Opothleyahola - Civil War

Civil War

See also: Indian Territory in the American Civil War

At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Opothleyahola refused to form an alliance with the Confederacy, unlike many other tribes, including many of the Lower Creeks. Runaway slaves, free blacks, Chickasaw and Seminole Indians began gathering at Opothleyahola's plantation, hoping to remain neutral in the conflict between the North and South. On August 15, 1861, Opothleyahola and tribal chief Micco Hutko contacted President Abraham Lincoln to request help for the loyalists. On September 10, they received a positive response stating the United States government would indeed assist them. The letter directed Opothleyahola to move his people to Fort Row in Wilson County, Kansas, where they would receive asylum and aid.

On November 15, Confederate Col. Douglas H. Cooper, a former US Indian Agent, led 1,400 men, including blacks and pro-Confederate Indians, northward to convince Opothleyahola and his followers to support the Confederacy or to "drive him and his party from the country." Believing the promises that the Federal government would provide assistance, Opothleyahola led his band (including Seminole under Halleck Tustenuggee) toward Kansas. Along the way, they fought three battles against their pursuers. At Round Mountain, Opothleyahola's forces drove back the Confederates to Fort Gibson.

In December, they suffered a tactical loss at Chusto-Talasah and a crushing defeat at Chustenahlah. He lost an estimated 2,000 of his 9,000 followers from the battles, disease, and bitter winter blizzards during their ill-fated trek to Fort Row. The fort lacked adequate medical support and supplies. The refugees were moved to Fort Belmont, where conditions were still intolerable. The majority of the Creek had only the clothes on their backs and lacked proper footwear and shelter. Many more perished, among them Opothleyahola's daughter.

Opothleyahola died in the Creek refugee camp near the Sac and Fox Agency at Quenemo in Osage County, Kansas. He was buried beside his daughter near Fort Belmont in Woodson County, Kansas.