0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- North Carolina
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- These mountains - were Cherokee ancestral lands.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- In 1838, the entire nation - was forcibly removed...
0:00:16 > 0:00:18- ..to make room for the white man.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- We'd call it ethnic cleansing today.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- It's one of the darkest - chapters in American history.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- Welshman Evan Jones - witnessed it all.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- Evan Jones was a missionary.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- He spent most of his life - with the Cherokee.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- He was finally accepted - as a full member of the nation.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- I've researched - his history for years.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59- In this series, I look - at this remarkable Welshman's life.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- I meet Cherokees to learn - more about their history.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- I reveal how the time - Evan Jones spent with them...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- ..is so important - in Cherokee history.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- Subtitles
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- SINGS IN CHEROKEE
0:01:34 > 0:01:36- SINGS IN CHEROKEE
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- Evan Jones was a Baptist missionary.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- He moved to live - amongst the Cherokee in 1821.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- But it took a few years - for him to convince them...
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- ..to quit their traditional - rituals and turn to Christ.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07- It certainly helped that - he'd mastered the Cherokee language.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- BIBLE READING IN CHEROKEE
0:02:15 > 0:02:17- That's a literal word, repent.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- Reverend Bo Parris - still preaches in Cherokee.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- Evan Jones is remembered - to this day by the Cherokee.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- Jones was a tremendous man. - He did a lot of work.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- He had to be good, - because we're still here.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- When we consider - what Evan Jones did...
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- ..we see the hand of God at work.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- Evan Jones lived in Valley Towns - in the North Carolina mountains.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- He travelled - round the area to preach...
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- ..as the Baptist cause - grew amongst the Cherokee.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- Another factor in his success - with the Native Americans...
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- ..was his interest - in the nation's worldly affairs.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- It was an exciting time - for the Cherokee.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31- In the 1820s, they tried - to re-establish their nation...
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- ..based on the USA model.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- They adopted a constitution.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- A senate and supreme court...
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- ..were built - in the new capital, New Echota.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- There was a national - printing press here too.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- The Cherokee were enjoying a - cultural renaissance at the time...
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- ..after the invention of - their own writing, the syllabary.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- Evan Jones was - a regular visitor here.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- He became great friends - with this man...
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- ..Koo-wi-s-gu-wi, - or John Ross in English.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- He was mixed race...
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- ..unlike three quarters - of the nation at the time.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- But John Ross was - the Cherokee Principal Chief.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- Evan Jones probably visited - John Ross's house here...
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- ..about 40 miles from New Echota.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- This was only one - of John Ross's houses.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- It was also a business - centre for him.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- He was a successful trader - and ran a post office here.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59- This area is known - as Rossville to this day.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- It's ironic that white men - named this place after him.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- But they would force - Ross to move west...
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- ..and leave this home - in a few years time.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17- The relocation was the big shadow - looming over the Cherokee...
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- ..when Evan Jones first - became friends with John Ross.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- The Cherokee had - lived in peace for 40 years...
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- ..and even supported the US - in wars against other nations.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- But rather than - reward their loyalty...
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- ..the white man's government - wanted them to move...
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- ..800 miles west.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- The Cherokee had lived in the same - place for thousands of years.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- Their land was important to them.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- Ty Bushyhead is a Cherokee - who still farms in North Carolina.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- One thing about - the Cherokee people...
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- ..is we weren't - as nomadic as other tribes.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- We were more of a stationary people.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- So we did actually - grow gardens and produce plants.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- But then also, we gained a lot of - sustenance from the forest as well.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- There's always been - that sense of farming...
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- ..left in the Cherokee culture.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Ty works on a rose farm now.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- He hopes to return - to the family farm one day...
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- ..and utilize what he has learnt.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49- Recent ideas about respecting - nature are amazingly similar...
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- ..to Cherokee traditions.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- Taking care of the earth, having - somewhere to plant your roots...
