| 1840's Early 1846 - Colonel Stephen W. Kearny had previously taken an expedition into Nebraska to locate a strategic area for a Fort to assist settlers as they traveled westward. His choice of locations had been in the vicinity of the Missouri River at the mouth of Table Creek. The troops depart Fort Leavenworth during early 1846 and begin construction but the number of settlers that pass in the vicinity of the Fort is sparse, causing a Battalion of troops to winter there for the winter 1847-48, and then the troops move on to the Platte River and reestablish a Fort along the Oregon Trail. The new more adaptable Fort will also be named Fort Kearny. June 2nd 1849 - Fort Kearny, Nebraska is a solid edifice along the Oregon Trail but the Garrison is not sufficiently supplied to lend the proper amount of assistance to the wagons as they pass heading for California and points west. By this date, according to the records of a Lieutenant Woodbury, 4,400 wagons have passed the new Fort, not including those that passed on the other side of the Platte River. 1850's September, 1851- Horse Creek Treaty is signed 34 miles east of Ft. Laramie. August 19, 1954- The Grattan Massacre takes place east of Fort Laramie, Nebraska Territory, USA, now in present-day Goshen County, Wyoming. Thirty U.S. soldiers and a civilian are killed by Brulé Lakota (Sioux) after one of the soldiers shots their Chief Conquering Bear in the back. It is an early and significant event in the Plains Indian Wars. October 22nd 1854 - The U.S. Army establishes a new military post which is to assist with the protection of the Sante Fe Trail. Life for the Indians in the area has changed rapidly since the free flow of settlers heading West. Fort Larned becomes the northern anchor of a chain of Forts defending the southwestern frontier against hostile Indians. Fort Larned is responsible for the Kansas section of the Santa Fe Trail. 1860's November 29th 1864 - A promise of peace given to the Indians by Major E. W. Wynkoop is broken, and more than 600 Colorado State Militiamen under the command of Colonel I. M. Chivington attack the reservation in the vicinity of Fort Lyon, Colorado. This would become known as the Sand Creek Massacre. December, 1864- Fort Rice is established as a military post on the western bank of the Missouri River. This post would be abandoned in 1878. January, 1865- An estimated 1,000 to 1,500 Indians gather out-of-sight from the Fort in the arroyo and in the hills. At about 2:00 a.m., January 7, 1865, 4 miles east of Julesburg, the westbound mail coach enters the arroyo and is fired upon by some Indians. On board the coach was the driver and an express agent. The agent had responsibility for a shipment of money being sent from New York to Central City, Colorado Territory. The stage, however, was able to make good an escape from the Indians and proceeded to Bulen's Ranch. There, the the driver and express agent took refuge in Bulen's mud house. With sunrise, the stage then proceeded on the Julesburg and the fort. In the meantime, a patrol of soldiers from the fort had discovered some Indians. Thus, another patrol was dispatched to engage the Indians. Thus, with the fort shorthanded, a request for a military escort on to Denver was refused by Capt. O'Brien. O'Brien, however, advised the express agent that it was dangerous to proceed and that the stage should stay at the fort. Instead, the stage returned to the station at Julesburg which was occuped by three or four persons. The horses were unhitched and placed in the station stable. Fifteen minutes later, the cavalry patrol was observed being chased by the Indians. There being no time to rehitch the stage, the driver and express agent each mounted a horse and followed the fleeing soldiers to the fort. There, the residents of the town watched helplessly as the town and the stage with its treasure box were plundered. February 2, 1865- The ravaging of Julesburg was repeated with the town being totally burned down. During the plundering of the town, the Indians invaded the telegraph station which in the meantime had been moved closer to the fort. August 29, 1865- 125 cavalry with 90 Pawnee scouts, under the command of Brigadier General Patrick E. Connor, attack Chief Black Bear's Arapaho Indian camp along the Tongue River in Northeastern Wyoming. While more Settlers traveled the Oregon and California Trails, it was the Santa Fe Trail that tamed the prairie. Military forts along the Trail provided the backing and support of the US Government, and subdued and relocated the native peoples of the Plains and the Southwest. In one six-month period during 1865, 5,197 men, 6,452 mules, 38,281 oxen and 4,472 wagons traversed the Trail. In 1866 over 5,000 wagons carried $40 million worth of goods. Settlers streamed into Kansas Territory exploding the population from 8,600 in 