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Native Americans in the Civil War

Presented by the National Park Service

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by joining us for a presentation by Senior Ranger Kenya Finley from the National Park Service on the sacrifices of Native Americans during the Civil War.

Over two dozen tribes actively took part in the Civil War by fighting for both sides. There were full regiments fighting for both the Confederacy and the Union. They joined sharpshooter regiments, functioned as scouts, piloted Union ships, and served as guerrillas soldiers, while others joined units of United States Colored Troops. Recent estimates are that over 28,000 Native American served in the Civil War. One difference between Confederates and Union Army is that Native Americans generally officered Confederate Native American units, and white officers usually led Union, but some Native Americans in the Union forces did eventually work their way into command. One such person was Ely Parker, who was General Grant’s Secretary, drew up the terms for Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, and became a Brigadier General, making him the only Native American Union general at that time. So join us to discover the sacrifices that Native Americans made in the war between States.

This program will take place by Zoom and registration is required. After registering, you will be e-mailed the link to join this Zoom meeting. If you have questions about the program or need help with set up, please contact Caroline at cpak@alexlibraryva.org.