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.

Civil War service

Watie was the only Native American on either side of the Civil War to rise to a Brigadier General's rank. After Chief John Ross and the Cherokee Council decided to support the Confederacy (to keep the Cherokee United), Watie organized a regiment of cavalry. In October 1861, he was commissioned as a colonel in the First Cherokee Mounted Rifles. Although he fought Federal troops, he also used his troops in fighting between factions of the Cherokee, as well as against the Creek and Seminole and others who chose to support the Union.

Related Topics:
Native American - John Ross - Creek - Seminole

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Watie is noted for his role in the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, a Union victory, on March 6-8, 1862. Watie's troops captured Union artillery positions and covered the retreat of Confederate forces from the battlefield. After Cherokee support for the Confederacy fractured, Watie continued to lead the remnant of his cavalry. He was promoted to brigadier-general by General Samuel Bell Maxey, and was given the command of two regiments of Mounted Rifles and three battalions of Cherokee, Seminole and Osage infantry. These troops were based south of the Canadian River, and periodically crossed the river into Union territory. The troops fought a number of battles and skirmishes in the western confederate states, including the Indian Territory, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Texas. Watie's force reportedly fought in more battles west of the Mississippi River than any other unit.

Related Topics:
Battle of Pea Ridge - Arkansas - Artillery - Samuel Bell Maxey - Canadian River - Missouri - Kansas - Texas - Mississippi River

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On June 23, 1865, at Fort Towson in the Choctaw Nations' area of Oklahoma Territory, Watie surrendered the last significant rebel army, becoming the last Confederate general in the field to surrender.

Related Topics:
June 23 - 1865 - Fort Towson - Choctaw - Oklahoma Territory - Army

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