Forced From Their Mountain Home

Forced From Their Mountain Home. . Do you enjoy the beauty of these mountains? Imagine living here with your family when all-of-a-sudden soldiers explode into your house and force you out at gunpoint! That is exactly what happened to 16,000 people when, in 1838, the U.S. Government ordered the Cherokee removed from , the only home they ever knew. The Cherokee were gathered and marched all the way to Oklahoma. Even a Supreme Court decision in their favor could not prevent the wrongdoing., During the winter of 1838-39, nearly 4000 Indians succumbed to starvation, disease, exposure, and even murder. Many were children. This tragic removal of the Cherokee Indians from their beloved homeland is referred to as the "Trail of Tears.", Prior to their forced exodus, Cherokee leaders fortified their people with a prayer. It began: "I will lift my eyes unto these hills, whence comes my strength." (Psalm 121:1), Nearly one thousand escapees and refugees hid in the dense forests of these rugged mountains. Cherokees currently living in western North Carolina are descended from those who avoided removal and remained in their ancient, native homeland., (sidebar) , As written above in their own syllabic language, Cherokee called themselves "Ani-Yunwiya," meaning "The Principal People." modern archeology proves they were the "principal" occupants of these mountains for nearly 10,000 years.