150th Anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs, Oklahoma-- Part 2

Union forces at the battle numbered about 3,000 and Confederates had nearly 6,000. The Union victory paved the way to the Union capture of Fort Smith and much of Arkansas. It was also the largest of the 107 engagements that took place in Indian Territory.

It was also the most significant battle fought in what is now Oklahoma. The battlefield is now a National Historic Landmark near Checotah.

Phase 1 plans are to build a new $1 million, 6,000 square foot visitor center and museum at the battlefield.

Other Indian Territory battlefields and forts: Cabin Creek, Fort Gibson, Fort Towson and Fort Washita.

Five battles were fought at Cabin Creek, the first Battle of Cabin Creek was July 2, 1863, while Gettysburg was raging to the east.

Fort Gibson was established in 1824; Fort Washita in 1842 and Fort Towson in 1824.

--Old Secesh

150th Anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs, Oklahoma-- Part 1

From the July 1, 2013, Duncan (Stevens County, Ok.) Banner "Preserving the history of the Civil War Battle of Honey Springs' 150th Anniversary" by Max Nichols.

At 10 AM, July 17, 1863, Confederate Brigadier General Douglas H. Cooper ordered his men to begin firing four cannons at Federal artillery near Elk Creek in Indian Territory.

His adversary, Union Major General James G. Blunt, responded with his 12 pieces of artillery. Blunt then ordered Col. James M. William to take his 1st Kansas (Colored) Infantry and capture the Confederate cannons. They defeated the Confederates.

More to Come. --Old Secesh

Honey Springs Has National Significance: "The Gettysburg of the West"-- Part 2

The battle was fought along the Muskogee and McIntosh county line, pitting 3,000 Federals versus 5,700 Confederates under Gen. Douglas Cooper.  The majority of the troops on the Confederate side were Indians while the Union Army consisted mostly of Indians and blacks.

The First Kansas Colored unit played a key role at the center of the Union line.

Cooper's troops withdrew to Fort Washita, Bogey Depot and Red River, opening Indian Territory to Union control.

A Key Battle Few Have Heard Of.  --Old Secesh