Press Release
March 1, 2018
Contact: Adam Lynn
Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-473-5572
alynn@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/honeysprings
Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center to Host Presentation on Chilly McIntosh
RENTIESVILLE, Okla. — Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is honored to announce a special presentation, “Chilly McIntosh and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation: 1800–1875,” to be held at the battlefield’s new Visitor Center on Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m. T. S. Akers, the fourth great-grandson of Chilly McIntosh, who was colonel of the Second Regiment of Creek Mounted Volunteers C.S.A. during the Battle of Honey Springs, will talk about his ancestor’s importance to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation during the tumultuous Civil War years in Indian Territory. The program is free to the public, but donations are appreciated.
“At the onset of the American Civil War, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation found itself suffering from a division that had existed for 50 years prior to the United States being pulled apart. Creek leaders sought the best course for their tribe that would ensure their future survival,” said Akers. “One such leader that worked to guide the Muscogee (Creek) Nation through the travails that awaited in the Indian Territory was Chilly McIntosh: a chief, a minister and a soldier.” Mr. Akers will be available for questions immediately following the presentation.
After the presentation and questions, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the battlefield and learn about key aspects of the engagement and those who fought at Honey Springs. Visitors also will be able to tour the new Visitor Center building, purchase items from the gift shop and learn about the new exhibits that will open in the near future.
T. S. Akers is a resident of Oklahoma City who graduated from Eufaula High School in 2003. He earned his bachelor of arts in American history in 2007 and his master of arts in museum studies in 2015, both from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of the First Families of the Twin Territories and of the Oklahoma Historical Society. He is the author of the books “Knights on the Prairie: A History of Templary in Oklahoma,” “Masonic Generals of the Oklahoma National Guard, 1894–1965,” and numerous articles on the history of Freemasonry in Oklahoma. Akers serves as the curator of Masonic collections for the McAlester Scottish Rite Temple.
For more information regarding the presentation and the Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, please email honeysprings@okhistory.org or alynn@okhistory.org. Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is located east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The Visitor Center is located on a hill within close proximity to the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville, Oklahoma. Take the second left after reaching the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Museum (driving from the west).
Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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