The Case:
A Texan of Cherokee descent inherits a mysterious bible from her father.
Having grown up speaking only English, she is intrigued by what appears to be Cherokee writing in the bible, and wants to learn more about her own family's history.
This native language was "invented" by a Cherokee Indian named Sequoyah in the early 1800s in a desperate effort to win the respect of the U.S. authorities for his people.
While Sequoyah succeeded in establishing literacy rates far in excess of the encroaching white settlers, the Cherokee were ultimately forced to march on the infamous "Trail of Tears" to Oklahoma.
History Detectives learns more about one of the most tragic events in U.S. history as they head to Oklahoma and Tennessee to tackle the genealogical mystery behind our contributor's bible.
Related Content
Feature:
Feature:
Technique:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Powder Horn
Who is the man etched into this powder horn?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Harlem Heirs
How is this ornate document connected to the earliest settlers of New York City and a potential multi-million dollar land dispute?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Cromwell Dixon Plane Fragment
What could this faded scrap of fabric tell us about the first pilot to conquer the Continental Divide?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861
Mankato Spoon
What does this delicate silver spoon have to do with the largest mass execution in American history?
-
Also in this episode
United Empire Loyalist
What can this family tree reveal about Americans who fought for the British in the Revolutionary War?
-
Also in Season 3
Texas POW Camp
Was this small town in Texas the home of a WWII POW camp?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.