1855 to 143,000 by 1861. To travelers on the Santa Fe Trail, a sandstone citadel referred to as 'Pawnee Rock' marked the halfway point of the trail and was one of the most prominent landmarks on their long journey. Native Americans were said to have met at Pawnee Rock and reputedly used it as a vantage point to spot bison herds and approaching wagon trains. William "Buffalo Bill" Cody began working with a United States freight caravan which delivered supplies to Fort Laramie. In 1863 he enlisted as a teamster with the rank of Private in Company H, 7th Kansas Cavalry and served until discharged in 1865. From 1868 until 1872 Cody was employed as a scout by the United States Army. Part of this time he spent scouting for Indians, and the remainder was spent gathering and killing bison for them and the Kansas Pacific Railroad. In January 1872 Cody was a scout for Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia's highly publicized royal hunt. Cody received a Medal of Honor in 1872 for "gallantry in action" while serving as a civilian scout for the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. 1866 Early 1866 - James "Wild Bill" Hickok, as deputy U.S. marshal at Fort Riley, Kans., was told to establish order. Conditions were close to chaos, with growing enmity between emigrant train scouts and discontented soldiers. Hickok quieted the fort. When the ordinarily reticent and soft-spoken marshal shouted, "This has gone far enough, " it usually intimidated even the most unruly. If not, his fist or pistol barrel reinforced his voice. Later he rounded up deserters, horse thieves, and illegal timber cutters. He also gambled and drank. May 19th 1866- Colonel Henry B. Carrington's troops leave Fort Kearny, Nebraska, guided by Jim Bridger the Indian scout. They reach Fort Laramie on June 16th, with intentions of rebuilding Fort Connor on the Bozeman Trail, plus building two additional Forts about 100 miles apart. (Fort Connor is renamed Fort Reno). July 1866 - George Armstrong Custer, now finished with the war (between the states), spends time as Commanding Officer in Texas and returns to civilian life, receives a commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the newly formed 7th Cavalry which will be deployed against the Indians. Custer joins the Regiment during 1867 at Fort Riley, Kansas and the legend begins anew. The U.S. is pushing West. The rails are stretching through Indian Territory and the Army is going to have to protect the settlers and the trains. There is no doubt that major confrontations are coming. July 15th 1866. - Colonel Carrington's men begin building Fort Kearny. Indians attack logging parties nine times between July 14th and July 29th. December 21st 1866 - The Sioux attack a lumber train, commanded by Captain Brown, outside of Fort Kearny. Captain Fetterman previously boasted, "GIVE ME EIGHTY MEN AND I'LL RIDE THROUGH THE ENTIRE SIOUX NATION". A relief force of 81 men led by Captain Fetterman would be sent to relieve the beleaguered train, with direct orders not to move any further. He encounters a huge Sioux war party. December 22nd-24th 1866 - A Frontiersman, John "Portugee" Phillips, begins a 235 mile journey through Indian country, hoping to arrive at Fort Laramie to get reinforcements for Fort Kearny. He arrives on Christmas Eve and as he enters the gates of the Fort, his horse falls down dead. This gallant ride is accomplished by a Civilian Volunteer because no Soldier would do it. General Sherman subsequent to receiving the information begins to procure Springfield Rifles which arrive in the Spring to act as an equalizer for the Army. 1867 March 22nd, 1867 - American troops depart Fort Kansas, heading for the Plains to confront Cheyennes in Kansas. The command includes Infantry and Artillery. The 7th Cavalry participates in this expedition. The expeditionary force arrives at Fort Lamed, Kansas during April. General Hancock orders Edward Wynkoop to direct the Cheyenne leaders to come to the Fort for a parley. Afterwards, the Indians are ordered to come to the Fort with the entire tribe but complications set in and the Indians do not arrive as expected. This prompts Hancock to set out after the Cheyenne. April 15th-May 2nd, 1867- The Army under Hancock moves towards the Cheyenne camp at Pawnee Fork. An altercation is imminent but the Cheyenne under Roman Nose withdraw to their camp and are shortly surrounded by the 7th Cavalry. During the night, the Indians evacuate the camp to the embarrassment of Hancock's command. Orders are given to give chase but the end result is fruitless. The Indians scatter and disappear on the plains. As the Army pursues the Indians, the Indians strike along the Smoky Hill Line. The 7th Cavalry returns to Fort Hays during the beginning of May without capturing any Indians. The village at Pawnee Fork has been burned by the Army