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- ..but also having a healthy - place for plants to grow.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- It's parallel with what we were - taught, growing up traditionally...
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- ..and the way our parents - followed traditions.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- Take care of the area - you want plants to grow...
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- ..and good things - will always come out of that.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- In Evan Jones's day too, - the Cherokee were keen...
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- ..to combine latest agricultural - methods with traditional ones.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- Since the late 18th century...
0:07:28 > 0:07:33- ..more of them farmed - in the white man's style.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- So they had an emotional - link to their land...
0:07:37 > 0:07:42- ..and had also invested a lot of - work and capital on developing it.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- But the US government expected - the Cherokee to pack up...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- ..and leave everything - to white families.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- Andrew Jackson was - elected president in 1832.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Things began to move much faster.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- Jackson's plan was - to drive the Native Americans...
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- ..beyond the US - frontiers of the day...
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- ..and relocate them in - Indian Territory, as it was called.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- To exile them, in a way.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- The great majority - of the Cherokee opposed the plan.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- Evan Jones said so plainly - to his employers...
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- ..on the Baptist Missionary Board.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- "I very much question - whether any benefit...
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- "..would result - to the Cherokees by the plan.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- "The tone of the Cherokee Government - and people is against removal...
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- "..or selling more land.
0:08:53 > 0:08:59- "The new Cherokee constitution would - pose every possible obstacle...
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- "..in the way of such an event."
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- As a preacher regularly visiting - his flock in the mountains...
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- ..Evan Jones was in a good position - to share the latest information...
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- ..from his friend John Ross...
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- ..and also to encourage - the Cherokee to oppose the removal.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- But by that time, - the Baptist Missionary Board...
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- ..had adopted the policy in favour - of moving all Native Americans west.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- It was very difficult - for Evan Jones.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- He helped the Cherokee to lobby for - their right to stay on their lands.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- His own denomination, - the Baptists, his employers...
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- ..lobbied for the opposing side.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- John Ross and his supporters...
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- ..travelled back and forth - to Washington...
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- ..to campaign against these plans.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- But things didn't augur well.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- A small faction of Cherokee...
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- ..thought that yielding to the - Washington government's pressure...
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- ..was the only way forward...
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- ..even if most of their - fellow countrymen disagreed.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27- In 1835, a momentous meeting - was held in this building.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- This is a copy of the document - which was a turning point...
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- ..in Cherokee history.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- It's ironic that it was - drawn up here in New Echota.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- The document betrayed the nation's - democratic government...
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- ..which met in this chamber.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- What was the agreement?
0:10:50 > 0:10:56- It says the Cherokee were willing - to yield their lands in the east...
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- ..for five million dollars - and move to new homes in the west.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05- The document was signed - by a number of the nation's chiefs.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10- But they only represented - 20% of the population, at most.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- The elected Principal Chief - John Ross wasn't present.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- So this deed was totally - undemocratic and unlawful.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- These men were considered traitors - by most of the Cherokee.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- Evan Jones continued - to campaign against the removal.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44- Those in favour of relocation tried - to use their influence against him.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- This letter was written to Colonel - Lindsay in the War Department.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- "Preacher Jones is a violent - and notorious enemy of the treaty...
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- "..and being proficient - in the Cherokee language...
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- "..has exerted an immense - and dangerous influence."
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Evan Jones had to move - from Valley Towns...
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- ..over the border to Tennessee - to avoid threats of arrest.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- But he continued to visit - the Cherokee near his old home...
0:12:22 > 0:12:23- ..as he told John Ross.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- "As long as I believe I can be - of any service to the Cherokees...
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- "..nothing short of physical force - will prevent my visiting them."
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- At the start of 1838, Evan Jones - joined a final campaign...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- ..to persuade - the Washington government...
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- ..to allow the Cherokee - to stay in their homes.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- Their aim was - to get every Cherokee...
