Native Americans in the Civil War: The History and Legacy of Various Indian Tribes' Participation in the War Between the States

By far the most important element in the Civil War from a native standpoint was what happened in and to Indian Territory, now part of the state of Oklahoma. There was a parallel civil war in Indian Territory, with the Cherokee nation splitting in two. While the 100,000 inhabitants of Indian Territory represent most of the experiences during the Civil War, many others were affected by it all over the country.

In fact, men from more than two dozen tribal peoples actively participated in the ...