Chief Opothleyahola

“A Shield Against the World”: Opothleyahola and the Trail of Blood on Ice Campaign in the Civil War

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Special Event
  • Nov 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM
  • Free

“A Shield Against the World”: Opothleyahola and the Trail of Blood on Ice Campaign in the Civil War.

During the American Civil War the Five Southeastern Nations in the Indian Territory were divided. Pro‐Union, Pro‐Confederate, and Neutral factions developed within the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Mvskoke, and Semvnole Nations. Wishing to remain neutral, Mvskoke leader Opothleyahola provided shelter to men, women, and children who wanted to stay out of the war. In the fall of 1861 Opothleyahola’s followers neared 10,000 and he led them on a desperate flight north to the safety of Union Kansas. Dr. Michelle M. Martin, an Assistant Professor of History/Coordinator of the Public History Certificate in the Department of History at Northeastern State University, will share this incredible and often misunderstood event in Native American history.

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

The program will be held in the park’s Theater on the second floor of the western Infantry Barracks.

Latitude and Longitude 37.843386, -94.705519

Schedule

Date:

Nov 18, 2023

Time:

1:00 PM

Duration:

1 hour and 30 minutes

Contact Information

Carl Brenner
620-223-0310

Event Type

  • Other
  • Talk
Tags: chief opothleyahola, native american