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- ..to sign a huge petition - opposing the removal.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- This is the original petition.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- These are only the first two pages.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- The whole document fills two boxes.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- This petition is very long indeed.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- It has fifteen thousand names...
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- ..the majority of - the Cherokee Nation at the time.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- The first names we see...
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- ..John Ross, - the elected Principal Chief...
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- ..then George Lowery, - the assistant Principal Chief.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- These names are written in English, - but most use the syllabary.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- The majority spoke only Cherokee - and couldn't write English.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- Collecting all the names - was a huge task.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- Evan Jones helped with the work.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- But this petition - was ignored by the US government.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- In May 1838, - they sent General Winfield Scott...
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- ..and 7,000 soldiers - into Cherokee lands...
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- ..to drive them from their homes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- As an example of the white man's - arrogance towards the Cherokee...
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- ..there's no need to look - any further than Georgia.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- Even before signing the Treaty - Of New Echota in 1835...
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- ..even before some of - the Cherokee agreed to move west...
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- ..the people of Georgia had begun - to plan how to share the spoils...
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- ..and who would occupy Native - American land after their departure.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Cherokee land in Georgia - was given to white men...
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- ..by means of a lottery.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- The land was measured - and divided in numbered lots.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- The numbers were put - in a tombola like this.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13- The greedy white men came forward, - put their hand in...
0:15:13 > 0:15:14- ..and drew a number.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- That was how - Cherokee land in Georgia...
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- ..was distributed to white men, - who had no right to it.
0:15:22 > 0:15:22- .
0:15:28 > 0:15:28- Subtitles
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:15:34 > 0:15:35- In May 1838...
0:15:36 > 0:15:41- ..General Winfield Scott - was sent to these mountains...
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- ..with 7,000 soldiers.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53- Helped by militia from Tennessee, - they built wooden forts...
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- ..temporary open-air prisons - to hold the Cherokee...
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- ..before sending them west.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- When the forts were ready, - the soldiers began the work...
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- ..of driving the Cherokee - from their homes.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16- This was the beginning of what the - Native Americans would remember...
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- ..as the Trail Of Tears.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- Welshman Evan Jones was a witness.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- "Camp Hetzel, June 16th.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- "The Cherokees - are nearly all prisoners.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- "They were dragged - from their houses with no time...
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- "..to take anything except - the clothes they had on.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- "Well furnished houses - were left a prey to plunderers...
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- "..who, like hungry wolves, - follow the captors.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- "These wretches rifle the houses...
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- "..and strip helpless, unoffending - owners of all they have on earth.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- "Females are driven on foot - before the bayonets of brutal men.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- "It is a painful sight."
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- Only a stone monument - marks the site of Fort Hetzel now...
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- ..or Camp Hetzel, - as Evan Jones called it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- "Many of the Cherokees - who a few days ago...
0:17:31 > 0:17:36- "..were in comfortable circumstances - are now victims of abject poverty."
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- Some of them managed - to bring animals with them.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44- But it was in vain.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- "On arriving, they were required - to give up their horses and ponies.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- "They were taken by force - and sold to the highest bidder...
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- "..for almost nothing.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- "I have no language to express - the emotions rending our hearts...
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- "..to witness their cruel - and unnecessary oppression.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- "The overthrow of - the Cherokee Nation is completed.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- "On our way, we met - a detachment of 1,300 prisoners.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33- "As I took some of them by the hand, - the tears gushed from their eyes.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- "Their hearts, however, - were cheered to see us...
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- "..and to hear - a word of consolation."
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- On the first stage - of the Trail Of Tears...
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- ..the Cherokee had - to cross these mountains.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- For many thousands...
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- ..it was the last time - they saw their native land.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11- Some of the Cherokee were - brought here, to Ross's Landing...
0:19:11 > 0:19:16- ..and sent west by boat - on North America's great rivers.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- "At the time of sailing, an effort - was made to get their consent...
