The Five Civilized Tribes
The "Five Civilized Tribes" include the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole Tribes. During the 1830s, these tribes were forced to relocate to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma. These tribes were subject to numerous removals, the most infamous becoming what is now known as the Cherokee's "Trail of Tears."
These tribes were considered "civilized" because they showed signs of assimilation to Anglo-American ways. Some members of these tribes began practicing horticulture, adopted Christianity, had written constitutions, and other aspects attributed to American civilization.
Their relocation was forced by the Indian Removal Act, signed by President Andrew Jackson in May of 1830. These tribes were settled east of the Mississippi River, in areas across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida. In the following decades, after several removals, they were forced to relocate to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma.
Cherokee
Originally settled near Georgia. Some of the Cherokee were willing to leave their land for the right price, but others were determined to fight. The Treaty of New Echota was signed in 1835, in which the Cherokee agreed to sell their land and relocate for $5 million, aid with their move, and reimbursement for any lost property. However, not all members of the tribe approved of this treaty. By 1838, there were still thousands of Cherokee that had not relocated. President Martin Van Buren recruited General Winfield Scott and an army of 7,000 soldiers to force the remaining Cherokee to walk the 1,200 miles to Indian Territory. The Cherokee were relocated to the northern and eastern portions of Indian Territory.
Originally settled near Georgia. Some of the Cherokee were willing to leave their land for the right price, but others were determined to fight. The Treaty of New Echota was signed in 1835, in which the Cherokee agreed to sell their land and relocate for $5 million, aid with their move, and reimbursement for any lost property. However, not all members of the tribe approved of this treaty. By 1838, there were still thousands of Cherokee that had not relocated. President Martin Van Buren recruited General Winfield Scott and an army of 7,000 soldiers to force the remaining Cherokee to walk the 1,200 miles to Indian Territory. The Cherokee were relocated to the northern and eastern portions of Indian Territory.
Choctaw
Originally settled in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana. In 1830, they signed the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was to aid in the removal process. By 1833, most of the tribe had been relocated. They were the first of the tribes to be fully removed. One Choctaw leader referred to the journey to Indian Territory a "a trail of tears and death." The Choctaw were relocated to the Southern region of Indian Territory.
Originally settled in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana. In 1830, they signed the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was to aid in the removal process. By 1833, most of the tribe had been relocated. They were the first of the tribes to be fully removed. One Choctaw leader referred to the journey to Indian Territory a "a trail of tears and death." The Choctaw were relocated to the Southern region of Indian Territory.
Chickasaw
Originally settled in areas around Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. They were forced to sign a treaty in 1832, giving up all of their land to Mississippi in exchange for assistance finding a new home to the west. By 1833, most of the Chickasaw had relocated, but it wasn't until 1837 that the rest of them moved. The Chickasaw were relocated to the Southern part of Indian Territory.
Originally settled in areas around Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. They were forced to sign a treaty in 1832, giving up all of their land to Mississippi in exchange for assistance finding a new home to the west. By 1833, most of the Chickasaw had relocated, but it wasn't until 1837 that the rest of them moved. The Chickasaw were relocated to the Southern part of Indian Territory.
Creek
Originally settled near Georgia and Alabama. In 1829, many Creek moved near Arkansas and Verdigris as a result of the Treaty of 1826.The last of the Creek were forced out of their homes in December of 1836. Nearly 3,500 of those who set out did not survive. The Creek were relocated to Fort Gibson and inhabited the middle portion of Indian Territory.
Originally settled near Georgia and Alabama. In 1829, many Creek moved near Arkansas and Verdigris as a result of the Treaty of 1826.The last of the Creek were forced out of their homes in December of 1836. Nearly 3,500 of those who set out did not survive. The Creek were relocated to Fort Gibson and inhabited the middle portion of Indian Territory.
Seminole
Originally settled in Florida. The Seminole fought the removal for as long as they could, holding ground until 1842. After years of war and destruction, the last of the tribe was removed. The Seminole were forced to merge with the Creek at Fort Gibson and the middle portion of Indian Territory.
Originally settled in Florida. The Seminole fought the removal for as long as they could, holding ground until 1842. After years of war and destruction, the last of the tribe was removed. The Seminole were forced to merge with the Creek at Fort Gibson and the middle portion of Indian Territory.