because the Cheyenne have fled. General Hancock returns to Larned with the Infantry. Hancock's expedition ends without success. He eventually meets Custer at Fort Hays and shortly thereafter returns to Fort Leavenworth. The Indians are on the warpath and Custer is stranded at Fort Hays until his troop is ready to initiate the pursuit. June 24th, 1867 - A band of Pawnee Indians attack Custer's encampment at the Republican River. Custer's pickets are on the alert and quickly respond. The entire troop is up and firing in an instant against these OglaIas, led by Pawnee Killer. Later in the day, another band of Indians appears within range of the 7th Cavalry. Custer dispatches 50 troopers, led by Captain Louis Hamilton to pursue. June 1867 - The troops at Fort Phil Kearny receive new "breech-loader" Springfield 50 calibre rifles. They are the first troops in Indian country to receive them. June 29th 1867 - The U.S. 9th Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Wesley Merritt advances along Limpia Creek in Texas to reestablish Fort Davis. The 9th Cavalry is a newly organized Colored Regiment. Fort Davis will later be Garrisoned by 12 companies of combined Infantry and Cavalry. These Colored troops are called "Buffalo Soldiers" by the Indians. 2nd Lieutenant Henry Ossian Flipper, the first black graduate of West Point, is stationed at Fort Davis. July 7th 1867 - Custer departs his position on the Republican River and heads for Fort Wallace. Several men desert the command and Custer, concerned about discipline and survival of the command, orders the men pursued with orders to kill them. Three men are captured and shot. Custer is aware that a small detachment led by Lieutenant Lyman Kidder has been dispatched by Sherman to locate Custer's command and deliver orders directing Custer to Fort Wallace. Custer rushes towards Fort Wallace and searches for the Kidder detachment. Four days later, on the 11th, the detachment is located. Unfortunately, the men had been massacred by the hostiles and the ten bodies had been horrendously mutilated. July 12th, 1867- Custer's command reaches Fort Wallace, Kansas. The horses are tired and there has still been little contact with the hostiles. The Indians on the other hand have been raiding all over the Territory leaving, wrecked telegraph lines and hundreds of dead whites in their wake. The detachment of Lt. Kidder has killed two braves before they are annihilated and they are to date, the on1y Indians known to have been killed by the Army since the beginning of the campaign by Hancock earlier in the year. Custer cancels the campaign and begins to move his command towards Fort Harker, Kansas to resupply the command. The Indians still hold the upper hand against the Army on the Plains. The Forts are scattered along the Plains but their numbers are insufficient to protect such a wide area. The Indians, although great in numbers, are not armed with enough weapons to match the Army's firepower at the Forts so they concentrate on quick hit and run raids and ambushes of supply trains. The trains "Iron Horses" - are penetrating deeper into the Plains causing more difficulty for the Indians who now have more competition going after the buffalo. (July 1867) August 1, 1867- Lt. Sigismund Sternberg of the U.S. Army's 27th Infantry with a force of 19 soldiers and 6 civilian haycutters defend themselves against attacks by 500 to 800 Cheyenne and Sioux warriors near Fort C. F. Smith along the Bozeman Trail, near the Bighorn River in Montana. August 2nd 1867 - "WAGONBOX FIGHT" - Approximately 40 Soldiers and Civilians are surrounded and attacked by a force of over 1,500 Sioux warriors near Fort Phil Kearny, Wyoming. Soldiers beat off the attack known as the "WAGONBOX FIGHT'. As the Sioux approach, Sgt. Samuel Gibson and two other Soldiers leave their post without orders, with Gibson explaining the reason for leaving the post to their Captain. The Captain's response: "YOU HAVE DONE NOBLY MY BOY:' "MEN FIND A PLACE IN THE WAGON BOXES, YOU WILL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR YOUR LIVES TODAY:" Captain Powell responds to the savage charge, "MEN HERE THEY COME! TAKE YOUR PLACES AND SHOOT TO KILL:" In other activity, Indians also attack a hay detail commanded by Lieutenant Sigismund Sternberg near Fort Smith. August 3rd, 1867 - The Indians, under Crazy Horse, had attempted to trick Captain Powell into a trap (Wagonbox Fight), such as that used against Fetterman, but the plan was unsuccessful. This is the last major assault against Fort Kearny on the Bozeman Trail. Crazy Horse concentrates on smaller raids. August 7, 1867 - A band of southern Cheyennes led by Chief Turkey Leg wrecked a west-bound Union Pacific freight train and hand car which preceded it. The engineer and fireman were killed and the box cars looted and burned. One of the hand car crew was killed, another wounded, and one scalped alive. At dawn the Indians rode away with bolts of bright colored calico tied to their ponies' tails. 