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- "..to go into the boats.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- "But not an individual would agree.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- "The soldiers rushed in - and drove the victims...
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- "..into those loathsome - receptacles of disease and death."
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- It was a very hot summer.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- The Cherokee knew...
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- ..if they were packed - in confined boats for many weeks...
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- ..disease would spread.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- "To remain anywhere - on that sickly river...
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- "..is only a most expensive - and painful method...
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- "..of putting the poor - people to death."
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- After the first - 4,000 Native Americans...
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- ..began their journey in June...
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- ..the Cherokee chiefs managed - to persuade General Scott...
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- ..to let the remainder arrange - their own journey by September.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- In the meantime, they had - to camp within the stockades.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- This is the only surviving - part of all those forts.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- The original fort enclosed - a much bigger plot of land...
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- ..much bigger than this car park, - with a tower in each corner.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57- Wooden walls linked them, - closing in the Native Americans.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- "The scenes defy all description.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11- "Many were dragged from their - homes, without change of clothing...
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- "..and marched 120 or 130 miles - through heat, dust, rain and mud...
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- "..in many cases barefooted...
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- "..then lodged on hard ground...
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- "..destitute of shelter - from dews and rains."
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- It's no wonder disease - swept through these places.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- At least 2,500 Cherokee - died in camps like this...
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- ..before starting - the long journey west.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- The soldiers slept in the towers.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- The Cherokee were out - in the open air, in all weathers.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- Evan Jones was - very busy at this time...
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- ..trying to care - for the Cherokee's spiritual needs.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10- Some Native American preachers - whom he'd baptized himself...
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- ..like Kaneeda and Oganaya, - also worked in the camps.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- "They never relaxed - their evangelical labors...
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- "..but preached - constantly in the fort.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- "They held church meetings - and received ten members.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27- "On June 17th...
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- "..by permission of the officer in - command, they went to the river...
0:22:33 > 0:22:34- "..and baptized them.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- "They were guarded - to the river and back."
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- The Cherokee suffered - so much in this life...
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- ..it's easy to understand how - the idea of a reward in heaven...
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- ..would appeal to them.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- The Cherokee had begun to publish - work in their own language in 1828.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- One of the first was a hymn book.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- What hymns were sung in the camps...
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- ..and on the Trail Of Tears?
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- Reverend Bo Parris - is working on a new edition...
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- ..of the Cherokee hymn book.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- I went to his home to find out more.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30- Hi, Bo.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31- Hi, Bo.- - Well, come in!
0:23:32 > 0:23:33- Osiyo!
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- It was a surprise - to learn there was a Welsh link...
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- ..to a Cherokee hymn of that day.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- They began to round up Cherokees...
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- ..to put in the stockades - to go west.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- They were down below the house. - They lived down there somewhere.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- When the soldiers came - to take them to the stockades...
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- ..the old man asked - the officer in charge...
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- ..if they could sing - and pray before they left.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- So the officer said they could.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- He sang that song, - Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah.
0:24:12 > 0:24:13- He sung it here.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- I've heard some say - that's a Trail Of Tears song.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- # GUIDE ME O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH # - Sung in Cherokee
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- The hymn tune was unfamiliar.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- It's strange - to think that the Cherokee...
0:24:37 > 0:24:42- ..sang a translation of Williams - Pantycelyn's words on the Trail.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- # Guide me, o thou
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- # Great Jehovah
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- # Pilgrim through
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- # This barren land
0:24:53 > 0:24:59- # I am weak, - but thou art mighty
0:24:59 > 0:25:05- # Guide me with thou powerful hand
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- # Bread of Heaven
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- # Bread of Heaven
0:25:11 > 0:25:17- # Feed me till I want no more
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- # Bread of Heaven
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- # Bread of Heaven
0:25:23 > 0:25:28- # Feed me till I want no more #
0:25:30 > 0:25:30- .
