Battle of Cabin Creek - Union Forces Maintain Indian Territory Presence

Description: Col. James M. Williams of the First Kansas Colored Infantry led a Union supply train from Fort Scott, Kansas, to Fort Gibson, Oklahoma (then Indian Territory). As he approached the crossing of Cabin Creek, he learned that Confederate Col. Stand Watie, with about 1,600 to 1,800 men intended to assault him there. Watie was waiting for about 1,500 reinforcements under the command of Brig. Gen. William L. Cabell to join him before attacking the supply train. Cabell, however, was detained due to high water on Grand River. Cabin Creek also had high water, preventing a crossing at first, but when it had receded enough, Williams drove the Confederates off with artillery fire and two cavalry charges. The wagon train continued to Fort Gibson and delivered the supplies, making it possible for the Union forces to maintain their presence in Indian territory and take the offensive that resulted in a victory at Honey Springs and the fall of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

The Battle of Cabin Creek took place on July 1, 1863, in Mayes County, Oklahoma during the American Civil War.

The First Kansas Colored Infantry (led by Col. James M. Williams) led a Union supply train from Fort Scott, Kansas to Fort Gibson, Oklahoma (then Indian Territory). As Williams approached the Cabin Creek crossing, he was informed that the Confederates, under Col. Stand Watie, were intending to ambush them with about 1,600 to 1,800 men. Watie was waiting for approximately 1,500 reinforcements led by Brig. Gen. William L. Cabell to attack. However, due to high water on the Grand River, Cabell was unable to make it to the Cabin Creek crossing in time. Williams eventually forced the Confederates to retreat with a series of two cavalry charges and an artillery barrage. The wagon train eventually made it to Fort Gibson and delivered the supplies