Introduction

War Documentary hosted by Roger Parsons, published by History Channel in 2007 – English narration.

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Outline

Though largely forgotten, some 20,000-30,000 Native Americans fought in the Civil War.

The common view of the Civil War is very black-and-white: North vs. South, rural vs. urban, slaveholders vs. abolitionists. But, from the conflict’s origins to the complicated progression of its major events, the truth is far murkier and more complex. This immensely illuminating documentary clarifies one particularly muddy but fascinating aspect of the time: how Indians reacted to and participated in the Civil War.

• Ely Parker was a Seneca leader who found himself in the thick of battle at the side of General Ulysses S. Grant.
• Stand Waite, a Confederate General and a Cherokee was known for his brilliant guerrilla tactics.
• Also highlighted is Henry Berry Lowery, who became known as the Robin Hood of North Carolina.
  • Helped his tribe survive starvation at the end of the war by stealing food and goods from wealthy Southern planters, which he shared with both Whites and Indians.

Respected Civil War authors Thom Hatch and Lawrence Hauptman help reconstruct these stories, along with descendants like Cherokee Nation member Jay Hanna, whose great-grandfathers fought for both the Union and the Confederacy. Together, they reveal a new perspective and the very personal reasons that drew these Native Americans into the fray.

An interesting endnote to the documentary is that although Native Americans were used by both the Union and the Confederacy during the war, afterwards they were seen, not as allies, but as obstacles to progress.

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s): Geoffrey Madeja.
• Producer(s): Bernard Dudek and Geoffrey Madeja.
• Writer(s): Marcy Marzuki.
• Music: Jason Camiolo.
• Cinematography: Robert Beadle.
• Editor(s):
• Production: History Channel.
• Distributor(s): History Channel.
• Release Date: 26 November 2006.
• Running Time: 50 minutes.
• Rating: Unknown.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

Video Link