1868 March 1868 - The U.S. decision to abandon Forts Kearny, Reno and Smith is made by President Grant after consultation with Sherman. During the following month, a treaty will be signed at Fort Laramie. March- 1868- - Outlaws attack a powder train, heading from Fort Harker to Fort Dodge, Kansas, in the vicinity of Plum Creek, Kansas. Sgt. James Fegan, 3rd U.S. Infantry, singlehandedly repels the attack, wounding two of the bandits and chasing off the rest. The train arrives safely at Fort Dodge. April 1868 - The Treaty of Laramie is signed guaranteeing about one half of South Dakota to the Sioux as a reservation. The Black Hills were a part of this area and considered sacred ground to the Indians. Fort Laramie, previously a fur trading outpost in Wyoming, was purchased by the U.S. Government during 1849 to be used as an Army Post to protect the Oregon Trail. Subsequently during the mid-1870's, the Fort sees extensive service against the Sioux and Cheyenne. May 1868 - The Indians on the plains still control most of the terrain. The Army has not been able to contain the many raids that have been sprung all across Kansas. General Sherman is becoming distressed at the situation and as summer rolls along, decisions will unfold to reinitiate campaigns against the Plains Indians. July 1868 - The U.S. Army begins to dismantle its Garrisons that stretch along the Montana Road. August 1868 - Fort Phil Kearny is abandoned by the Army after reaching an agreement with Chief Red Cloud of the Sioux nation. August 1868 - General Sheridan directs Major George Forsyth to recruit 50 frontiersmen from the Garrisons of Forts Hays and Harker in Kansas. These specialized troops will be used against Chief Roman Nose. September-October 1868 - The U.S. Cavalry would initiate campaigns against Indians in Kansas and Colorado. The intent is to track down the Cheyenne warriors under Chief Roman Nose. General Sheridan dispatches Colonel George Alexander Forsyth and approximately 50 men from Fort Hays, Kansas, for the mission. This campaign ends in October, when reinforcements are rushed to the Cavalry's aid at Beecher's Island on the 27th. September 2nd 1868 - A detachment of four men would be attacked by a hostile force of approximately 50 Indians in the vicinity of Fort Dodge, Kansas. Corporal Leander, 3rd U.S. Infantry, comes to their aid and the detachment holds out until reinforcements arrive to drive the attackers away. September 24th, 1868 - A telegram is received by General Custer at his present home in Michigan where he and his wife have been staying since he was suspended from duty for allegations that he had deserted his position at Fort Wallace and had deserters shot. Custer was suspended for one year on October 10th, 1867 but his main accuser had not been present at the court martial. The dismal situation of the Army on the Plains prompts the telegram from Generals Sheridan, Sully and Sherman, to report for duty and assume command of the 7th Cavalry. Custer hardly places the telegram down before he is preparing to jump on the next train heading to Fort Hays, Kansas. October 1868 - Custer drills his command heavily, instilling discipline, sharpshooting, horseback training and the ability to force march. Custer is preparing his command to take on the hostiles. As the 7th completes its training there are several skirmishes with renegade Indians who begin attacking wagon trains and the herds in the vicinity of Fort Hays. October 17th 1868 - THE BATTLE OF BEECHER'S ISLAND - (Yuma County, Colorado) - Fifty Frontier scouts under the command of Col. George Alexander Forsyth face approximately 600 Indians comprised of Northern Cheyenne, Sioux and Arapahoes, under Chief Roman Nose. Two Volunteers, StilIwell and Trudeau, sneak away dressed as Indians, to get reinforcements from Fort Wallace. November 12th 1868 - The U.S. Army initiates its winter campaign against the Sioux as Sheridan and Custer depart Fort Hays, Kansas heading for the Oklahoma Panhandle to destroy the Indians at their winter camps. These Indian encampments have not been previously endangered by the Army and the Indians feel safe that they could continue their raids into Kansas and Texas. The columns of Infantry and Cavalry head south to a point on the North Canadian River where Camp Supply will be established just across the Kansas border within quick striking range of the Panhandle. A vicious blizzard will hit the area during the latter part of the month and play an important part in the plan to locate the Indians. The Cavalry, using the miserable weather to their advantage, move out on the 23rd with the music of "The Girl I Left Behind Me" easing the strain of the difficult journey ahead. Several