Catawba in the American Civil War facts for kids
The Catawba Indians played a part in the American Civil War, fighting in the Eastern Theater. They sided with the Confederacy from the start and stayed loyal until the war ended. Many Catawba soldiers joined the 5th, 12th, and 17th South Carolina Infantry Regiments.
Catawba History and the Civil War
Who are the Catawba People?
The Catawba Indians have lived in the South Carolina region for more than 5,000 years. They called themselves yeh is-WAH h'reh, which means "People of the River."
The first time Europeans met the Catawba was when Hernando de Soto's Spanish group arrived. This was in the Piedmont plateau area. After that, there was a long time, almost 100 years, before more Europeans came.
Catawba and European Settlers
As European settlers built towns along the eastern coast, the Catawba became skilled traders. They traded deer skins for European goods. These goods included muskets, iron knives, kettles, and cloth. However, this contact also brought new diseases and led to settlers taking more land.
In 1747, the Province of South Carolina set aside land for the Catawba. This land was 15 square miles in the York and Lancaster districts.
Catawba in the American Revolution
American colonists thought of the Catawba as "the best friends the colonist had." When the Revolutionary War began, there were between 1,000 and 5,000 Catawba people. It is believed that over 500 Catawba lost their lives during that war.
The Catawba fought with General Lee's Legion in 1780. Because they helped the Americans during the revolution, the British destroyed the main Catawba village.
Catawba Before the Civil War
On March 13, 1840, a treaty was made between South Carolina and the Catawba. At that time, their population was quite small. There were only 12 men, 36 women, and 40 boys and girls.
When the Civil War started, the Catawba were a small group. They lived in an area that was part of the "Southern way of life." They felt this way of life was important and "worth fighting for." In 1860, their population was 55 people. An older Catawba person who lived through the war said that "about 20" Catawba Indians joined the fighting.
Catawba in the Eastern Theater
Joining the Confederate Army
The Catawba first joined Captain Lucian Palmer Sadler's Company on December 9, 1861. Sadler became sick and left the army after one year. His company later became part of the 17th South Carolina Infantry Regiment, known as Company K. Only four Catawba Indians joined this company: Jefferson Ayers, William Canty, John Scott, and Alexander Tims.
In 1861, Cadwallader Jones formed a company called the Indian Land Guards. This company later joined the 12th South Carolina Infantry. Jones’ company fought in several important battles. These included the Peninsula Campaign, the Second Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, and the Siege of Petersburg.
Known Catawba Soldiers
Nineteen Catawba Indians are known to have joined the Confederacy. Their names are:
- Jefferson Ayers
- John Brown
- Frank Canty
- William Canty
- Robert/Bob Crawford
- Billy George
- Gilbert George
- Nelson George
- Allen Harris
- Epps Harris
- Jim Harris
- John Harris
- Peter Harris, Jr.
- Robert/Bob Head
- James Kegg
- Robert Marsh
- John Sanders
- John Scott
- Alexander Timms.
Catawba in Specific Regiments
The Catawba soldiers did not form their own special unit. Instead, they joined different companies within larger regiments. They served in Captain Lucian P. Sadler's Company, Captain Cadwallader Jones' Company, and Captain Witherspoon's Company.
5th South Carolina Infantry
Only three Catawba soldiers are known to have served in Company G of the 5th South Carolina Infantry. These were Robert/Bob Crawford, Peter Harris, and Robert/Bob Head.
12th South Carolina Infantry
The 12th South Carolina Infantry had the most Catawba soldiers join its ranks compared to other regiments.
17th South Carolina Infantry
Catawba soldiers also served in the Lacy Guards, which was Company K of the 17th South Carolina Infantry. This regiment was part of the Army of Northern Virginia.
After the War
Catawba Community Survival
The Catawba community survived the Civil War. Even though they fought in famous battles, they were not widely known for their part in the war at the time.
Monument to Catawba Soldiers
Captain Samuel White helped to create a monument to honor the Catawba Indians. He made sure the names of the brave warriors who fought for the Confederacy were placed on it.
In 1900, the Catawba were honored with this monument for their service during the American Civil War. A man whose father fought in the 12th South Carolina Infantry gave a speech at the event.
The Yorkville Enquirer newspaper reported on the monument's unveiling. It noted that this was the fourth monument unveiled in Fort Mill. Previous monuments honored the Confederate Soldier, the Women of the South, and the Faithful Slaves of the South. The newspaper described a large crowd at the Catawba monument's unveiling, including many Indians and local citizens.
