Potawatomi Indians living in and near the village of Menominee, near Twin Lakes, in Marshall County, Indiana were removed to a place assigned near Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. This first emigration of the Potawatomis from Indiana were escorted by George Proffitt, in August of 1838. The Potawatomis where taken unaware and herded together by John Tipton and volunteer militia. They were escorted to Danville, Illinois where they were turned over to William Polke, who took them to Kansas.

About 850 Potawatomi Indians who made the journey camped across the river from Lexington, Missouri and crossed the river by ferry the next day. This removal is known as the "Trail of Death", since about 40 died on the ten week journey.

Entries taken from Journal of an Emigrating Party of Pottawatomie Indains, 1938 by Jesse C. Douglas (Indiana Magazine of History, vol. 21, pp. 315-36. 1925).

1838
Wednesday, 24th Octr.
This morning before leaving Camp a quantity of Shoes were distributed among the indigent and barefooted Indians, the weather being too severe for marching without a covering to the feet. At 8 o'clock we left Thomas' encampment, and at 12 reached Carrollton, near which place we are now encamped. Distance twelve miles. Nothing occurred on the way. The cold was intense on the prairies. The country through which we passed to-day is very much excited. Nothing is heard - nothing is talked of but the Mormons and the difficulties between them and the citizens of Upper Missouri. Carrollton is nightly guarded by its citizens.

Thursday, 25th Octr.
Having an unusually long journey before us, across a prairie, we moved from Carrollton encampment at half past 7 o'clock and without meeting with difficulties or obstructions, but somewhat fatigued, we arrived at Snowden's, near whose farm we encamped. The journey was made unnecessarily long because of the scarcity of water and timber, and the absence of provisions and forage. Some time after our encampment the Conductor was waited upon by a gentleman, who it appeared had been delegated by the citizens of Richmond (a village near us) to request assistance as they really anticipated an attack from the Mormons tonight. Judge Polke informed the gentleman that such a step on his part would be entirely without the line of his duty. His duties were particularly delegated to him by the government, to which he was responsible for the faithful performance of the same. He hoped that the excitement would abate, and the aid which he required be rendered unnecessary. Provisions and forage as usual.

Friday, 26th Octr.
At 8 o'clock we left our encampment, and at 10 reached the Missouri River, opposite Lexington. We immediately commenced ferrying, and shall perhaps be able to get the wagons all over before night. We found the ferry engaged in transporting females who were flying from their homes. Great excitement prevails. Reports are rife throughout the country of bloodshed, house-burning, etc. The people seem completely crazed. By sunset all the wagons save a few were on the opposite bank of the river. Early in the morning we shall proceed to cross the Indians.

Saturday, 27th Octr.
At sunrise the ferry boats were busily plying from shore to shore. As fast as the Emigrants reached the southern bank they were hurried on their journey. At 2 o'clock the party were all over the river, and hastened to join the front of the emigration. At 4 o'clock the front of the party reached our encampment at Little Schuy creek, eight miles from last night's camp.