The Trail of Tears began in 1838 and lasted for about a year, but the effects were felt for generations. It was like a super-long road trip, but instead of snacks and sightseeing, the Native Americans had to endure harsh weather, disease, and poor conditions. I mean, can you imagine being forced to move your entire family, including grandma and grandpa, over 1,000 miles to a new "home"?
The trail spanned from Georgia to Oklahoma, which is like driving from New York to Los Angeles, but without the convenience of rest stops and McDonald's. The Native Americans had to walk the entire way, with some groups covering over 1,000 miles in just a few months. That's like walking around the Earth, twice, while carrying all your belongings on your back!
