Indian Home Guard facts for kids

The Indian Home Guard was a group of volunteer soldiers during the American Civil War. These soldiers came from the Five Civilized Tribes who lived in what was then called Indian Territory (today, mostly Oklahoma). They chose to fight for the Union side.

Even though leaders of these tribes signed agreements with the Confederacy, many tribal members did not agree. They were forced to leave their homes and fled to places like Kansas and Missouri. These "Loyal" Native Americans then joined the Union army. They wanted to take back control of their lands from Confederate forces. The Indian Home Guard regiments fought mostly in Indian Territory and Arkansas. Because of their loyalty and bravery, the Five Civilized Tribes were able to keep much of their land after the war ended.

The Indian Home Guard Regiments

The Indian Home Guard was made up of different regiments, which are like large groups of soldiers. Each regiment had its own story and leaders.

1st Regiment, Indian Home Guard

This regiment was formed in Le Roy, Kansas on May 22, 1862. One important leader in this group was Major William Addison Phillips.

2nd Regiment, Indian Home Guard

The 2nd Regiment was organized in Kansas between June and July 1862. Colonel John Ritchie was its commander. This regiment included soldiers from several tribes. These were the Delaware, Kickapoo, Quapaw, Seneca, and Shawnee tribes. It also had two companies of Osage and two of Cherokee soldiers.

Organizing this regiment took longer. There were disagreements among government agents involved in the talks. This regiment was part of the first "Indian Expedition." Their mission was to clear Confederate forces from the northern part of Indian Territory. However, the expedition faced problems. They did not get enough support from higher commanders. Also, there were arguments among the colonels. Because of these issues, the expedition had to be called off.

3rd Regiment, Indian Home Guard

The Third Regiment was formed in July 1862. It was organized in Tahlequah and Park Hill. Colonel William A. Phillips commanded this regiment. He had been a Major in the 1st Regiment. Many soldiers in this group had previously fought for the Confederate Army. Some had been part of the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles.

4th Regiment, Indian Home Guard

The 4th Regiment began to organize, but it was never fully completed. The soldiers who joined this group were later moved to other Union army units.