As a decendent of those who rode with Brig. General Stand Watie, Commander of the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles, Colonel John Drew, Commander of the 2nd Cherokee Mounted Rifles, and those who rode with the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole Regiments. I dedicate these pages to the MEMORY and HONOR of those who rode forth to protect our people and our homes - in keeping with the ancient traditions of our warrior classes. I will be posting the muster roll's of each of the Regiment's, as they come into my possession.

Note:Both Watie and Drew's units under went numerous re-organizational changes and renamings during their lifetime.

The first engagement a unit of Territorial Indians took part in was at Wilson Creek just South of Springfield, Missouri.

Capt. Stand Watie had raised an independent (private) army of half-blood [mixed blood] Cherokees who were radically opposed to Chief John Ross and his full-blood supporters and their neutral stand. This first regiment of mounted troops were originally formed as body guards to protect the remaining members of the original Treaty Party - and were specifically loyal to Stand Watie. After Major Ridge also called the Ridge, John Ridge [Major Ridge's son], and Elias Boudinot [one of Major Ridge's nephews](whom Watie called "pins").

With the out break of hostilites at Pea Ridge, Chief Ross ordered the raising of 1,200 Home Guards under the command of Colonel John Drew [one of Ross's son-in-laws], to keep "invaders"- be they North or South - from entering the Cherokee Nation.

Historical note: One of the ironies of history is that sometimes the destinies of men are pulled in multiple directions. Such as was the case of John Drew. He started out commanding units of Cherokee's with northern sympaties, then a unit alligned with the the southern cause (reluctantly I might say), and then after the Battle of Pea Ridge. He commanded the Cherokee Home Guard.

McCulloch authorized Pike to raise an army to help protect the southern interest in Missouri, but McCulloch, in respect of Ross' stand on neutrality. Instructed Watie "not to interfere with the neutrality of the Cherokee Nation. In early August, 1861 Colonel Watie and part of his original independent command, along with Arkansas forces, were in the battle of Wilson's Creek (also known as Oak Hill - the first battle involving Territorial Indians). John Benge, the first Cherokee killed during the Civil War, fell at the battle of Wilson's Creek.

Chronological order of battles involving Territorial Indians

Wilson's Creek, Missouri - Aug 10, 1861

Round Mountain, just East of Yale, Indian Territory Nov 19, 1861

Shoal Creek, Indian Territory - Dec 26, 1861

Chisto-Talasan, Indian Territory - Dec 9, 1861

Pea Ridge, Arkasas March 7-8, 1862

Locust Grove, Indian Territory - July 3, 1862

old Fort Wayne, Indian Territory - Oct 22, 1862

Cane Hill, Arkansas - November 28, 1862

Prairie Grove, Arkansas - December 7, 1862

Cabin Creek, Indian Territory>/b> - July 1-2, 1863

Honey Springs, Indian Territory - July 17, 1863

Comment about Waties independent army: historical records indicate that; "not a tent, blanket, nor any clothes, except the few they had on their backs, and four-fifths were barefooted."

Battle Summary: Cabin Creek, Indian Territory

Other Names: None
Location: Mayes County
Campaign: Military Operations to Control the Indian Territory (1863)
Dates (s): July 1-2, 1863
Principle Commanders: Col. James M. Williams (US); Col. Stand Watie (CSA)
Forces Engaged: Detachments from nine units (US); two regiments and detachments from two other units (approx. 1,600 - 1,800) (CSA)
Estimated Casualties: Campaign Total unknown (US 10; CSA unknown)
Engagement: Col. James M. Williams of the 1st Kansas Colored Inf. led a Union supply train from Ft. Scott, Kansas to Ft. Gibson, Indian Territory. As he approached the crossing of Cabin Creek, he learned that Confederate Col. Stand Watie, with about 1,600 to 1,800 mounted cavalry (Indians) intended to assault him there. Col. Watie was in fact waiting for 1,500 reinforcements under the command of Brig. Gen. William L. Cabell to join him before attacking the supply train. Gen. Cabell, in the mean time was delayed by high water on Grand River. Cabin Creek was also flowing bank to bank with high water, preventing a crossing at first, but as soon as it receded enough, Col. Williams drove the Confederates off with artillery fire and two cavalry charges. The wagon train continued to Ft. Gibson and delivered the supplies, making it possible for the Union forces to maintain their presence in the Indian Territory, and take the offensive that resulted in a victory at Honey Springs and the fall of Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
Campaign Result(s): Union Victory

1st Cherokee Mounted (Rifles), Regimental Roster of Re-enactors assigned to unit.

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