From its beginning with the bloody Battle of Wilson’s Creek on August 10, 1861, to its end in surrender on June 23, 1865, the Civil War in the Indian Territory proved to be a test of valor and endurance for both sides. Author Steve Cottrell outlines the events that led up to the involvement of the Indian Territory in the war, the role of the Native Americans who took part in the war, and the effect this participation had on the war and this region in particular.
As in the rest of the country, neighbor was pitted against neighbor, with members of the same tribes often fighting against each other. Cottrell describes in detail the guerilla warfare, the surprise attacks, the all-out battles that spilled blood on the now peaceful state of Oklahoma. In addition, he introduces the reader to the interesting and often colorful leaders of the military—North and South—including the only Native American to attain the rank of general in the war, Gen. Stand Watie.
With outstanding illustrations by Andy Thomas, this story is a tribute to those who fought and a revealing portrait of the important role they played in this era of our country’s history.
About the Author
Steve Cottrell is a descendent of a Sixth Kansas Cavalry member who served in the Indian Territory during the Civil War. A graduate of Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, Cottrell has participated in several battle reenactments including the Academy Award-winning motion picture, Glory. Active in Civil War battlefield preservation and historical monument projects and contributor of a number of Civil War relics to regional museums, Cottrell recently coauthored Civil War in the Ozarks, also by Pelican.
About the Illustrator
Andy Thomas, also a resident of Carthage, Missouri, illustrated Civil War in Texas and New Mexico Territory and Civil War in Texas and New Mexico Territory.
CIVIL WAR IN THE INDIAN TERRITORY
By Steve Cottrell
Illustrated by Andy Thomas
Foreword by Whit Edwards
HISTORY / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
112 pp. 5 1/2 x 8 1/4
22 illus.
2 maps Biblio. Index
ISBN: 9781565541108 pb