The Indian Territory in the Civil War Message Board

Johnson's Depot on Canadian

While on the subject of Johnsons, does anyone know who the Johnson is that Camp Johnson/Johnson's Depot is named for? I assume this was located on the south side of Canadian and near the South Fork of the Canadian (aka Gaines Creek) just south of North Fork Town. It seems likely it was at or near the junction of the Texas Road and the road from Ft Smith that followed the south bank of the Arkansas and Canadian (most of which was "Beale's Wagon Road" but Beale crossed to the north side of the Canadian near North Fork Town.)

Lt Col Robt C Parks called it Camp Johnson. Correspondence between Cooper and Steele refer to it as Canadian Depot "south of the South Canadian", Johnson's Place, and Camp Johnson. At the time (Dec 1862-Jan 1863), the Confederate Indians were each in their own country. The Creek were near Creek Agency (just northwest of present Muskogee and directly west of Ft Davis which had been abandoned and was burned by Phillips on or about Dec. 28th). Most of the Creek were home on furlough. The Cherokee were at Tom Starr's place near Briartown. The Choctaw and Chickasaw must have been with Cooper at Camp Johnson. I don't know where the Seminole were but were likely home on furlough for the winter. Steele had just taken command of the Indian Territory and was still in Ft Smith with a small garrison until Speight's Brigade arrived. Steele began moving all his command south where they could be supplied for the winter.

Of course Johnson is a very common name but there are Chickasaw by that name that became prominent ranchers after the war. There is also a Chickasaw named Johnston that may have lived in the area before the war (Gov. D.H Johnston was named after D.H. Cooper). Is there a connection between Johnson's Depot on Canadian and Johnson's Station on Brushy Creek?

One of the civilian commissary agents for the Confederate's was Mr. C.B. Johnson, a partner of Mr. Grimes. Who were these men and where were they from?

I have the info from the ORs. I'm looking for other sources/clues as to who the Johnson(s) are that Johnson's Depot and Johnson's Station are named for.

Messages In This Thread

Johnson's Depot on Canadian
Re: Johnson's Depot on Canadian
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Chs. B. Johnson; Johnson's Depot on Canadian
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Grimes & Johnson; Johnson's Depot on Canadian