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Chusto-Talasah (1861)
 
War:   American Civil War
 
Also known as:   Caving Banks
 
Date(s):   9 Dec 1861
 
Location:   Tulsa County, Oklahoma, Indian Territory
 
Outcome:   Confederate victory
 
Description:   Chief Opothleyahola, pro-Union
Col. Douglas H. Cooper, CSA

The Confederates had a weak brigade against a larger Indian force.

Casualties are unknown.

After the defeat of Opothleyahola and his Unionist force at Round Mountain, he retreated northeastward in search of safety. He may have been thinking about moving to Kansas and protection of US Army garrisons, or perhaps just moving away from his pursuers.

On December 9, 1861 Opothleyahola and his followers were at Chusto-Talasah, or Caving Banks, on the Horseshoe Bend of Bird Creek when Cooper’s 1,300 Confederates attacked about 2pm. The Natives knew Cooper was coming and had deployed their fighters in a strong position at the Bend. For almost four hours, Cooper repeatedly attacked and attempted to outflank the Natives. Just before dark the attacks succeeded in pushing Opothleyahola east across Bird Creek.

Cooper claimed another victory, camped on the battlefield overnight but did not pursue because he was short of ammunition. Opothleyahola and his followers moved off in search of security elsewhere. Although the Confederates had gained a victory, they would win a resounding one later in the month at Chustenahlah.


Content provided by:
eHistory Staff

Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.



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