Native Americans in the Civil War?

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]Many Native Americans faced divisions between the north and south during the American Civil War. Earlier in the 19th century, the United States government forced the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole peoples to relocate to Indian territory in present-day Oklahoma. Because of this treatment, many tribal leaders and nations initially aligned with the Confederacy.

[00:00:18]Some members of these tribes also practiced slavery to varying degrees, and leaders such as Stand Watie not only supported the Confederacy, but also served as a Brigadier General. Later, John Ross supported the Union, deepening divisions within the Cherokee Nation.

[00:00:30]Thousands of Native Americans served as soldiers, scouts, guides, and cavalrymen for both sides during the war. Union forces won the Battle of Honey Springs and gained control of much of Indian Territory on July 17th, 1863. Throughout the conflict, Native Americans endured food shortages, property destruction, and additional displacement. After the war, the United States government abolished slavery within the tribes and used their support for the Confederacy to negotiate new treaties that reduced tribal lands and weakened tribal sovereignty.