0:25:34 > 0:25:34- Subtitles
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- By October 1838...
0:25:48 > 0:25:53- ..most of the Cherokee were - about to start the journey west...
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- ..along the Trail Of Tears.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- This powerful memorial in - Blythe's Ferry is relatively new.
0:26:08 > 0:26:14- There is greater effort nowadays - to commemorate the Trail Of Tears.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20- At long last, Americans - are discussing this dark chapter.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- They acknowledge - that it was ethnic cleansing.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- The memorial is testimony to the - human tragedy of the Trail Of Tears.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- Those who made that terrible - journey were real people.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- Their names are listed here.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59- Reading the lists of names - from four states...
0:26:59 > 0:27:04- ..gives us an idea how many people - suffered on the Trail Of Tears.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- Only the name - of the head of family is here.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- The number stands - for family members.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- After being forcibly removed - their homes in the East...
0:27:31 > 0:27:36- ..the Cherokee nation was divided - into groups for the journey west.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41- This map shows the different trails - the Cherokee followed...
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- ..on that long journey.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- For two thirds of the people...
0:27:48 > 0:27:53- ..Blythe's Ferry - was the starting point.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- Evan Jones travelled with a group...
0:27:57 > 0:28:01- ..that followed the yellow, - northerly trail...
0:28:01 > 0:28:03- ..from Blythe's Ferry...
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- ..through the state of Tennessee...
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- ..Nashville...
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- ..crossing the border - into the state of Kentucky...
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- ..then through southern Illinois...
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- ..and on to the state of Missouri.
0:28:18 > 0:28:24- They finally reached - what was called in those days...
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- ..Indian Territory.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- Today, it's part - of the state of Oklahoma.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- It was a four month long journey.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- This river was the nation's border.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44- The Trail Of Tears - started in Blythe's Ferry.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- Evan Jones was determined - to go with the Cherokee.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52- He was almost 50 at the time.
0:28:55 > 0:29:01- They crossed this river - on the 16th of October, 1838.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- This sign lists - the nine Cherokee groups...
0:29:13 > 0:29:17- ..and the group leaders' names.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- We see Situwakee and Evan Jones.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- They led a group of 1,250 people.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- Most were on foot.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34- This group had 62 wagons.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- The weather posed an early problem.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- Here is an account - by Daniel Buttrick...
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- ..another missionary - on the Trail Of Tears.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55- "A powerful rain commenced. Water - ran in streams through the tent.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- "Considering - the state of our health...
0:29:58 > 0:30:02- "..we had great cause of gratitude - that we took no new cold.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- "We had considerable difficulty - in making a fire.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- "The rain still continues."
0:30:16 > 0:30:20- Today, much of the Trail Of Tears - is signposted for tourists.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- It has now been - tarmacked and modernized.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- But it is unchanged in places.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- They aimed to walk between - ten to twelve miles a day...
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- ..to complete - the journey in 80 days.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54- Walking 800 miles would be - challenging for a healthy adult.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- It was almost impossible - for the elderly and young children.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- The journey took longer - than expected.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- There were other obstacles.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- One group's oxen - fell ill after eating ivy.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- They had to wait - until they recovered...
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- ..and could pull the wagons again.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- Even finding a place - to camp could be a problem...
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- ..as Daniel Buttrick noted.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34- "December 15th.
0:31:34 > 0:31:39- "I commenced gathering wood - and making preparations for supper.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43- "We were told by a white man that - was not the place for camping...
0:31:43 > 0:31:46- "..that we must go - beyond the next plantation.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51- "We went with the other wagons - to the place specified.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- "We selected a place for our tent - and put it up and gathered wood.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58- "Word came - that we must not camp there.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03- "The owner would not allow the - Cherokees to cut or burn any wood.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- "It was nearly dark, and - we were quite tired and hungry...
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- "..yet we could only - prepare for another encampment...
