The U.S. Cavalry Vs The Indians
The U.S. Cavalry Vs The Indians
New Table of Contents
The U.S. Cavalry Versus The Indians
The U.S. Cavalry Versus The Indians
1832 through 1898
After the Civil War, the United States concentrated on the reconstruction of its war-torn southern cities; its Army however, would continue to engage in battle with Indian tribes, many of whom remain hostile.
These fierce warriors, determined to keep their lands free of encroaching settlers, swept down in hordes, showing little compassion. An Indian attack was swift and merciless. Without notice, any unsuspecting settlement or ranch might be ravaged. After a savage raid, the Indians often tortured their captives with slow fire, scalping and mutilating the dead, then stripped the corpses, using the carnage for target practice. In many instances, the withdrawing attackers took women and children captive, often a fate worse than death. The Army attempted to quell these attacks, but Infantry was no match for what was probably the greatest Light Cavalry in the world. Forts were scattered sparsely throughout the Territory in a terrain unfamiliar to the troops, causing additional hardships for the Army. These circumstances caused the U.S. Cavalry to assume its prominent role in the course of American history.
The U.S. Cavalry was formed in 1833 with the merger of the Rangers and the 1st Regiment of Dragoons. Their exploits took them into battle with the Comanches and Pawnees in 1834, against the Seminoles, Pueblos, Apaches and others, up to outbreak of the Civil War. In fact, the Civil War exacerbated the problem, as Army troops were rushed from Indian Territory to fight in the East during the Civil War, giving the Indians open season on the settlers, with death and destruction ensuing.
During 1858, a contingent of Cavalry commanded by Colonel Steptoe exemplified the courage and valor of the Horse Soldiers. These 150 men were surrounded by a hostile force of over 1,200 warriors. They yielded not an inch nor showed any fear. Their ammunition dwindled to three rounds per man but they stood firm prepared to empty their guns and give their lives for the Colors. The Indians suddenly and inexplicably withdrew, sparing the Cavalry certain disaster. The Cavalry avenged this attack by devastating the Indians at the Battle of Four Lakes, in the vicinity of Fort Walla Walla, Washington Territory, inflicting over 500 casualties on the enemy, yet suffering none themselves.
Apaches, known for their ruthless tactics, massacred fourteen miners who foolhardily attempted to cross Apache Pass in 1861. Simultaneously, an advance Cavalry unit under a Captain Roberts approached the pass from the opposite direction. The Cavalry although am-bushed, shocked the Apaches with artillery fire. These "shooting wagons" as the Indians described them, prevented a catastrophe, allowing the besieged troopers to hold out until reinforcements arrived. The Cavalry, once reinforced, crossed Apache Pass; counting over 60 dead warriors, while suffering only 4 casualties themselves. Apache Chief Mangus Coloradas had been gravely wounded at this battle by the fortuitous luck of Trooper John Teal, who after having had his horse shot out from under him while attempting to get reinforcements, fired from behind his horse, wounding the Chief and saving the day.
The Stars and Stripes waves briskly over the newly constructed Fort Phil Kearny, Wyoming, in 1866. Logging parties attempting to supply lumber to the Fort were under continuous attack. On one such mission, two men were captured and tortured. One week later, their skulls and skeletons. were retrieved. Some Cavalry Officers remained unconvinced of the tenacity of the Indians. One such Officer, a Captain Fetterman, boasted "GIVE ME EIGHTY MEN AND I'LL RIDE THROUGH THE ENTIRE SIOUX NATION" During December, 1866, Fetterman was ordered to assist a wagon train near Fort Kearny. He blatantly disobeyed his orders, advancing his column towards certain death. In a battle which lasted under half an hour, twenty-five percent of the troops from Fort Kearny were wiped out. The naked, scalped bodies of the eighty-one Troopers were recovered by a search party. This unnecessary disaster would be remembered always as "Fetterman's Folly" This defeat convinced the Army that these defenders needed the new 50 calibre Springfield breech-loaded rifles which were forwarded to Fort Kearny the following spring. It did not take long for the rifles to prove their worth. A contingent of 40 men under the command of Captain Powell were attacked by a massive Sioux war party, exceeding 1,500 Braves, in the vicinity of Fort Kearny. Powell, with an enormous amount of calm cockiness, states: "MEN, FIND A PLACE IN THE WAGON BOXES, YOU'LL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR YOUR LIVES TODAY~' These defiant, outnumbered defenders fired at will, stopping waves of war-painted, Indians from overwhelming their small makeshift Fortress of overturned wagons. The Indians finally withdrew. Sgt. Sam Gibson, elated after the "Wagonbox Fight", remarked: "THANKS TO GOD AND LT. GEN. SHERMAN, WE WERE ARMED WITH THE NEW WEAPON:"
The Horse Soldiers continued their search and destroy missions, defeating the northern Cheyennes led by Chief Tall Bull, at the Battle of Summit Springs in Colorado during January, 1869. The Cavalry also devastated the Modocs at the Lava Beds, in California, with overpowering artillery, blasting the Indians into submission. The Modoc War ended with the public hanging of Chief Captain Jack on the parade field of Fort Klamath, on October 3rd, 1873. General Mackenzie's Cavalry pursued the Kiowa and Comanches relentlessly during 1874. The Indians finally surrendered during the winter. The Sioux and Cheyenne under Sitting Bull finally secured a major victory against the Cavalry on June 25th, 1876, at the Little Big Horn. The famed 7th Cavalry under Custer, split in two, approached the ponderous Sioux-Cheyenne encampment. Custer's men, after being completely surrounded by the hostiles, fought to the last man. Legend has it that Custer was the only man to escape scalping, although there is no documenting the fact. The other half of the 7th Cavalry was surrounded on the 26th. They held out against overwhelming odds, for two days, until a relief column under General Terry arrived to save them. The Indians chose not to fight the larger force and withdrew savoring their tremendous victory over Custer's 7th Cavalry.
