Rifles for Watie Setting & Symbolism

Rifles for Watie Objects/Places

Linn County, Kansas

The Bussey family farm is located here. Jeff Bussey leaves Kansas in 1861 as a 16-year-old boy off to war and returns as a 20-year-old man.

Mule-driven Plow

Jeff plows the field in Kansas, turning over the black soil, foreshadowing the men killed in war and buried in graves. The plowing is also a symbol of rebirth and freedom for black slaves.

Kansas-Missouri Border

The conflict between Missouri proslavery Bushwhackers and the Free State Union men of Kansas prompts Jeff to enlist in the Union army.

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

This is the place Jeff, John, and David enlist as Kansas Volunteers in the Union army. Their training takes place here.

Bayonets

These are the main weapons used by the infantry in fighting the war from 1861 to 1865.

Bean Soup-Dishwater

This is the switch job Jeff pulls to avenge Clardy for the slur on his name.

Watermelon Patch

This is where a few of the boys in Jeff's company conspire to roll...
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