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- "..about a mile distant."
0:32:23 > 0:32:28- It was a challenge to feed an entire - nation on its journey west.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- They couldn't carry food - for the whole journey.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38- It wouldn't stay fresh - for such a long time.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- The Cherokees - had to buy their own food.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- They had a budget of 65.88...
0:32:48 > 0:32:50- ..for every individual.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- That's around 77 cents a day.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55- Evan Jones and Situwakee ...
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- ..sent men on ahead - to the next town...
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- ..to buy food and other necessities.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06- The Cherokee - collected them upon arrival.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- Situwakee couldn't speak English.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- The Welshman was mainly - in charge of the arrangements.
0:33:22 > 0:33:28- He recorded their purchases, as he - mentioned in a letter to John Ross.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33- "I shall be glad to hear from you at - Nashville about tents and blankets.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- "Are we to receive - the latter at that place?
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- "Mr Coody has written - to Mr Bushyhead today...
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- "..that blankets, shoes etc - are ready for them there."
0:33:50 > 0:33:55- Nashville is bustling ahead of - its annual country music festival.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- In November, 1838...
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- ..the city's Baptists gathered - to meet their fellow worshippers.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09- The Cherokee were welcomed - by Nashville Baptists...
0:34:09 > 0:34:11- ..somewhere close to this spot.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- A newspaper article - marked the occasion.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21- "Four detachments of the emigrating - Cherokees passed through our city.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- "They average about a thousand each.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- "Of the third party, our brother - Evan Jones, is conductor.
0:34:28 > 0:34:33- "The fourth is under the direction - of the celebrated Dta-ske-ge-de-hee.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- "He's known among us as Bushyhead."
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- The Cherokees were invited to join - the local Baptists in worship.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47- "We had a very crowded house.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- "The services were commenced - by singing a hymn in Cherokee...
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- "..by Brother Jones.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- "After prayer and another hymn...
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- "..we were addressed in English - by Brother Bushyhead.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- "The effect was thrilling."
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- The pair must have planned - the service...
0:35:12 > 0:35:16- ..to have a specific effect - on the congregation.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21- Reverend Jesse Bushyhead - preached in English...
0:35:21 > 0:35:26- ..to demonstrate his intelligence - and grasp of church doctrine.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- The Welshman, Evan Jones...
0:35:29 > 0:35:34- ..sang in Cherokee to show - he identified with the natives.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- Not everyone was as welcoming.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- "We paid 40 dollars - at Walden's Ridge toll gate.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- "On the Cumberland Mountain, - they fleeced us...
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- "..75 cents a wagon and - twelve and a half cents a horse."
0:36:02 > 0:36:05- Before crossing the River Ohio...
0:36:05 > 0:36:11- ..the ferryman forced - the Cherokee to wait...
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- ..until the white passengers - went first.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18- He charged a dollar a head...
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- ..instead of the usual 12 cents.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- On the Mississippi...
0:36:33 > 0:36:37- ..the weather rather than - a greedy ferryman was the problem.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- "At the Mississippi, we were stopped - from crossing by the ice running.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- "The boats - could not pass for several days."
0:36:47 > 0:36:51- The Cherokees - journeyed in winter.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55- They aimed to walk - ten miles a day.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- They slept outdoors every night.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04- "December 30th.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- "We have now been - on our road 75 days...
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- "..and have travelled 529 miles.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- "It has, however, been extremely - cold for some time past...
0:37:17 > 0:37:22- "..which renders the condition - of those who are but thinly clad...
0:37:22 > 0:37:24- "..very uncomfortable."
0:37:27 > 0:37:31- It was so cold that every stream - was frozen solid.
0:37:31 > 0:37:36- They had to cut through eight - to ten inches of ice every day...
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- ..to find water - for the travellers and animals.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- As they travelled through the cold, - it became increasingly obvious...
