Trail of Tears

The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation

By: John Ehle

Narrated by: John McDonough

A sixth-generation North Carolinian, highly-acclaimed author John Ehle grew up on former Cherokee hunting grounds. His experience as an accomplished novelist, combined with his extensive, meticulous research, culminates in this moving tragedy rich with historical detail.

The Cherokee are a proud, ancient civilization. For hundreds of years they believed themselves to be the "Principle People" residing at the center of the earth. But by the 18th century, some of their leaders believed it was necessary to adapt to European ways in order to survive. Those chiefs sealed the fate of their tribes in 1875 when they signed a treaty relinquishing their land east of the Mississippi in return for promises of wealth and better land. The U.S. government used the treaty to justify the eviction of the Cherokee nation in an exodus that the Cherokee will forever remember as the "trail where they cried". John McDonough narrates with thoughtful gravity. The heroism and nobility of the Cherokee shine through this intricate story of American politics, ambition, and greed.

©1988 John Ehle (P)2001 Recorded Books, LLC

Difficult Story that needed to be told

I live in NW Georgia and wanted to know more about this story after seeing a documentary on TV. Along with completing this audiobook it inspired me to go out and visit the sites that are apart of The Trail of Tears National Historic site in my local area

shakecia Nelson

I love the story, culture, message, meaning. I'm Cherokee and black foot Indian. I also loved listening to the story about my ancestors.

The courage to rewrite history

I admire the courage of one man, the inability to die without correcting the atrocious behavior committed by the so called civilized people of the United States upon the Cherokee people, and all indigenous true Americans.

Horrifying

The treatment these Native Americans suffered at the hands of these invaders was outrageous. History of these type situations was not taught in my history classes.

Everyone Should Know This History

Very long but well worth the listen. I listened to this during the 2016 presidential campaign wherein
one of the candidates wants to build a wall to keep people from other countries out of the USA. Oh the irony.