jjares reviewed Native Americans in the Civil War: The History and Legacy of Various Indian Tribes? Participation in the War Between the States on + 3294 more book reviews
Until I picked up this book, I was not aware that Native Americans were involved in the Civil War. In the preface, they explain that over 28,000 Indians were active in the war; some on the Union side, while others among the Confederates. There were full-sized Confederate and full-sized Union Indian regiments. Some joined sharpshooter regiments, acted as scouts, piloted Union ships, and served as guerrillas.
Some joined units of the United States Colored Troops. Confederate Indian regiments were usually led by Indian officers; on the Union side, they were usually led by white soldiers until Indians rose in ranks and became leaders of their regiments.
The peoples of the Five Civilized Tribes (Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, and Seminoles) were the most affected by the Civil War. At the end of the Civil War, those Indians who fought alongside the Union were rewarded, while those on the Confederate side were punished.
This book deserves 5 stars because it highlights a before unrevealed aspect to the Civil War, to my way of thinking. I think the text could have been organized a bit better and offered maps to show where their fighting was concentrated, but overall this is a fascinating subject. The photographs were of excellent quality.
Some joined units of the United States Colored Troops. Confederate Indian regiments were usually led by Indian officers; on the Union side, they were usually led by white soldiers until Indians rose in ranks and became leaders of their regiments.
The peoples of the Five Civilized Tribes (Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, and Seminoles) were the most affected by the Civil War. At the end of the Civil War, those Indians who fought alongside the Union were rewarded, while those on the Confederate side were punished.
This book deserves 5 stars because it highlights a before unrevealed aspect to the Civil War, to my way of thinking. I think the text could have been organized a bit better and offered maps to show where their fighting was concentrated, but overall this is a fascinating subject. The photographs were of excellent quality.
