"Driving from Arkansas through Oklahoma on Interstate 40, I encountered the signboard of the "Trail of Tears," a scar cut into the heart of the continent. I suddenly became aware that I had been following the Trail unawares. A signboard saying "Cherokee Nation Information Center" then came into view, triggering a curiosity as to whether there was a nation within the nation. Another signboard that read "Cherokee Nation Capital Tahlequah" confirmed the existence of a nation, since every nation must have a capital. While I was lost in thought, I missed the exit ramps for the Cherokee Nation.

The "Trail of Tears" was not just one road. There were the Northern Route, the Water Route, Bell's Route, Benge's Route, etc. Not just the Cherokee but also the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole tribes made their own trails that stretched from several hundred to about 1,400 miles. As the termini of the Trail were different, so was Tahlequah just one of the final destinations.

I made up my mind to see Tahlequah. If an American Indian tribe can retain its nationhood, its capital must be something unique and culturally rich. Its downtown might be crowded with people half-naked, with feathers on their heads. Though my imagination did not go beyond the stereotype of Native Americans, I was so curious that I sought more information on the web when I stayed in Abilene, Texas."

Get the Story:
Hong Euntaek: Native Americans' Trail of Tears (OhmyNews 9/15)

Relevant Links:
Trail of Tears, links and info - http://www.rosecity.net/tears

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