Indian Territory (Oklahoma)

February 7, 1861.   The Choctaw Indian Nation declares its allegiance to the southern states. ^{Long 32}

April 30, 1861.   At government orders, Federal troops evacuate all forts in Indian Territory, thus leaving the Five Civilized Nations - Cherokees, Chicksaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles - under Confederate control.   Col. William H. Emory evacuates Fort Wachita and marches to Fort Leavenworth, KS. ^{Long 67}

May 2, 1861. Fort Wachita:   Texas militia occupies the fort, which will become a Confederate staging area. ^{Long 69}

May 5, 1861. Fort Arbuckle:   Texas militia occupies the fort upon Federal evacuation the previous day.   The Union troops head for Fort Leavenworth, KS, with William Emory's troops from Fort Wachita. ^{Long 69}

May 9, 1861. Fort Cobb:   Union troops abandon the fort and join Col. William Emory's column heading for Fort Leavenworth, KS. ^{Long 72}

May 17, 1861.   Chief John Ross issues a proclamation of neutrality for the Cherokees. ^{Long 75}