Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
History
Date of Award
8-2003
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Dale M. Royalty
Committee Members
Colin F. Baxter, Dale J. Schmitt
Abstract
The Treaty of New Echota was signed by a small group of Cherokee Indians and provided for the removal of the Cherokees from their lands in the southeastern United States. This treaty was secured by dishonest means and, despite the efforts of Chief John Ross to prevent the removal of the Cherokees from their homeland to west of the Mississippi River, the terms of the treaty were executed. In May of 1838, under the command of General Winfield Scott, the removal of the Cherokees commenced. Scott encountered many difficulties including inefficient commissioners and superintendents, drought, disease, and the wavering policy of the Van Buren administration in his quest to fulfill his assignment. He considered the humane treatment of the Cherokees to be his primary concern and did everything in his power to assure that they were not mistreated. These events led to the tragic “trail of tears.”
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
McMillion, Ovid Andrew, "Cherokee Indian Removal: The Treaty of New Echota and General Winfield Scott." (2003). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 778. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/778
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.