Douglas Cooper

Douglas Cooper

Quick Facts

Significance:

Confederate brigadier general in Trans-Mississippi Theater

Place Of Birth:

Amite County, MS

Date Of Birth:

November 1, 1815

Place Of Death:

Bryan County, OK

Date Of Death:

April 29, 1879

Place Of Burial:

Fort Washita, OK

Cemetery Name:

Fort Washita Cemetery

Douglas Hancock Cooper attended the University of Virginia from 1832 until 1834 where his classmates included future Civil War generals Lafayette McLaws, John B. Magruder and Carnot Posey. During the Mexican-American War, he served as a captain with the 1st Mississippi Rifles and was cited for bravery and gallantry at the Battle of Monterrey. After the war Cooper served as Federal agent to both the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes, earning the tribes' trust and respect.

In 1861, he was recruited by the Confederate government to gain the allegiance of the American Indian tribes. He raised the 1st Choctaw and Chickasaw Mounted Rifles and was commissioned as its colonel. He was promoted to brigadier general on May 2, 1863 was given command of the Confederate Indian Territory district. He commanded the Indian Brigade during the second invasion of Missouri by Maj. Gen. Sterling Price. After the war, he continued to be a passionate supporter of Choctaw and Chickasaw land claims against the Federal government.