days later, Custer's troops discover Indian tracks and realize the kill is near. The Cavalry successfully follows the trail and will locate the main camp which is at Kettle Island on the Washita. The Cavalry has finally found a large force of the enemy after years of frustration. Reconnaissance is carried out and the 7th will prepare to attack from four sides at the first beam of sunlight on the 29th. November 29th 1868 - BATTLE OF BLACK KETTLE ISLAND - U.S. troops are dispatched from three different Forts with orders to converge upon and strike hostile Indian camps in the Oklahoma Panhandle. The troops which depart Fort Lyons in Colorado are to rendezvous with troops from Fort Bascum and Camp Supply both of which are in New Mexico. The campheld by the Southern Cheyenne is located on the Washita, Oklahoma Territory. Captain Lewis M. Hamilton (Grandson of Alexander Hamilton) is kiled at the battle. Also, Chief Black Kettle is killed at this action. November 30th 1868 - Custer's victory over Chief Black Kettle has presented several problems. The captured horses have to be destroyed before they pull back and the captives are taken back to Camp Supply. The official losses have been slim to Custer's command but one contingent branches off in pursuit of escaping braves and is later found killed. The village contains various articles that prove the Indians have participated in raids against the whites and although the raid did cost the lives of some women and children, it has been noted that it was hard to distinguish which was which especially when some women and children bore arms. Custer feigns a march against the other villages along the Washita but when darkness falls, the 7th changes direction and returns to Camp Supply. Two white captives are murdered by the Indians as the Cavalry attack. 1869 March 15th 1869 - Lt. Colonel Custer captures four Chiefs at Medicine Arrows and Little Robe (Cheyenne villages in the Oklahoma Panhandle). Custer demands the release of two white women or he will hang three of the four chiefs. The Sioux would release the women captives and the Indians subsequently surrender. May 16th 1869 - Hostile Indians attack a Cavalry scouting party led by Lt. John B. Babcock, 5th U S Cavalry, at Spring Creek, Nebraska. Summer 1869- Winter 1871 - The Indians have kept active with raids in various locations across the Plains. Sporadic actions listed take note of many instances where the Cavalry is involved with skirmishes; many of which have prompted troopers to display extraordinary courage that has them receive the Medal of Honor. General Custer spends the summer and winter based at Fort Hays and devotes much time to keeping his command in top shape. July 8th 1869 - A detachment of three men led by Corporal John Kyle, Company M, 5th U.S. Cavalry, skirmishes with an Indian force of eight braves in the vicinity of Republican River, Kansas. Sgt. Co-Rux-Te-Chod-Ish (Mad Bear) is accidentally wounded by his own command as he breaks ranks in an attempt to capture a hostile Indian. Mad Bear, the Indian Scout, also receives the Medal of Honor for his heroism during this battle. July 11th 1869 - The U.S. 5th Cavalry along with Indian scouts under the command of Major Eugene Carr, engage the "Dog Soldier" Cheyennes at Summit Springs, Colorado. Early 1870's May 15th 1870 - The Cavalry clashes with hostile Indians at Little Blue, Nebraska. Pvt. Heth Canfield and Pvt. Michael Himmelsback, both of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry, would become recipients of the Medal of Honor for gallantry during this action. September 1871 - The 7th Cavalry receives orders to depart Fort Hays and report for duty in the South. Custer and his 7th Cavalry are separated into smaller commands and given responsibility for seven states. The Regiment’s main headquarters is at Elizabethtown, Kentucky. October 1871- The Red Cloud Agency is established, located on the North Platte River near Fort Laramie in eastern Wyoming and is primarily responsible for the Oglala band of the Lakota. January 1872 - General Sheridan directs Custer to report for special duty to escort the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia on a hunting expedition on the Plains while the Duke is visiting the United States. General Custer becomes such a success with the Royal visitor that Sheridan permits Custer to remain with the Duke for the balance of his tour. Subsequently, during February, 1873, Custer gets his wish. Orders arrive to regroup the 7th and take the Regiment to Fort Abraham Lincoln, outside of Bismark, North Dakota. The Army anticipates trouble with the Sioux who are living in the area where the Northern Pacific Railroad is about to penetrate, especially since the Sioux expect no white men or Iron Horses because of the treaty of 1868. April 26th 1872 - A detachment