The Trail of Tears

"Father--you know it's hard to be hungry, and if you do not know it we poor Indians know it... We did not think the Big Man would tell us things that was not true." --The Delaware Chiefs to the Indian Department Horrific--sad times in U.S. history. Eloquent writing style, with beautiful observations of nature and the Indians exotic rituals. Powerful, moving, disheartening, and wretched tale of the American Indian extrication from the east to the west, with the insertion of eye witness reports. Extensive references and bibliography. Gloria brings in some history of the early settlers. The Red Eagle incident was the catalyst, bringing in the gradual manipulation and removal of the native tribes. Because the Indians weren't united, the removal and relocation was made easier. The exile to their new lands were wrought with strife and death with little morose by the military. The white man's fire water reeked tremendous havoc. The false promises--deception; the warring among tribes contributed to the extermination. The story of the Black Hawk war in Wisconsin is particularly interesting and heart wrenching. When I now hear the Indian names of Wisconsin it will be with somber reflection. "They [white man] valued possessions and used people; Indians value people and used possessions." --Seminoles Wish you well Scott

This book tells the sad story of what happened to Native Americans (a case of genocide) in a very readable format. It is also very educational and should be mandatory for American History classes.

This is an amazing book. Tireless research and the author's gift of vision and words produces a magnificently readable narrative of the American Indian Removals. Very balanced with no point of view overlooked. Many surprising appearances. And plenty of twists which will make you laugh outloud and break your heart. A very human book. An absolute must-read for anyone who wants to learn history as through the eyes and ears (and hearts) of those experiencing it. You won't be able to put it down.

Jahoda's "Trail of Tears" is a good companion to Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" - in fact, Brown basically picks up where Jahoda leaves off both chronologically and geographically. Although hardly comprehensive (such an account of the Indian removals east of the Mississipi would require many volumes), Jahoda nonetheless provides a rather exhaustive review of the removal of the "five civilized tribes" as well as a number of midwestern peoples. Jahoda notes the particular senselessness of 'removing' the eastern tribes, as many had already been integrated into the lifestyle of the American settlers (some even became major plantation owners, complete with slaves) and/or became devout Christians. What comes out here is that it was not a matter of dealing with 'savages' but racism, plain and simple. Needless to say, "Trail of Tears" is not only an illuminating history but also a rather instructive text.

A moving history of the Eastern Native Americans up to their removal to the West. Jahoda covers most of major tribes in the East. A history that should make any American ashamed and outraged. Jahoda's writing and story telling is excellent and moves one to tears.