Stand Watie

Stand Watie (12 December 1806-9 September 1871) (also known as Degataga "standing together as one," or "stand firm" and Isaac S. Watie) was a leader of the Cherokee Nation and a brigadier general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He commanded Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Indian cavalry under the CSA.

Related Topics:
12 December - 1806 - 9 September - 1871 - Confederate States Army - American Civil War - Cherokee - Creek - Seminole - Indian cavalry

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Watie was born near Rome, GA, son of Oo-watie (David Uwatie) and the part-English Susanna Reese. He was the brother of Gallegina "Buck" Watie (Elias Boudinot). The brothers were nephews of Major Ridge, and cousins to John Ridge. The Watie brothers stood in favor of the Removal of the Cherokee to Oklahoma and were members of the Ridge Party that signed the Treaty of New Echota. The anti-Removal Ross Party believed the treaty was in violation of the opinions of the majority of the tribe and refused to ratify it. Watie, his family, and many other Cherokees emigrated to the West. Those Cherokees (and their African slaves) who remained on tribal lands in the East were forcibly removed by the U.S. government in 1838 in a journey known as the "Trail of Tears" during which thousands died. The Ross Party targeted Stand and Buck Watie and the Ridge family for assassination and, of the four men mentioned above, only Stand Watie managed to escape with his life.

Related Topics:
Rome, GA - David Uwatie - Susanna Reese - Elias Boudinot - Major Ridge - John Ridge - Treaty of New Echota - West - Slaves - East - 1838 - Trail of Tears

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Watie, a slave holder, started a successful plantation on Spavinaw Creek in the Indian Territory. He served on the Cherokee Council from 1845 to 1861, serving part of that time as speaker.

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