The Five Civilized Tribes

The Five Civilized Tribes are among the best known Native American groups in American history, and they were even celebrated by contemporary Americans for their abilities to adapt to white culture. But tragically, they are also well known tribes due to the trials and tribulations they suffered by being forcibly moved west along the Trail of Tears.

The Cherokee began the process of assimilation with whites very early, even before the establishment of the Unites States, and by the early 19th c...