The Indian Territory in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Vann's Place and Sandtown
In Response To: Re: Vann's Place and Sandtown ()

Ken (and others too),

Sandtown settlement was located approximately 7 miles northwest of Gibson Station. Gibson station was a railroad stop for the Missouri Kansas and Texas Railroad. It was located south of Wagoner and close to the Harris ferry, or where the railroad crosses the Verdigris River.
Having said that, seven miles would place Sandtown close to the HWY 51 bridge. I believe it was actually north of this location (where some other forum members have placed it).
The ford for Sandtown is speculative. I know there was a ford south of the town. If this this was the closest ford, then it would have found its namesake as the Sandtown Ford.

Regarding the battle: Most have placed it at Flat Rock Creek and others at Battle Creek. I believe one must consider the nature of many battles here in Oklahoma. It was spread out over a wider area than one would think. Consider how they positioned themselves: part of the force, the 1st Cherokee and the 30th Texas Cavalry, went behind the federal force to block them from Fort Gibson. This means they went East/Southeast. The remainder of the force, 29th Texas Cavalry, remainder of Waties Brigade, Howells Battery, etc., went more or less Northeast in a V shaped formation (to corral their prey, for lack of a better description). When they did arrive at the hay camp, they spotted the cavalry running in every direction and the infantry were heading up a nearby creek.
The location of the battle you get depends on the location of the eyewitnesses. Some Confederate troops would have undoubtedly fought Federal Cavalry north of Wagoner and probably as far as Flat rock Creek itself (maybe beyond too). Confederate Cavalry , either chasing or blocking, the infantry would have pinned them in the creek areas around Wagoner. The eyewitnesses would have spoke about the battle from their location or point of view. This is why you get distances of 12,15, or 20 miles from Fort Gibson. Undoubtedly fighting was widespread.
Pinpointing the location of contact is therefore difficult at best.

Disclaimer: These are personal observations and meant to offer an opinion/advice/thought. (since I got attacked last time I was on here by a forum member)

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