“Cherokee Civil Warrior” describes the experiences of the 29th Texas Cavalry regiment in what was, in 1863, Indian Territory. The men of the 29th found themselves involved in a struggle much broader than the Civil War. They were caught up in the middle of a diplomatic struggle for Indian sovereignty. This story changes what is known about the Civil War in Indian Territory and U.S. Indian policy within the lens of local history.
Author Dr. Dale Weeks will discuss this struggle along with the connection to the 1864 Battle of Prairie D’Ane in present-day Nevada County. After the lecture, visitors are encouraged to visit the battlefield, located at 2243 Highway 19 North, just off of exit 44 in Prescott, Arkansas
“We are so thrilled to host Dr. Weeks and we’re excited to hear how the story of Chief John Ross relates to our own history of Prairie D’Ane,” says museum director, Jamie Simmons. “This is a great chance to hear an amazing presentation and then visit one of the historic sites discussed.”
W. Dale Weeks earned his Bachelors and Master’s degrees from Texas A&M University – Texarkana and his PhD from Texas A&M University in College Station. He taught in the Liberty Eylau Independent School District and in the Texarkana Arkansas School District. He now teaches U.S. History at Blinn College in Bryan, Texas, and serves as a visiting lecturer at TAMU – College Station.
The event begins at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at the Nevada County Depot Museum, 403 W. 1st Street S. in historic Prescott, Arkansas, easily reached from highways 67 and 371 or Interstate 30. This is a free event, but seating is limited, so registration is recommended. Register online at TheDepotMuseum.org/Events.
The Nevada County Depot and Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit humanities organization dedicated to sharing the history of Nevada County and Southwest Arkansas. This event is one of many free public events hosted at the 1912 Missouri Pacific Depot in Prescott, Arkansas. To learn more or register, contact Jamie Simmons at 870-887-5821 or [email protected].