Cherokee Mounted Rifles is a painting by John Guthrie which was uploaded on January 7th, 2023.
Cherokee Mounted Rifles
The Cherokee Mounted Rifles played a significant role during the American Civil War as a Confederate unit composed primarily of Cherokee warriors.... more
by John Guthrie
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Price
$4,000
Dimensions
41.500 x 20.000 x 0.050 inches
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Title
Cherokee Mounted Rifles
Artist
John Guthrie
Medium
Painting - Watercolor
Description
The Cherokee Mounted Rifles played a significant role during the American Civil War as a Confederate unit composed primarily of Cherokee warriors. This group, also known as the "Cherokee Braves," demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Confederate cause while facing complex internal divisions and challenges within their tribal community.
At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Cherokee Nation, located in present-day Oklahoma, found itself in a precarious position. Like many Native American tribes, the Cherokees were divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the Union and others aligning with the Confederacy. The Cherokee Mounted Rifles emerged as a Confederate unit representing the latter faction.
Led by Colonel Stand Watie, a prominent Cherokee leader and plantation owner, the Cherokee Mounted Rifles quickly gained recognition for their combat prowess and effectiveness. The unit consisted of approximately 1,500 warriors, making it one of the largest Native American contingents in the Civil War. Their primary responsibilities included guarding vital supply routes, conducting reconnaissance missions, and engaging in skirmishes against Union forces.
The Cherokee Mounted Rifles participated in several notable battles throughout the war. In 1862, they fought in the Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas, where they provided critical support to Confederate forces. Despite the harsh winter conditions and formidable Union opposition, the Cherokee Braves exhibited exceptional bravery and resilience.
Another significant engagement involving the Cherokee Mounted Rifles was the Battle of Honey Springs in 1863. Located in present-day Oklahoma, this battle witnessed a clash between Union and Confederate forces vying for control of the Indian Territory. The Cherokee Mounted Rifles fought valiantly but ultimately suffered a defeat, with many of their warriors taken prisoner.
While the Cherokee Mounted Rifles proved their military prowess, their involvement in the war was not without internal conflicts. The Cherokee Nation was divided, and many Cherokees opposed the Confederate cause. This led to complex dynamics within the tribe, with instances of Cherokees fighting against fellow Cherokees on opposing sides of the conflict.
Despite these internal divisions, the Cherokee Mounted Rifles remained steadfast in their support for the Confederacy. Their dedication stemmed from various factors, including longstanding alliances between some Cherokee leaders and Southern states, a desire to protect their lands and sovereignty, and a belief that aligning with the Confederacy would secure their future in a post-war South.
The Cherokee Mounted Rifles continued to fight until the final days of the war, finally surrendering in June 1865, several months after General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Their surrender marked the end of organized Confederate resistance in the Indian Territory.
The legacy of the Cherokee Mounted Rifles is complex and multifaceted. While they fought bravely and demonstrated loyalty to the Confederacy, their involvement in the war deepened the divisions within the Cherokee Nation. After the war, the Cherokee Nation faced significant challenges, including the loss of land and the disruption of their society.
Today, the Cherokee Mounted Rifles serve as a reminder of the complex and often conflicting loyalties experienced by Native American tribes during the Civil War. Their story highlights the resilience and determination of the Cherokee people, as well as the profound impact of the war on their community and the nation as a whole.
Uploaded
January 7th, 2023
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