in what is now Oklahoma.
Who Signed the Treaty?
The treaty was signed by officials from the U.S. government. It was also signed by a small group of Cherokee leaders. This group was called the Treaty Party. They believed that moving was the only way to save their people. However, most of the Cherokee Nation did not agree with this treaty. Their main leader, Principal Chief John Ross, and the majority of the Cherokee Council did not sign it. They felt the Treaty Party did not have the right to speak for everyone.
What Did the Treaty Say?
The Treaty of New Echota said that the Cherokee Nation would give up all their lands in the East. In return, they would get land in the West. They would also receive some money. The U.S. government promised to protect them in their new home. But many Cherokee people felt tricked. They believed their land was not for sale. They also felt that the small group who signed the treaty did not represent them.
The Sad Journey: Trail of Tears
Because of this treaty, the U.S. government began to force the Cherokee people to move. This happened a few years after the treaty was signed. In 1838, soldiers rounded up thousands of Cherokee families. They made them walk over 1,000 miles to their new lands. This forced march was very hard. Many people, especially children and older adults, died from sickness, hunger, and cold. This terrible event is remembered as the Trail of Tears. It is a sad part of American history.
Images for kids
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John Ridge
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Detail of memorial at New Echota
