Stand Watie - Anadarko, OK
Posted by: hamquilter
N 35° 04.358 W 098° 13.664
14S E 570409 N 3881370
Stand Watie is considered to be “one of the most picturesque and interesting figures in the history of the Civil War in Oklahoma.”
Waymark Code: WMCK6Q
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 09/15/2011
Views: 2
The bust of Stand Watie is located along the pathway which runs past a series of outdoor sculptures at the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians. He is shown dressed in a suit with a bow tie. The bust sits atop a concrete pillar. The sculptor is Leonard McMurry. The plaque reads:
STAND WATIE
Tsa-La-Gi
1806 - 1871
Beloved Southern Cherokee Chief
Who Served During Civil War as
Brave Brigadier General. Last
Confederate Leader to Surrender
Donors:
Frances Billingsley
W. Plains Indian Arts and Crafts
He was born December 12, 1806 at Oothcaloga in the Cherokee Nation, near the present day town of Rome, Georgia. His name, De-ga-ta-ga means “stand firm” and he lived up to this name throughout his life. He is also known as Isaac S. Watie.
He was a distinguished leader among his people, and was the only Indian officer who attained the rank of brigadier general in the Confederate Army. He was elected principal chief of the Cherokee in 1862. An internal battle ensued over his position as chief, and eventually after the War, John Ross was determined to be the rightful chief. Watie served as a member of the Southern Cherokee delegation and remains their hero to this day.
After the Civil War, Watie remained in exile in the Choctaw Nation until 1867 and later returned to his home on Honey Creek. He died on September 9, 1871 and is buried in the old Ridge Cemetery, now called Polson’s Cemetery, in Delaware County, OK.
[Biographical information from the Museum’s Self-Guiding Tour pamphlet]