Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War, a lesser-known but equally brutal chapter unfolded in the Indian Territory. This harrowing episode, known as the Trail of Blood on Ice, chronicles the forced exodus of pro-Union Native Americans, primarily Creek and Seminole, led by the steadfast Upper Creek Chief Opothle Yahola. In the bitter December of 1861, these resilient people embarked on a desperate journey north towards the safety of Fort Row in Kansas, relentlessly pursued by Confederate forces. Their trek was marked by unimaginable suffering, starvation, exposure, and a series of bloody skirmishes, etching a permanent scar on the landscape of American history.
The Divided Territory: Native Americans in the Civil War
In 1861, as the Union and Confederate States clashed, the vast Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma) became a critical battleground for allegiance. While many tribes initially leaned towards the Union, the fall of Fort Sumter and the Confederate victory at the First Battle of Manassas swayed the tide. Influential tribes like the Cherokee began to align with the Confederacy, reigniting old tribal rivalries and fracturing communities. Chief Opothle Yahola, however, remained resolute in his loyalty to the Union, refusing to sign a treaty with the Confederacy.
A Desperate Flight: The Battles of the Trail of Blood on Ice
Colonel Douglas H. Cooper, leading a Confederate force, aggressively moved to suppress Unionist sentiments in the Indian Territory. Faced with an unyielding enemy, Chief Opothle Yahola made the arduous decision to lead his people – men, women, and children – on a perilous journey to Kansas. Their path was anything but peaceful, becoming a continuous gauntlet of conflict and pursuit.
Battle of Round Mountain (November 19, 1861)
The first clash occurred near the Red Fork of the Arkansas River. Cooper’s cavalry, after discovering an abandoned camp, stumbled upon Opothle Yahola’s warriors. A fierce, brief engagement ensued, with the Native American defenders strategically setting fire to the prairie grass to cover their retreat, preventing a decisive Confederate victory.
Battle of Chusto-Talasah (December 9, 1861)
Also known as ‘Caving Banks,’ this second major engagement near Sperry, Oklahoma, saw Cooper’s forces attempt to outflank the Unionist Native Americans for nearly four hours. Despite being pushed across Bird Creek, Opothle Yahola’s band managed to evade capture. The Confederates claimed victory, but the determined refugees continued their desperate flight, albeit with heavy losses.
Battle of Chustenahlah (December 26, 1861)
The final, brutal engagement took place near Skiatook, Oklahoma. Colonels James M. McIntosh and Douglas H. Cooper planned a coordinated attack. Despite severe cold and being outnumbered, McIntosh launched a frontal assault on the Unionist camp, situated on a rugged hill. The battle was a relentless push by Confederate forces, ultimately forcing the Native American defenders into a rout. Many survivors fled northward, facing further interception by Cherokee under Colonel Stand Watie, who were allied with the Confederacy.
Arrival in Kansas: A Different Kind of Suffering
Upon reaching Fort Row in Kansas, Opothle Yahola’s exhausted and ravaged band found little solace. The fort lacked adequate supplies and medical support for the thousands of refugees. Forced to move to Fort Belmont, conditions remained deplorable. The brutal trek, coupled with starvation, exposure to the harsh winter elements, and rampant disease, claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, including Chief Opothle Yahola’s own daughter. Many of the surviving men eventually formed the First Indian Home Guard, a unique tri-racial Union regiment comprising Creek, Seminole, African-Creek, and African-Seminole individuals.
Conclusion
Chief Opothle Yahola himself succumbed to the devastating conditions, dying in a Creek refugee camp on March 22, 1863, and was buried beside his daughter. The Trail of Blood on Ice stands as a powerful and tragic testament to the human cost of the Civil War, extending far beyond traditional battlefields. It highlights the immense suffering of Native American communities caught between warring factions, and the resilience of those who fought for their beliefs. Today, the Opothle Yahola Historic Trail in Kansas serves as a solemn reminder of this harrowing journey, ensuring that the legacy of these brave people and their frozen hell is never forgotten.
