Let's be clear from the start: this isn't a novel. Published in 1887, this is a U.S. Senate document, a formal report compiled by Charles C. Royce for the Smithsonian. But don't let that scare you off. In its own way, it tells one of the most gripping and tragic stories in American history.

The Story

Royce's report methodically traces the relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the United States from the first contact through the late 1800s. The 'plot' is the relentless shrinking of Cherokee territory. Using maps and treaty transcripts, the book shows how, treaty by treaty, the Cherokee lands were carved up and taken. It starts with them holding a vast swath of the Southeast and ends with them confined to a small area in Oklahoma after the forced removal known as the Trail of Tears. The narrative is built from the government's own records, creating a stark, factual account of how a nation was displaced through legal maneuvers, pressure, and ultimately, force.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this for the perspective. There's no sensationalism here. The power comes from the plain facts. Reading the dry descriptions of land cessions—"Article 3: The Cherokee Nation cedes to the United States all land east of the Mississippi River"—and realizing each line represents homes, farms, and sacred sites given up under duress is profound. It strips away the myth and shows the systematic process. It also highlights the Cherokee's incredible resilience, detailing their efforts to build a sophisticated society with a written language and a constitution, only to have it all dismantled. It made me think differently about every land deed and property line we take for granted today.

Final Verdict

This is a specialist's book, but it has value for a curious general reader. It's perfect for history buffs who want to go beyond the textbook summary and see the primary sources. It's also great for anyone interested in law, policy, or social justice, as it's a masterclass in how power operates through documents. It's not a light read—you have to be in the mood for something dense and factual. But if you stick with it, you'll come away with a much deeper, more concrete understanding of a foundational American injustice. Think of it as the essential background reading to stories like Killers of the Flower Moon or the novels of Louise Erdrich.