Custer's demise was mourned by the entire nation, but the Cavalry rose to the occasion, armed with vengeance in their hearts, retaliating furiously, never forgetting the 197 mutilated, naked bodies of the gallant 7th. Buffalo Bill Cody became a national hero for his courageous actions at the Battle of War Bonnet Creek, in the vicinity of Fort Robinson, Nebraska, in July, 1876. The 7th Cavalry crushed the Nez Perce Tribe under Chief Joseph, in retaliation for the Indian victory over the Cavalry at White Bird Canyon. Chief Joseph surrendered on October 5, 1876, ending the war.
The northern Cheyenne attempted to leave their Oklahoma reservation, to return to Montana, but the Cavalry pursued without mercy, badgering them into submission. The Apaches continued their hit-and-run skirmishes, but in July, 1882, the Cavalry vanquished the Apaches at the Battle of Big Dry Wash, the last major battle on Arizona soil.
One of the most tenacious and evasive of all the Chiefs was Geronimo, who destroyed at will, while always avoiding capture. On the two occasions when the Cavalry managed to subdue him, he escaped. In an attempt to end Geronimo's terror-raids, the Cavalry marched 48 hours without rest to surprise the sleeping Apaches, on January 8, 1886. The Cavalry captured all the Indian supplies, but not Geronimo, who reached Mexico safely, where he continued to raid settlements until he surrendered for the third and final time, in Mexico, during September of 1886.
The final half of the 1880s signaled the end of the Indians as a powerful foe. The Cavalry and its artillery were simply too much for the once indefatigable Indians. The great Chiefs grew scarce, the buffalo were nearly extinct. The Indians attempted to dance back the buffalo and spirits of their departed, in anticipation of the appearance of the Indian god, however, their situation only worsened. An Indian policeman shot Chief Sitting Bull on December 15th, 1890, while attempting to place him under arrest and the Cavalry captured the Sioux under Chief Big Foot, subsequently moving them to Wounded Knee Creek. As the Cavalry attempt to disarm the captive Sioux, a warrior fired a shot in the direction of the troops, most of whom were members of the 7th Cavalry. The 7th respond immediately, asking no explanation or question. Their deadly first volley killed approximately half the Sioux. Shots continued until many more Indians men, women and children were killed or wounded. The battle was a one-sided victory for the 7th, but they lost 25 men killed and 37 wounded to these defiant, proud warriors, who flung the final arrows against the Horse Soldiers. They would fight no more. The great Chiefs, Mangus Coloradas, Cochise, Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Joseph, Geronimo and many others, had done their best, but settlers could now move throughout the West, untroubled by fear of hostile attacks.
The role of the U.S. Cavalry would soon end forever, as machines replaced the horse, but these proud men who had followed the orders of Washington rode to glory and immortality. Their boots and saddles embossed and carved a legend of valor and courage in the hearts and minds of all Americans. This nation owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Cavalry, for without their determination and sacrifice, the West could never have been secured.
It should be duly noted that many friendly Indians fought side by side with the Cavalry over the duration. Their help, as interpreters, scouts and fighters, was an admirable and invaluable contribution to the winning of the West.
1832 through 1898
After the Civil War, the United States concentrated on the reconstruction of its war-torn southern cities; its Army however, would continue to engage in battle with Indian tribes, many of whom remain hostile.
