Cherokees started on the “Trail of Tears” in 1838. Over 16,000 Native Americans were forcibly removed from their long-held homelands in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. They had to move to what is today Oklahoma. Many died from starvation and exposure to the elements. Children could read The Trail of Tears by Dennis Brindel Fradin. They could also learn more at: Trail of Tears.
Arkansas became the twenty-fifth state of the United States in 1836. Hernando de Soto explored the area in 1541. Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet visited the region in 1673. Henri de Tonti built Arkansas Post in 1686. The capital is Little Rock, and the state’s nickname is the “Land of Opportunity.” Its state gem is the diamond. Arkansas ranks 29th in area and 34th in population. Children can visit an Internet site at: Arkansas. Children can print and color an activities page about Arkansas at: Crayola Arkansas.
John Quincy Adams in 1838 began a three-week speech against the annexation of Texas. John Quincy Adams was president from 1825 to 1829. After his presidency he was elected to the House of Representatives and served from 1831 until his death in 1848. Texas was ultimately added to the United States in 1845.
Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in 1838. He boarded a train disguised as a free sailor in Baltimore and traveled to Philadelphia. Children can read about his escape at: Frederick Douglass. Children can also read many of his works at: Project Gutenberg.