0:37:45 > 0:37:50- ..that many Cherokees - wouldn't reach the journey's end.
0:37:50 > 0:37:50- .
0:37:54 > 0:37:54- Subtitles
0:37:54 > 0:37:56- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- CHEROKEE RADIO PROGRAMME
0:38:10 > 0:38:15- The Trail Of Tears - is etched in Cherokee memory.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19- CHEROKEE RADIO PROGRAMME
0:38:19 > 0:38:24- Cherokee Voices - is a weekly radio programme.
0:38:24 > 0:38:30- John Ross is being interviewed - about his forefathers' experiences.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- It was already autumn...
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- ..when they started - on the Trail Of Tears.
0:38:37 > 0:38:42- It was the cruellest winter - they'd ever lived through.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- Many perished through starvation...
0:38:45 > 0:38:50- ..disease and the cold.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- It was snowing...
0:38:52 > 0:38:54- ..and freezing.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00- They weren't wearing many clothes.
0:39:00 > 0:39:06- They were forced to leave - without taking anything with them...
0:39:06 > 0:39:10- ..except maybe - a blanket to wrap around them.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19- It was especially hard - for the old and young.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- The Cherokees were resilient - in the face of adversity.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- The young men travelled ahead - to light fires along the Trail...
0:39:29 > 0:39:33- ..so people - could keep warm and rest.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- But despite - the group leaders' best efforts...
0:39:40 > 0:39:44- ..many Cherokees - died on the Trail Of Tears...
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- ..before reaching their destination.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54- If someone died on the way...
0:39:55 > 0:39:59- ..they had to leave them - where they fell.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- There was no time to bury the dead.
0:40:02 > 0:40:08- Sometimes, - they'd put the bodies in a wagon...
0:40:08 > 0:40:13- ..until they stopped - to rest for the night...
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- ..and then bury them.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33- In Evan Jones's group, 71 died.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38- Between all the groups, - 1,500 Cherokees died.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42- That's more than 10% - of the people on the Trail.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- It was hard to bury - the dead on the roadside.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- No-one would ever - visit their graves.
0:40:52 > 0:40:58- Most of the graves are lost.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03- Hopkinsville, Kentucky, - is one of the few places...
0:41:03 > 0:41:08- ..where there are gravestones - to mark the names of the dead.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13- Fly Smith and Whitepath - were Cherokee chiefs.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34- Hopkinsville - is full of young Cherokees...
0:41:34 > 0:41:39- ..preparing for the next leg - of a 900-mile bike ride.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- Every year since 1984...
0:41:49 > 0:41:55- ..they take three weeks - to cycle the Trail Of Tears.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- They travel between - 70 to 80 miles a day.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- This year's leader is Joseph Erb.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- We're all descendents - of the people who got removed.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13- We're proud to honour our ancestors. - It's gruelling and emotional.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17- It becomes a kind - of a living history.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- Ty Bushyhead - is one of the 23 cyclists.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25- Jesse Bushyhead was - his great-great-great grandfather.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30- Jesse Bushyhead led one of - the 1830s Trail Of Tears groups.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35- The biggest part of the bike ride, - why I wanted to go on it...
0:42:35 > 0:42:39- ..was to follow the footsteps - of the people who walked before me.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42- It's my way - of cherishing their memory...
0:42:42 > 0:42:48- ..making sure their memory and - experiences will never be forgotten.
0:42:48 > 0:42:54- The second was to follow - one of my grandfather's footsteps...
0:42:54 > 0:42:58- ..to experience the same - pains, trials and tribulations...
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- ..that he would have - experienced along the way.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03- Is it the first time you've done it?
0:43:03 > 0:43:05- Is it the first time you've done it?- - This is the first time.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- It's a great experience so far.
0:43:08 > 0:43:09- It's a great experience so far.- - Thanks!
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- We don't say goodbye in Cherokee.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16- We always say - we'll see each other again.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19- "Dona dago hy" in Oklahoma.
