Chilly McIntosh facts for kids

Chilly McIntosh (1800–1875) was an important leader of the Creek Nation, a Native American tribe. He was born in Georgia. His father, William McIntosh, was a chief of the Lower Creeks. Chilly played a big part in his people's history, especially during their move to a new homeland. He was also a soldier and a preacher.

Chilly McIntosh's Early Life and Challenges

Chilly McIntosh signed an important agreement called the Treaty of Indian Springs in 1821. This treaty sold land in Georgia that belonged to the Creek people. His father, Chief William McIntosh, also signed it. This was a very serious act because a Creek law made it illegal to sell tribal lands without everyone agreeing.

Chief William McIntosh was only the leader of the Lower Creeks. But he acted as if he represented the entire Creek Nation. This made the Upper Creeks and their chief, Menawa, very angry. They had warned William that selling the land would have severe consequences. Because he signed the treaty anyway, William was found guilty by the Creek Nation. A group of warriors was sent to carry out the punishment. Chief William was killed, and his house was burned. Chilly, however, managed to escape to safety. He lived among the Cherokees for some years.

Chilly was worried about his safety. In 1825, he wrote a letter to the U.S. Secretary of War. He asked for protection from "hostile Indians," as he had been promised by government officials when the land was sold.

Moving to a New Home

After these events, the Lower Creeks, also known as the McIntosh faction, started talking with the United States government. They wanted to move to a new place called Indian Territory. This area is now part of Oklahoma.

In 1828, Chilly McIntosh led the first group of Lower Creeks to their new home. They settled near the Verdigris River and began building new towns. More groups of Creeks soon followed them.

Chilly continued to be an important leader. In 1831, he and his uncle, Roley McIntosh, signed a letter to President Andrew Jackson. They asked the President to help settle disagreements between the Creeks and another tribe, the Comanches. Chilly also attended a large meeting in 1843 in Talequah. At this meeting, Chief Roley McIntosh spoke to about three thousand warriors from eighteen different tribes. They created a peace treaty, and Chilly signed it for the Creeks.

Chilly and his half-brother, D. N. McIntosh, signed another treaty in 1856. This treaty set aside specific lands for the Seminole Nation, another Native American tribe. During this time, Chilly also became a Baptist minister, sharing his faith with others.

A Leader in War and Peace

In 1861, the American Civil War began. Chilly and his younger brother, D.N. McIntosh, signed a treaty that officially made the Creek Nation allies with the Confederate States of America. Even though he was older and didn't have much military experience, Chilly joined the Confederate Army. He became a lieutenant colonel and led the First Battalion of Creek Cavalry.

In 1862, he was promoted to full colonel. His unit was renamed the Second Regiment of Creek Mounted Volunteers. Chilly and his troops fought in several battles in the Indian Territory. These battles included Round Mountain, Pea Ridge, Fort Wayne, and Honey Springs.

Later Life

Chilly McIntosh passed away on October 5, 1875. He died at his home in Fame, Indian Territory. He was buried in the McIntosh Cemetery in Eufaula, Oklahoma. His son, William F. McIntosh, survived him.

Chilly in Books

A writer named Lydia Sigourney wrote a poem about Chilly McIntosh in 1827. It was called Chilly M'Intosh.. The poem talks about the effects of the land sales and Chilly's escape.