Iron Crosses for Polson Cemetery

The Cowskin Prairie Chapter, UDC, is trying to raise $3000.00 for a special project.   This project has been established to raise funds to purchase and place Confederate Iron Crosses on the graves of some of Brigadier General Stand Watie’s men.  The Crosses are fashioned after the Southern Cross of Honor originally presented to Confederate soldiers and sailors for their service during the War Between the States.   These men being honored are buried with this distinguished Cherokee leader, in the Polson Cemetery. On June 23, 1865, the general and his men, known as the Indian Brigade, laid down their arms at Fort Towson in what has been recognized as the final surrender in the War Between the States.

Funds raised for our project will cover costs for the purchase, delivery and setting of these crosses, at each appropriate grave.  Funds will also go towards cleaning each gravestone and purchasing proper flags for them.

Those being honored with Confederate Iron Crosses include:

Lt. Col. James Madison Bell, 1826-1915

Major Josiah Woodward Washbourne, 1819-1871

Dr. William Davis Polson, 1830-1893, Asst Surgeon

Adj. Charles Edwin Watie, 1829-1877

Percy H. Washburne, 1848-1924

Pvt. Herman Ridge, 1833-1864



In 2015, a special ceremony was conducted at the cemetery, marking the 1865 event.  It was the last event of the American Sesquicentennial.  A similar special dedication ceremony is planned for the culmination of this project, in the early summer of 2018.

Your tax deductable contributions are greatly appreciated.  Any assistance  you may be able to provide would be wonderful!