Stand Watie ( December 12 , 1806 â `` September 9 , 1871 ) ( also known as Degataga meaning to `` stand firm '' and Isaac S. Watie ) was a leader of the Cherokee Nation and a brigadier general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War . Stand Watie ( December 12 , 1806 -- September 9 , 1871 ) ( also known as Standhope Oowatie , Degataga â stand firmâ and Isaac S. Watie ) was a leader of the Cherokee Nation and a brigadier general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War .