American History

Many of the Cherokee fled to remote areas, including Tsali and his family. Federal troops led by General Winfield Scott tried to round the fugitives up but couldn't locate many. Scott saw this as a bad situation because if Tsali and the others succeeded in their escape many others would do the same.

A deal was struck whereby Tsali's family would surrender and those in hiding at that time would not be followed. This prevented a larger revolt but Tsali and many in his family were assassinated by Scott's troops during his surrender.

After the troops marched the majority of the tribe westward those in hiding emerged. They are the ancestors of the Cherokee population in western North Carolina today.