Five Civilized Tribes - Honey Springs Battlefield - Checotah, Oklahoma
Posted by: 
gparkes
N 35° 31.821 W 095° 29.160
15S E 274598 N 3934702
Located at the Honey Springs Battlefield, this is one of four markers for unit participation.
Waymark Code: WM7XJX
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 12/18/2009
Views: 3
Marker states:
(Front)
Five Civilized Tribes
at the
Battle of Honey Springs
Order of Battle (Indian Units)
Federal
First Indian home Guard (Cherokee)
Second Indian Home Guard (Cherokee)
Confederate
First Choctaw Regiment
Second Choctaw Regiment
First Chickasaw and Choctaw Regiment
Cherokee Regiment
First Creek Regiment
Second Creek Regiment
Seminole Detachments
This monument is dedicated by
The Intertribal Council
of the
Five Civilized Tribes
July 18, 1987
(Back)
Five Civilized Tribes
at the
Battle of Honey Springs
On July 17, 1863, two armies clashed at the climatic Battle of Honey Springs. The battle was fought on indian land for control of Indian Territory and with the sacrifice of much Indian blood. On one side was a Federal Army of approximately 3,000 men; facing them were 5,000 confederates. Although confronted by superior numbers, the Federal Forces had a clear advantage in artillery, rifles and supplies. The Confederate Forces had poor ammunition and few artillery pieces. When the smoke had cleared the Federal Forces held the field.
This battle which opened the way for the capture of Fort Smith, was the Largest and most important engagement of the Civil War involving Indian Troops in addition to the organized units. Indians from the Five Civilized Tribes fought with non-Indian Units on both sides.
Men from each of the Five Tribes distinguished themselves with valor, ability and sacrifice.
The history of the area is very interesting. This battle is part of a much larger campaign spanning from 1861 to 1863. To get a better understanding of the battle, take a look at the waymark for the
Honey Springs Battlefield.