of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry clashes with hostile Indians at Loupe Fort, on Platte River, Nebraska. August 1872 - The U.S. 2nd Cavalry, operating from positions along the Yellowstone River, reach striking distance of the Sioux under Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull who are encamped near the Powder River in eastern Montana. The hostiles spot the Cavalry and the Infantry which accompanies them to insure the safety of American engineers who are establishing the rails. The Sioux strike the Army encampment at Arrow Creek on the 14th and the skirmishing continues for several hours most of it from fair distances. Chief Crazy Horse is uninjured, but his horse is shot from under him during one of the charges. March 1873 - The U.S. Army is moving against the Sioux in the north country. Forts are being constructed along the Missouri River in North Dakota in addition to others being built on the outskirts of Sioux Territory. Events of 1872 prompts the Army to bolster forces against the Sioux. Custer departs Memphis, Tennessee with a large force and Colonel Stanley (Civil War Major General by Brevet) is also heading towards Fort Lincoln with a strong force of troops and civilians. Stanley is the Commanding Officer during the journey. July 1873 - The Army expedition force reaches the mouth of the Powder River by the end of July but not to the surprise of the Sioux who are aware of the progress of the expedition. Within a few days, the two forces begin to engage at the mouth of the Tongue River. October, 1873- The Red Cloud Agency moves to the White River near Camp Robinson in Nebraska. August 4th, 1873 - The Sioux begin to tangle with the Cavalry. As the 7th awaits the balance of the force, they post pickets and relax along the Tongue River. Sioux Warriors make a dash towards Custer's position, hoping to draw the Cavalry into a trap. Firing erupts but the horses do not stampede and the advance Cavalrymen send out a detail to get the hostiles. As the troopers encroach the woods, they halt and as it turns out, make the proper decision. The woods were hiding the main war party. Some of the hidden warriors are from the same band who massacred Fetterman's command at Fort Kearny. Custer, a genuine Yankee Doodle, and his horse called "Dandy" have outrun the galloping Sioux, foiling the day for Crazy Horse. The Cavalry detachment is rejoined by the remainder of the main body and 85 Soldiers pour fire upon the attackers scattering them in all directions. The 7th then remounts and drives the Indians away. Casualties are light on both sides. August 8th-11th, 1873- Bloody Knife, Custer's trusted Crow Scout, locates a Sioux village and after Custer is informed, the 7th Cavalry begins to move against the Sioux. They approach the village on the 9th, anticipating a surprise assault but the Sioux have moved across the Yellowstone River. The current is an obstacle which prevents pursuit. The Sioux, eagerly awaiting a chance to kill Custer in revenge for the 7th's attack on Chief Black Kettle, rise early on the 11th and move against Custer, firing from the opposing bank of the Yellowstone. May, 1874- The Spotted Tail Agency is built and named for Brule Sioux Chief Spotted Tail, near Sheridan, Nebraska. The agency is to supply treaty payments, including food, clothing, weapons, and utensils, under the terms of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty. Spring of 1874 - General Sheridan authorizes the establishment of a Fort in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Custer's 7th Cavalry is subsequently dispatched from Fort Lincoln which is to be the main base camp. June, 1874- Located on the west bank of the Missouri River near Fort Yates, Dakota Territory, Standing Rock Agency succeedes the Grand River Agency established in 1869. Standing Rock serves bands of both Upper and Lower Yanktonai, Cutheads, Hunkpapa, and Blackfeet. July 2nd 1874 - Custer's force moves out of Fort Lincoln with trains numbering over 100 wagons, two companies of Infantry, a piece of heavy artillery, several Gatling guns, complemented by ten companies of the 7th Cavalry. In addition, Custer assembles a large group of Indian scouts, including Bloody Knife, his trusted Crow companion. The American expeditionary force approaches the hills towards the latter part of July and enters the Black Hills on the 25th, and makes camp in what would be present day Custer, South Dakota on the 27th. The troops remain in the hills for several weeks before returning to Fort Lincoln with information that the Black Hills are not being used by the Sioux. The expedition returns to Fort Lincoln with the entire trip being uncontested by the Sioux, a fact which has never been explained or fully understood. August 30th 1874 - Colonel Nelson A. Miles' command intercepts Kiowa and Comanches leaving their reservation, and