Creek desperation reached a crisis point in spring 1836 . Under the leadership of Chief Eneah-Mathla , an estimated 1,500 warriors attacked the settlements . General Winfield Scott was ordered to intervene and succeeded in overcoming the attack . By July 1836 , an estimated 1,600 Creek people were concentrated at Fort Mitchell in preparation for a forced expulsion West . Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 were eventually marched from Fort Mitchell to Montgomery , " shedding tears and making the most bitter wailings . " This route is known as the Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Fort Mitchell National Cemetery