During the winter of 1838-39 the entire Cherokee Nation was removed from their homeland in the Southeastern United States and marched overland to Indian Territory. Everyone suffered the hardships along what people refer to today as the Trail of Tears. Chief John Ross led the last detachment made up of many elderly people and children. Among the people lost was the Chief’s beloved wife Quatie. Though already suffering she gave up the only blanket shielding her from the elements. The compassion Quatie showed a sick child cost her, her life.

The quote in the painting is from Pvt. Burnett’s letters home to his wife. He stood guard over Quatie the night she died. " Chief Ross led in prayer and when the bugle sounded and the wagons started rolling, many of the children waved their little hands goodbye to their mountain homes."

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