inflicts heavy casualties on them in the Antelope Hills of Oklahoma. Late 1870's April 23rd 1875 - A detachment of 6 men from the U.S. 6th Cavalry, including Private Peter Gardiner and Pvt. Simpson, sneaks behind Cheyenne lines at Sappa Creek, Kansas. This surprise attack causes the hostile Indians to withdraw from their once formidable positions, allowing the main column of the 6th Cavalry to proceed without further harassment. July 9th 1875 - General Crook headquartered at Big Horn, Montana, requires important messages be communicated between himself and his staggered forces to insure the safety of his command, including those in the field. Private. James Bell Company E, 7th U.S. Infantry risks his life by volunteering to successfully carry these most important documents through Indian terrain, keeping General Crook informed of the situations concerning the success of his campaign. March 1st 1876 - General George Crook departs Fort Fetterman, Wyoming with just under 1,000 troops, heading up the Bozeman Trail towards the Powder River. March 17th 1876 - Colonel J.J. Reynolds attacks the encampment of Crazy Horse on the Powder River. The Indians counterattack and Colonel Reynolds withdraws to rejoin General Crook. April 28th 1876 - A contingent of the U.S. 23rd Infantry clashes with hostile Indians near Fort Hartstuff, Nebraska. Nearby beside present day Valentine, Nebraska, Fort Niobrara is established. May 1876 - General Terry and Lt. Col. Custer~depart Fort Abraham Lincoln, Nebraska, heading for the Yellowstone River in search of the Sioux and Cheyenne camps. In addition, Colonel John Gibbon's command is advancing from Fort Ellis, Montana to rendezvous with the troops of Terry and another column commanded by General Crook which departed Fort Fetterman, Wyoming Territory. The combined force is to assault and destroy the hostile encampments but as the converging troops are advancing on their objective, obstacles interrupt the plan. May 17th-18th 1876 - The 7th Cavalry departs Fort Lincoln heading for the Black Hills. It was touchy for a while whether or not Custer would be with the Regiment because of several personal problems stemming from politics, but after a last minute plea and the intercession of General Terry, Custer moves out with the 7th, marching to the tune of "The Girl I Left Behind Me" The famed Battle of Little Big Horn is one march away and the gallant 7th Cavalry unknowingly rides to immortality. June 17th 1876 - BATTLE OF ROSEBUD - Scouts under General Crook's command discover a force of Sioux and Cheyenne approaching Crook's column which is halted at the Rosebud River. The Indians engage Crook's command in a heated six-hour battle. June 21st 1876 - General Terry, Colonel Gibbon and Custer meet aboard the Steamboat Far West, at the Powder River Depot, to discuss battle plans against the Indians. The scouts determine they will find the Indians on a stream called "Grassy Grass", also known as "Little Big Horn" The following day, the U.S. 7th Cavalry pass in review in front of General Terry prior to their march against the Sioux at the Little Big Horn. June 25th-27th 1876- THE BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG HORN, General Custer and 265 of his men are defeated by Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and Gall, among others. June 27th 1876 - As America was preparing for its 100th Birthday, telegraph lines throughout the country are announcing the national disaster at the Little Big Horn on the plains of the Dakotas . June, 1876- Camp Coullier is established at the mouth of Red Canyon to protect travelers over the 150 mile Cheyenne-Black Hills stage road. July 17th 1876 - BATTLE OF WARBONNET CREEK -Col. Wesley Merritt and his 5th Cavalry of Fort Robinson, Nebraska, attack the Cheyenne in the vicinity of Fort Robinson. William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) becomes a national hero because of his actions at this battle. July, 1876- Reservation Indians are forced to sign a treaty ceding the Black Hills or face possible removal and loss of rations in Crawford, Nebraska. July. 1876- General Crook's scout, Lt. Sibley encounters Lakota and Cheyenne warriors and chase his men into the Bighorn Mountains. September 9th 1876 - Colonel Anson Mills and his troops engage Indians under Crazy Horse at Slim Buttes, Dakota Territory. October 21st 1876-January 8th 1877- The U.S. Army and Cavalry clash with hostile Indians at Cedar Creek and other locations in Montana. October 1876- Colonel Mackenzie departes Camp Robinson with about 1,000 troopers of the U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment, U.S. 3rd Cavalry Regiment, U.S. 4th Cavalry Regiment, and U.S. 5th Cavalry Regiment. He also had a large contingent of Indians scouts, including Pawnee, Arapaho and Lakota. He finds the camp of Dull Knife and Little Wolf