Uploaded December 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Battle of Honey Springs, which took place on July 17, 1863, was the largest Civil War engagement in Indian Territory. Also remembered as the most ethnically diverse battle in the Civil War, the Battle of Honey Springs was fought by Indigenous, Black, and white soldiers. The tribal nations of the Muscogee, Cherokee, and Seminole divided, joining both the Union and Confederate armies. The First Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment was the first Black regiment in the Union army. Of the 9,000 who fought, approximately 200 total casualties were suffered. After a decisive Union victory, Confederates lost control of Indian Territory north of the Arkansas River.
“The Battle of Honey Springs” was written and directed by Oklahoma native Bryan Beasley and produced with support from the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield, the Inasmuch Foundation, and the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Walk the historic battlefield and view artifacts that tell the story of this momentous event at Honey Springs Battlefield, located east of US Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. Learn more at okhistory.org/honeysprings.
The Battle of Honey Springs, which took place on July 17, 1863, was the largest Civil War engagement in Indian Territory. Also remembered as the most ethnically diverse battle in the Civil War, the Battle of Honey Springs was fought by Indigenous, Black, and white soldiers. The tribal nations of the Muscogee, Cherokee, and Seminole divided, joining both the Union and Confederate armies. The First Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment was the first Black regiment in the Union army. Of the 9,000 who fought, approximately 200 total casualties were suffered. After a decisive Union victory, Confederates lost control of Indian Territory north of the Arkansas River.
“The Battle of Honey Springs” was written and directed by Oklahoma native Bryan Beasley and produced with support from the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield, the Inasmuch Foundation, and the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Walk the historic battlefield and view artifacts that tell the story of this momentous event at Honey Springs Battlefield, located east of US Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. Learn more at okhistory.org/honeysprings.
