leader of the Cherokee Nation and a brigadier general of the Confederate States Army
1806 CE
to 1871 CE
Stand Watie (December 12, 1806 – September 9, 1871; also known as Standhope Uwatie, Degataga, meaning “stand firm”, and Isaac S. Watie) is a leader of the Cherokee Nation and a brigadier general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.
He commands the Confederate Indian cavalry of the Army of the Trans-Mississippi, made up mostly of Cherokee, Muskogee and Seminole.
Prior to removal of the Cherokee to Indian Territory in the late 1830s, Watie and his older brother Elias Boudinot are among leaders who signed the Treaty of New Echota in 1835.
The majority of the tribe opposes their action.
In 1839 the brothers are attacked in an assassination attempt, as are other relatives active in the Treaty Party.
All but Stand Watie are killed.
Watie in 1842 kills one of his uncle's attackers, and in 1845 his brother Thomas Watie is killed in retaliation, in the continuing cycle of violence.
Watie is acquitted at trial in the 1850s on the grounds of self-defense.
During the American Civil War and soon after, Watie serves as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1862-1866).
By then, the majority of the tribe supports the Confederacy.
A minority supports the Union and refuses to ratify his election.
The former chief John Ross, a Union supporter, is captured in 1862 by Union forces.
Watie leads the Southern Cherokee delegation to Washington after the war to sue for peace, hoping to have tribal divisions recognized.
The US government negotiates only with the leaders who had sided with the Union, and names John Ross as principal chief in 1866 under a new treaty.
Watie stays out of politics for his last years, and tries to rebuild his plantation.
