Treaty of New Echota: Lines and Craters. This treaty is the legal basis for the Trail of Tears march. It was signed Dec 29, 1835 in New Echota, Ga.
The treaty was fraudently signed by Major Ridge, John Ridge, Elias Boudinot and Stand Waite. All but Waite were assasinated in 1839 as the signees did not have the authority to sign on behalf of the Cherokee Nation.