Near Oktaha in Muskogee County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

2nd Indian Home Guard

Honey Springs Battlefield

— Interpretive Trail One · Federal Bivouac —

2nd Indian Home Guard Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 20, 2024

1. 2nd Indian Home Guard Marker

Inscription. Organized along with the 1st Indian Home Guard in May 1862, the 2nd Indian Home Guard consisted of one company each of Delaware, Kickapoo, Quapaw, Seneca, and Shawnee, two companies of Osage, and two of Cherokee. It took longer to organize, due to the political disagreements of the various tribal and government officials involved in the negotiations. By the spring of 1863, they had seen action at Baxter Springs, Kansas, and in Indian Territory.

Three privates of Company F were drowned while attempting to swim the [Arkansas] river. We moved forward on the Texas Road (course west of south), and arrived at camp, to the north of and near Elk Creek timber.... I then advanced and came up with the enemy, posted in force under cover of timber at Elk Creek. Here I came to a halt, and sent a company forward to reconnoiter; found the enemy strongly posted in the woods, their line extending on the right and left of the road. I kept up a brisk fire on them; they, however, kept under cover.
Lt. Col. F. W. Schuarte,
2nd Indian Home Guard, USA

Erected 2020 by Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans •

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War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Honey Springs Battlefield series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1862.

Location. 35° 33.885′ N, 95° 28.32′ W. Marker is near Oktaha, Oklahoma, in Muskogee County. Marker can be reached from Honey Springs Battlefield Road, 2.4 miles north of East 1020 Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oktaha OK 74450, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry (within shouting distance of this marker); The March from Fort Gibson (within shouting distance of this marker); The Army of the Frontier (within shouting distance of this marker); Prelude to Battle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Smith's Battery of Kansas Artillery (about 400 feet away); Short Trail to the Creek (about 500 feet away); 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry (about 500 feet away); Hopkin's Battery of Kansas Artillery (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oktaha.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

2nd Indian Home Guard Marker looking East on Trail One. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 20, 2024

2. 2nd Indian Home Guard Marker looking East on Trail One.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 47 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.