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Battle of Honey Springs, July 17, 1863:
The Battle of Honey Springs, also known as the Affair at Elk Creek, on July 17, 1863, was an American Civil War engagement and an important victory for Union forces in their efforts to gain control of the Indian Territory. It was the largest confrontation between Union and Confederate forces in the area that would eventually become Oklahoma. The engagement was also unique in the fact that white soldiers were the minority in both fighting forces. Native Americans made up a significant portion of each of the opposing armies and the Union force contained African-American units.
The battleground is about 4.5 miles northeast of what is now Checotah, Oklahoma and 15 miles south of Muskogee. It was also about 20 miles southwest of Fort Gibson.