Imagine that you are a member of one of the most advanced Native American tribes in the U.S.:The Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee have traded and lived peacefully with the European settlers for many years, and under their influence the tribe advanced and developed a "civilized" system of government. When gold was discovered on Cherokee lands, the peaceful relationship that once was shared with the Whites was now challenged. The Indian Removal Act was passed and despite oppostitions ultimately the Cherokee were forced to leave their lands. In the grueling summer of 1838, your people are gathered and some are taken by boat to Indian Territory, while others are forced to march 1,200 miles. All around you Cherokee are dying of diseases and exposure as you travel across Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas into rugged Indian Territory. When looking back upon the trail it would be called, “Nunna-dal-un-tsun-yi”, meaning the place where they cried. Please click on TASK to continue.