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Timeline / Defining Rights and Responsibilities / 1861–65: Tribes react to the American Civil War

1861–65: Tribes react to the American Civil War

Although most Indian tribes remain neutral in the conflict, some American Indians join Union or Confederate forces, hoping Native lands and rights will be restored in return.

Theme
Federal-Tribal Relations, Land and Water
Region
California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest

Wounded Native Americans on Marye’s Heights, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1864

Courtesy Library of Congress