The Different Routes of Travel During the years of 1838 and 1839 the Cherokee were removed to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) via multiple routes across the country. The Roundup routes were used by the US government starting on May 24, 1838 to gather the Cherokee from their homes and forcibly place them in removal camps, where they awaited the start of their 800-mile journey. The Water, Northern, Taylor, Benge, and Bell routes were used by different removal detachments during this time period to escort thousands of Cherokee to their new land in the West. Many Cherokee perished along each of these routes as harsh weather conditions, poor food supplies, and the spread of sickness affected these traveling parties.