Camp Drywood facts for kids

Camp Drywood was a temporary military camp set up by the US Army in the fall of 1862. It was located about fifteen miles south of Fort Scott, Kansas. The camp was originally meant to help protect the area from Confederate fighters during the American Civil War.

However, Camp Drywood soon became a temporary home for about 2,000 Cherokee and Creek Native Americans. These groups had come from Indian Territory (which is now mostly Oklahoma) and were loyal to the Union side during the war.

What Was Camp Drywood?

Camp Drywood was established by the US Army in late 1862. Its main purpose was to act as a military outpost. Soldiers there were supposed to guard against Confederate guerrillas. These were small groups of fighters who caused trouble in the region.

A Temporary Home

Even though it was a military camp, Camp Drywood became a refuge. Around 2,000 Cherokee and Creek Native Americans found a temporary home there. They had been forced to leave their lands in Indian Territory. These groups supported the Union during the Civil War.

Challenges Faced by Residents

Life at Camp Drywood was very difficult for the Native Americans. They did not have enough food to eat. They also lacked warm clothing, which was a big problem, especially during the cold months.

Efforts to Help

William G. Coffin was a superintendent for Native American affairs in the area. He tried to help the people at Camp Drywood. Coffin suggested they move to the Sac and Fox reserve. This reserve was located near the border of Kansas and Nebraska. However, the Cherokee and Creek people did not want to move there.

The Return to Indian Territory

Because they refused to move to the reserve, Brigadier General James G. Blunt decided to act. In March 1863, he began moving the Native Americans back to Indian Territory. This move happened even though they had not agreed to it.

William G. Coffin continued to assist them during this time. He helped provide them with important supplies. These included food, clothing, seeds, and farming tools. The goal was to help them become more self-sufficient once they returned home.

Camp Drywood's End

The move of the Native Americans back to Indian Territory was finished by April 1863. After this, Camp Drywood was no longer needed. It soon closed down and passed out of existence.