These fierce warriors, determined to keep their lands free of encroaching settlers, swept down in hordes, showing little compassion. An Indian attack was swift and merciless. Without notice, any unsuspecting settlement or ranch might be ravaged. After a savage raid, the Indians often tortured their captives with slow fire, scalping and mutilating the dead, then stripped the corpses, using the carnage for target practice. In many instances, the withdrawing attackers took women and children captive, often a fate worse than death. The Army attempted to quell these attacks, but Infantry was no match for what was probably the greatest Light Cavalry in the world. Forts were scattered sparsely throughout the Territory in a terrain unfamiliar to the troops, causing additional hardships for the Army. These circumstances caused the U.S. Cavalry to assume its prominent role in the course of American history.
The U.S. Cavalry was formed in 1833 with the merger of the Rangers and the 1st Regiment of Dragoons. Their exploits took them into battle with the Comanches and Pawnees in 1834, against the Seminoles, Pueblos, Apaches and others, up to outbreak of the Civil War. In fact, the Civil War exacerbated the problem, as Army troops were rushed from Indian Territory to fight in the East during the Civil War, giving the Indians open season on the settlers, with death and destruction ensuing.
During 1858, a contingent of Cavalry commanded by Colonel Steptoe exemplified the courage and valor of the Horse Soldiers. These 150 men were surrounded by a hostile force of over 1,200 warriors. They yielded not an inch nor showed any fear. Their ammunition dwindled to three rounds per man but they stood firm prepared to empty their guns and give their lives for the Colors. The Indians suddenly and inexplicably withdrew, sparing the Cavalry certain disaster. The Cavalry avenged this attack by devastating the Indians at the Battle of Four Lakes, in the vicinity of Fort Walla Walla, Washington Territory, inflicting over 500 casualties on the enemy, yet suffering none themselves.
Apaches, known for their ruthless tactics, massacred fourteen miners who foolhardily attempted to cross Apache Pass in 1861. Simultaneously, an advance Cavalry unit under a Captain Roberts approached the pass from the opposite direction. The Cavalry although am-bushed, shocked the Apaches with artillery fire. These "shooting wagons" as the Indians described them, prevented a catastrophe, allowing the besieged troopers to hold out until reinforcements arrived. The Cavalry, once reinforced, crossed Apache Pass; counting over 60 dead warriors, while suffering only 4 casualties themselves. Apache Chief Mangus Coloradas had been gravely wounded at this battle by the fortuitous luck of Trooper John Teal, who after having had his horse shot out from under him while attempting to get reinforcements, fired from behind his horse, wounding the Chief and saving the day.
The Stars and Stripes waves briskly over the newly constructed Fort Phil Kearny, Wyoming, in 1866. Logging parties attempting to supply lumber to the Fort were under continuous attack. On one such mission, two men were captured and tortured. One week later, their skulls and skeletons. were retrieved. Some Cavalry Officers remained unconvinced of the tenacity of the Indians. One such Officer, a Captain Fetterman, boasted "GIVE ME EIGHTY MEN AND I'LL RIDE THROUGH THE ENTIRE SIOUX NATION" During December, 1866, Fetterman was ordered to assist a wagon train near Fort Kearny. He blatantly disobeyed his orders, advancing his column towards certain death. In a battle which lasted under half an hour, twenty-five percent of the troops from Fort Kearny were wiped out. The naked, scalped bodies of the eighty-one Troopers were recovered by a search party. This unnecessary disaster would be remembered always as "Fetterman's Folly" This defeat convinced the Army that these defenders needed the new 50 calibre Springfield breech-loaded rifles which were forwarded to Fort Kearny the following spring. It did not take long for the rifles to prove their worth. A contingent of 40 men under the command of Captain Powell were attacked by a massive Sioux war party, exceeding 1,500 Braves, in the vicinity of Fort Kearny. Powell, with an enormous amount of calm cockiness, states: "MEN, FIND A PLACE IN THE WAGON BOXES, YOU'LL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR YOUR LIVES TODAY~' These defiant, outnumbered defenders fired at will, stopping waves of war-painted, Indians from overwhelming their small makeshift Fortress of overturned wagons. The Indians finally withdrew. Sgt. Sam Gibson, elated after the "Wagonbox Fight", remarked: "THANKS TO GOD AND LT. GEN. SHERMAN, WE WERE ARMED WITH THE NEW WEAPON:"
The Horse Soldiers continued their search and destroy missions, defeating the northern Cheyennes led by Chief Tall Bull, at the Battle of Summit Springs in Colorado during January, 1869. The Cavalry also devastated the Modocs at the Lava Beds, in California, with overpowering artillery, blasting the Indians into submission. The Modoc War ended with the public hanging of Chief Captain Jack on the parade field of Fort Klamath, on October 3rd, 1873. General Mackenzie's Cavalry pursued the Kiowa and Comanches relentlessly during 1874. The Indians finally surrendered during the winter. The Sioux and Cheyenne under Sitting Bull finally secured a major victory against the Cavalry on June 25th, 1876, at the Little Big Horn. The famed 7th Cavalry under Custer, split in two, approached the ponderous Sioux-Cheyenne encampment. Custer's men, after being completely surrounded by the hostiles, fought to the last man. Legend has it that Custer was the only man to escape scalping, although there is no documenting the fact. The other half of the 7th Cavalry was surrounded on the 26th. They held out against overwhelming odds, for two days, until a relief column under General Terry arrived to save them. The Indians chose not to fight the larger force and withdrew savoring their tremendous victory over Custer's 7th Cavalry.
