News Release

Surviving the Assassin’s Bullet - Stand Watie Before the Civil War

Date: January 5, 2024
Contact: Kim Coons, 706-866-9241, ext. 139

Fort Oglethorpe, GA: On January 20, at 2 pm, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host a 1-hour ranger-led discussion focusing on Cherokee leader Stand Watie during the years prior to the Civil War. This program will take place at the Brown’s Ferry Federal Road Trail’s end point, on the bank of the Tennessee River. Parking is available at the trailhead (707 Moccasin Bend Road, Chattanooga, TN), and it is a .6 mile walk to the river. Please follow the trail and plan to reach the program location by 2 pm.  

In 1957, Harold Keith wrote Rifles for Watie, a fictional children’s book, set during the Civil War, centered on soldiers associated with Confederate officer Stand Watie. In 1958, the book won the John Newberry Medal, which is given to a work that provides “the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children.” Found within the pages of Keith’s fictional work is Stand Watie, a real-life person and the only Native American to become a general officer in the Confederate army. Looking beyond the pages of fiction, who was Stand Watie and what role, if any, did he play within the Cherokee Nation prior to and during Indian Removal? Join us for this program as we explore the life of Stand Watie leading up to the Civil War.  

As a reminder, this is a stationary program. Two benches are located at the program site, but participants are also welcome to bring folding chairs. Also, please take note of current weather conditions and dress appropriately. Water is also encouraged.