To request a copy of this photo for your own personal use, please contact our state coordinator. If you are not a family member or the original photographer — please refrain from copying or distributing this photo to other websites.
Thank you for visiting the Oklahoma Gravestone Photo Project. On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Oklahoma, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 4/30/12 • Approved: 4/30/12 • Last Updated: 11/28/22 • R25577-G0-S3
Stand Watie
Degataga Oo-Watee
Stand Watie was only American Indian to attain rank of Brigadier General during Civil War and was last Confederate General to surrender. Born in Georgia, December 12, 1806, he spoke only the Cherokee Language until he was twelve years of age.
When Federal Government began urging Cherokees to move from Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina to a home west of the Mississippi, Stand Waite was one of those who believed it best for Cherokees to make such move. As signer of the Treaty of New Echota in 1836, which provided for removal of Cherokees to the west, Stand Watie gained enmity of those opposed to such treaty provision.
After removal to the west Watie married Sarah C. Bell, to who three sons and two daughters were born.
At outbreak of Civil War, Stand Watie espoused the southern cause and soon received commission as Colonel in Confederate Army. Among battles in which he participated were Wilson Creek, Bird Creek, Pea Ridge, Honey Springs and Cabin Creek. He attained the rank of Brigadier General on May 10, 1864.
Was Joint Commander with General R.M. Gano at Battle of Cabin Creek. Fought September 18, 1864 in this battle. Confederates routed Federals and captured about 300 wagons loaded with supplies thus for a time enabling the destitute Indian Confederates to continue in the war.
General Stand Watie surrendered his command at Doaksville, near Fort Johnson on June 23, 1865.
He died on September 9, 1871, a man of courage, leadership and loyalty.
OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1971
Contributed on 4/30/12 by judyfrog
Email This Contributor
Suggest a Correction
Record #: 25577