Custer's demise was mourned by the entire nation, but the Cavalry rose to the occasion, armed with vengeance in their hearts, retaliating furiously, never forgetting the 197 mutilated, naked bodies of the gallant 7th. Buffalo Bill Cody became a national hero for his courageous actions at the Battle of War Bonnet Creek, in the vicinity of Fort Robinson, Nebraska, in July, 1876. The 7th Cavalry crushed the Nez Perce Tribe under Chief Joseph, in retaliation for the Indian victory over the Cavalry at White Bird Canyon. Chief Joseph surrendered on October 5, 1876, ending the war.
The northern Cheyenne attempted to leave their Oklahoma reservation, to return to Montana, but the Cavalry pursued without mercy, badgering them into submission. The Apaches continued their hit-and-run skirmishes, but in July, 1882, the Cavalry vanquished the Apaches at the Battle of Big Dry Wash, the last major battle on Arizona soil.
One of the most tenacious and evasive of all the Chiefs was Geronimo, who destroyed at will, while always avoiding capture. On the two occasions when the Cavalry managed to subdue him, he escaped. In an attempt to end Geronimo's terror-raids, the Cavalry marched 48 hours without rest to surprise the sleeping Apaches, on January 8, 1886. The Cavalry captured all the Indian supplies, but not Geronimo, who reached Mexico safely, where he continued to raid settlements until he surrendered for the third and final time, in Mexico, during September of 1886.
The final half of the 1880s signaled the end of the Indians as a powerful foe. The Cavalry and its artillery were simply too much for the once indefatigable Indians. The great Chiefs grew scarce, the buffalo were nearly extinct. The Indians attempted to dance back the buffalo and spirits of their departed, in anticipation of the appearance of the Indian god, however, their situation only worsened. An Indian policeman shot Chief Sitting Bull on December 15th, 1890, while attempting to place him under arrest and the Cavalry captured the Sioux under Chief Big Foot, subsequently moving them to Wounded Knee Creek. As the Cavalry attempt to disarm the captive Sioux, a warrior fired a shot in the direction of the troops, most of whom were members of the 7th Cavalry. The 7th respond immediately, asking no explanation or question. Their deadly first volley killed approximately half the Sioux. Shots continued until many more Indians men, women and children were killed or wounded. The battle was a one-sided victory for the 7th, but they lost 25 men killed and 37 wounded to these defiant, proud warriors, who flung the final arrows against the Horse Soldiers. They would fight no more. The great Chiefs, Mangus Coloradas, Cochise, Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Joseph, Geronimo and many others, had done their best, but settlers could now move throughout the West, untroubled by fear of hostile attacks.
The role of the U.S. Cavalry would soon end forever, as machines replaced the horse, but these proud men who had followed the orders of Washington rode to glory and immortality. Their boots and saddles embossed and carved a legend of valor and courage in the hearts and minds of all Americans. This nation owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Cavalry, for without their determination and sacrifice, the West could never have been secured.
It should be duly noted that many friendly Indians fought side by side with the Cavalry over the duration. Their help, as interpreters, scouts and fighters, was an admirable and invaluable contribution to the winning of the West.
Chronological List 1832 through 1898
Indian War And U.S. Cavalry
1832 - During 1832, Mounted troops known as Rangers are dispatched to Fort Gibson, Oklahoma with orders to set up their camp approximately 5 miles north of the Fort on a little stream flowing into the Grand River (Ranger Creek). Within a year, these troops are merged with the Dragoons and become the U.S. Cavalry.