0:43:19 > 0:43:20- Yep, exactly!
0:43:20 > 0:43:22- Thank you!
0:43:23 > 0:43:26- Every morning before they set off...
0:43:26 > 0:43:31- ..the cyclists gather to pray and - ask a blessing for their journey.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33- PRAYER IN CHEROKEE
0:43:45 > 0:43:50- Father, we are tired, - our bodies are fatigued.
0:43:50 > 0:43:54- But you go before us, - and the power of the Holy Spirit.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59- You protect us and camp your - angels around us to keep us safe.
0:43:59 > 0:44:04- We ask this in the name of - your mighty son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
0:44:04 > 0:44:09- It was fascinating to see the two - spiritual traditions side by side.
0:44:09 > 0:44:15- After prayers in both languages, - the traditional call and response.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18- TRADITIONAL CALL AND RESPONSE
0:44:36 > 0:44:38- Ty remained behind...
0:44:39 > 0:44:43- ..to burn sage and tobacco - and ask a traditional blessing.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52- One thing that - I was taught growing up...
0:44:53 > 0:44:57- ..is to give those offerings, - to say those prayers.
0:44:57 > 0:45:02- I was asking for a safe arrival - and a safe trip for the group.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10- Before they started - the next leg of their journey...
0:45:10 > 0:45:12- ..I asked Ty to convey...
0:45:12 > 0:45:17- ..the significance of the Trail - Of Tears to Cherokees today.
0:45:17 > 0:45:22- The biggest thing that - we take as a society from that...
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- ..is our ability to adapt, - to evolve.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29- It shows we're a strong people.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33- We still carry the same values - and respect for our elders.
0:45:33 > 0:45:38- Whether or not we're in our original - homeland or the new homeland...
0:45:38 > 0:45:41- ..we still hold on to our beliefs.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44- We're still a very proud people.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54- It's taken four days - to drive along the Trail Of Tears.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00- That's nothing compared - to the four months...
0:46:00 > 0:46:03- ..it took the Cherokee to walk it.
0:46:04 > 0:46:09- One thousand, five hundred Cherokees - died on the Trail Of Tears.
0:46:10 > 0:46:16- A further 2,500 died in the months - leading up to the journey...
0:46:16 > 0:46:22- ..when the nation was forced - into temporary internment camps.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24- From early 1838...
0:46:24 > 0:46:29- ..one in four Cherokees died...
0:46:29 > 0:46:33- ..through forced relocation - to the west.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38- When they arrived here...
0:46:39 > 0:46:43- ..they had to start - from the beginning...
0:46:43 > 0:46:47- ..build houses, and so on.
0:46:47 > 0:46:50- But they didn't come here - as individuals.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54- They travelled - with their communities.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- When they arrived here...
0:46:58 > 0:47:03- ..they re-established themselves - in their communities once again.
0:47:03 > 0:47:07- And so, - our communities are very old.
0:47:08 > 0:47:13- Their roots stretch to the East, - across the centuries.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27- As I reach - the journey's end in Tahlequah...
0:47:28 > 0:47:31- ..to be met by fine buildings - and bilingual signs...
0:47:32 > 0:47:37- ..it's hard to imagine how different - it was to the Cherokees in 1839.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55- When they first arrived...
0:47:55 > 0:47:59- ..all that was here was - a wagon trail over the prairie...
0:47:59 > 0:48:01- ..and through trees.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07- The Cherokee lived under canvas....
0:48:08 > 0:48:11- ..and depended - on government handouts...
0:48:11 > 0:48:17- ..until they could build houses - and cultivate their crops.
0:48:26 > 0:48:31- It wasn't the journey's end, but the - start of a momentous challenge...
0:48:32 > 0:48:35- ..to recreate a nation...
0:48:35 > 0:48:39- ..that had been - uprooted and divided.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:49:09 > 0:49:09- .