Within the communities of Choctaw & Chickasaw Nations, many of the enslaved men decided to make their own mark and to seize the opportunity, if it came, to become activists and to fight for their freedom.
Men from the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole Nations had already joined the Civil War as early as 1861 and some had seen action in 1862.
For Choctaw and Chickasaw people, many were forced from their home in Indian Territory to move South into Texas while enslaved.
The ideas of freedom would not be easy to carry out. However, some, because of their proximity to Union Army held places took advantage and they did enlist. This page honors those men who have been identified as true Freedom fighters. Some were born in Indian Territory, while others were taken there while still young. By the time of the Civil War, the Choctaw Nation was their home, and for some, the Chickasaw Nation was their home.
These men are seldom mentioned when the western theatre of the Civil War history is discussed. Nevertheless, they were there on the battlefield, and thanks to the official military record, their footprints can be found.
They are our ancestors and should never be forgotten.
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(These images are all from the National Archives Compiled Military Service Records that are now digitized and available online on Fold3.com)