along Bates Creek near the North Fork of the Powder River. November 25th 1876 - A contingent of the U.S. 4th Cavalry is attacked by a superior force of hostile Indians at Powder River, Wyoming. November 26th 1876 - Mackenzie's forces engage Cheyennes at the Battle of the Big Horn Mountains. These troops are under the command of General Crook. December 7, 1876- Three 5th Infantry companies attack and destroy Sitting Bull’s camp on Ash Creek. January 8th 1877- BATTLE OF WOLF MOUNTAIN -U.S. troops engage a force of more than 500 Sioux and Cheyenne under Chief Crazy Horse, at Wolf Mountain, Montana. January 8th 1877- General Miles begins Battle Butte, few are killed but many Indians come to realize the power of the U.S. Government. January 13th 1877- A war party of 14 hostile Indians ambushes a five-man detachment of the U.S. 3rd Cavalry in the vicinity of Elkhorn Creek, in Wyoming. January 20th-22nd 1877 - The U.S. Cavalry clashes with hostile Indians in and around Bluff Station, Wyoming. March, 1877- Fort Custer is built near the Little Bighorn Battlefield and originally named Big Horn Post or Big Horn Barracks. April, 1877- The Red Cloud Agency moves to the Missouri River at the mouth of Medicine Creek in present day South Dakota. May 5, 1877-Crazy Horse and other northern Oglala leaders arrive at the Red Cloud Agency, located near Camp Robinson, Nebraska, on May 5, 1877. Together with He Dog, Little Big Man, Iron Crow and others, they meet in a solemn ceremony with First Lieutenant William P. Clark as the first step in their formal surrender. May 7th 1877- A Sioux war party attacks the 2nd U.S. Cavalry at Little Muddy Creek, Montana. May 7th, 1877- Colonel Miles attacks a Miniconjou village and kills 14 warriors, including Lame Deer. September 5, 1877- Crazy Horse is stabbed with a bayonet of one of the members of the guard. He is taken to the adjutant's office where he is tended by the assistant post surgeon at the post, Dr. Valentine McGillycuddy, and dies late that night. August 9th 1877- Colonel Gibbon attacks a village on the Big Hole River, fighting the Nez Perce there for 11 hours. September 13, 1877- Colonel Sturgis orders his men to attack near Canyon Creek, lasting 2 days. October 5, 1877- Chief Joseph surrenders to Colonel Miles and General Howard after a long siege at Bear Paw. March 18, 1878- Nathan Meeker is appointed agent to the Utes and later requests military help, which develops into the Meeker Massacre when the Utes retaliate. August 5, 1878- Cavalry interrupts a battle between Pawnee and Sioux at Massacre Canyon. September, 1878- The Red Cloud Agency moves to White Clay Creek where it becomes know as Pine Ridge Agency. October 24, 1878- South of present-day Chadron, Nebraska, an army patrol intercepted Dull Knife and his people and escorted them into Fort Robinson. A total of 149 men, women, and children were taken into custody and confined in the cavalry barracks. Initially the Cheyennes were free to leave the barracks as long as all were present for evening roll call. Several of the women were even employed at the fort, and this arrangement continued into December 1878. November, 1978- Fort George W. Meade is established as a cavalry fort to protect the new settlements in the northern Black Hills, especially the nearby gold mining area around Deadwood. Several stage and freighting routes pass through Fort Meade enroute to Deadwood. January 9, 1879- By late December the Cheyennes were prisoners in the barracks, no longer allowed to come and go. The army was under orders to pressure them into returning south, and the Cheyennes were equally determined never to go back to the southern reservation. By the night of January 9, 1879, the impasse had come to a point of crisis, and the Cheyennes broke out of the barracks. Weapons they had hidden earlier were used to shoot the guards, and while some of the men held off the soldiers, the remaining Cheyennes fled in the dark. October 5, 1879- The Utes prepare for retaliation from the Meeker Massacre and battle with Lt. Cherry at Milk Creek. 1880's July 19th 1881 - Chief Sitting Bull returns from Canada to surrender to the Army at Fort Buford, South Dakota. November 1899-1890- The Indians, anticipating their God's arrival with ghosts of their ancestors, enact a ghost dance to recall the buffalo and spirits of the deceased Indians. December 15th 1890 - Chief Sitting Bull is killed by Indian policemen (Lt. Bull Head and Sgt. Red Tomahawk). The remaining Sioux after the death of Sitting Bull flee and follow Chief Big Foot. The U.S. Cavalry begins immediate pursuit. December 28th 1890 - The Cavalry captures Big Foot and his braves, moving them to Wounded Knee Creek. December 29th 1890- BATTLE OF WOUNDED KNEE |
| Plains Indian Wars' Timeline of Significant Events and Occurances |
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