The Civil War… in Oklahoma? ~ Part 4

It is unknown which route was taken for the exodus. It could have been the route by Twin Mountains or the route along Black Beaver Road. Because Chisholm had a trading post at Council Grove and he returned there to Indian Territory at the end of the war with goods, probably via a trail which marked by the Black River Route, it has been assumed this was the route taken. Either way it is clear the confederates moved the "loyals" to the furthest west point of Indian Civilization. Pleading for reinforcements were going on at Beaver Creek after the Yahola exodus.

A spokesman for the "loyal" Creeks spoke at the end of the war with the US government explaining that they tried to keep their safety by moving west. Eight years after this a US agent to the Cherokees informed the commissioner of Indian Affairs "They tried to avoid a fight, to make their way peacefully to the Union army in Kansas by a far western route."

In the late 1930's elderly Creeks stated there was a group settled at the mouth of the Deep Fork. James Scott specifically stated there was an immobilization camp there and went on to explain how two camps merged and eventually several camps filled the main camp. Again and again there were statements made that meetings had been set up to make and keep peace, although these stories can't all be believed.

Stories have it that one of the camps had been moved above the "Big Pond" near the head of Big Fork. The "Big Pond" was more south, so it was sure the referenced was to "The Little Deep Fork" for there have been statements made that others had joined this group at the mobilization camp which was at a location called "Slick."

Yohola's camp was found but deserted. There was however a trail left which was in a north westward direction that led to new camp at a place by "Round Mountains" in Cherokee country. Now "Twin Mountains" could be a probable site for the battle. The land had been surveyed and followed the present day Payne-Pawnee County line.

When a full report was made of this, finding the abandoned camp and then locating the new camp, it was never revealed exactly where it all took place. From reading what was written at the time and following locations it seems the route was more north than northwest.

With all of this being on the Payne-Pawnee County line, I can see how stories could have developed from young people who lived in the area. I grew up thinking there was Cherokee blood carried in my father's line, which at this point is unproven. I am anxious to read where my relative comes into the story, whether it is important or not, and to again find out the story of the Cimarron that my father used to tell me. Of course, at the time I was told the story it didn't mean much to me. I have notes on it somewhere (which I will try to locate), but I plan to talk with Dad about this again also.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!




 Copyright © 2010 By Cheryl Palmer

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Organizing ~ Cousins Found

#31 WBGB ~ Week 11 ~ Come Up with 10 Post Ideas

Sentimental Sunday ~ Western Union Telegram