Presenter
John V. Quarstein
Director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center
About the Lecture
The highest ranking Native American Civil War officer was Brigadier General Stand Watie, CSA. A Cherokee leader, Watie was born in Georgia and moved to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears. He organized the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles on behalf of the Confederacy. His command was the last Confederate land force to surrender when Watie did so on June 23, 1865. Colonel Ely S. Parker, USA, a Seneca Indian, served as a Union engineer until he was named aide to General U. S. Grant. Parker drafted the surrender documents at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, resulting in General R. E. Lee laying down his army’s arms on April 9, 1865.
This lecture is part of The Mariners’ celebration for Native American Heritage Month!
Registration information:
Advance registration is required whether you attend the lecture in person or online.
In person
Free for Museum Members.
$1 for guests.
Virtual
This lecture is livestreamed
and free to watch online.
Order signed copies of
John Quarstein’s books!
John Quarstein’s books are available for purchase in the Museum Gift shop or online. Members receive 10% OFF Gift Shop purchases with a code. Email Membership to get your Member discount code. Not a member? Become one today.
Contact Us
For additional assistance, questions, or support:
Guest Relations
[email protected]
(757) 596-2222
Can’t Attend the Lecture?
No problem! Many of our programs and lectures are uploaded to our YouTube Channel shortly afterward.
Image header:
Isaac Stand Watie, Degataga (right), ca. 1860-1865. Col. Ely S. Parker (left), ca. 1860-1865. Mathew Brady, photographer, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.