he forced relocation of American Indians began with the Indian Removal Act of 1830. In 1838 the Cherokee Indians became the fifth major tribe to experience forced relocation to Indian Territory, present-day Oklahoma. Along the trail nearly 4,000 Cherokee died of starvation, exposure, or disease. The forced removal of the Indians remains a black mark on American history, and reminds those who desire freedom, that all people deserve a life of liberty regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.