March 2nd 1833 - Congress would merge the Rangers and the 1st Regiment of Dragoons, initiating the birth of the "U.S. Cavalry:'
June 15th 1834 - Colonel Henry Dodge, with 500 Dragoons, leaves Fort Gibson heading for the Arkansas Territory to search out and destroy the Comanche, Pawnee and other hostile Indian tribes who had gone out of reach of the U.S. Infantry.
1835 - A detachment of the U.S. 7th Infantry is dispatched from Fort Gibson with orders to proceed under the command of Captain Stuart and establish another Fort (Fort Coffee) which is to be located approximately 13 miles further up the River.
December 28th 1835 - The "Dade Massacre" Seminoles ambush Soldiers as they march to reinforce Fort King, Florida.
May 19th 1836 - Approximately 100 Comanches raid the Texas settlement of Parker's Fort in Limestone County, Texas. Two women captives are the first known white women taken captive by Comanches.
May 26th 1837 - Representatives of the Apache Kiowa, and Tawakoni Tribes sign a Peace Treaty at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. This is the first treaty adopted between the U.S. and these Indians.
March 9th 1840 - Council House Fight - "Mook -War - Ruh" and 12 other Comanche War Chiefs with their families arrive in San Antonio for a peace parley, but a fight ensues.
March 26th 1840 - One woman held captive by the Comanches, Mrs. Webster, steals a horse, escaping from their village with one of her children. She arrives at San Antonio safely. Booker Webster, her son, and one 5 year old child survive. All other white captives held by the Comanches are "skinned, sliced and horribly mutilated, finally being burned to death" (described by Booker Webster).
August 4th 1840 - Comanches under "Buffalo Hump" bypass San Antonio with their war party of over 1,000 braves. A Militia force pursues the Indians.
August 6th 1840 - The Comanches encircle the town of Victoria, Texas and massacre several people on the outskirts.
August 7th 1840 - Buffalo Hump's warriors raid settlers along Peach Creek, as they move toward the Gulf of Mexico.
August 8th 1840 - The Comanches raid Linville, Texas (vicinity of San Antonio). The savages take Daniel Boone's granddaughter captive.
August 8th 1840 - Captain McCulloch and his Texas Rangers arrive as Linville, Texas, still in pursuit of Buffalo Hump.
August I0th-12th 1840 - Texans from all over are converge on Plum Creek to intercept Buffalo Hump's force. Tonkawa Chief Placido and 14 of his warriors join the Texans acting as scouts. The Texans engage the Comanches and chase them for approximately 15 miles towards Austin.
October 1840 - Texans under the command of Colonel John M. Moore, on the trail of the Comanches since the battle of Plum Creek, finally discover a Comanche camp of approximately 100 warriors, near the Red Fork of the Colorado, and seek revenge for the Linville Massacre.
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.
November 1846 - Major William Gilpin, with approximately 180 men, in addition to 60 Mexicans and Pueblo Indians, cross the Cordilleras mountains to join with Doniphan to engage the Navajo Indians.
January 19th 1847 - BENT MASSACRE - Pueblo Indians under Chief Tomasito attack settlers. Governor Bent of the New Mexican Territory is among the casualties.
February 3rd 1847 - The U.S. Army, accompanied by 6 pounder cannons, attack the Pueblo de Taos and its Garrison of Pueblo Indians to avenge the Bent Massacre.
1849 - The San Antonio-El Paso Road is opened to travelers and immigrants. During 1853, the Federal Government awards a Mail contract to George H. Giddings. His company subsequently uses this route to transport the U.S. Mail. During 1857, the contract is awarded to James Birch who will be remembered for the "Jackass Mail." To continue the story of the U.S. Mail, the "Butterfield Overland Mail" initiates mail service during 1859 carrying between St. Louis and San Francisco.
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.
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.
March 1854 - Apaches ambush approximately 60 troopers under Lt. Davidson, on the northern New Mexico plains.
June 1854 - General John Garland, commander of troops in New Mexico, initiates two campaigns against the Apaches.
October 1854 - U.S. Major General Persifor F. Smith selects a location in the Davis Mountains in Western Texas, for the location of a new Fort to be constructed for the defense of the area. The Fort is named in honor of Jefferson Davis (Secretary of War and later President of the Confederacy). Six companies of the U.S. 8th Infantry move west to establish and construct the new Fort which is located in the vicinity of Limpia Creek in a Box Canyon. In other activity, American troops chase and engage Apaches who have attacked a wagon train on the El Paso-San Antonio trail.
January 1855 - U.S. Cavalry under the command of Captain Thorn departs Fort Thorn on the Rio Grande and meets up with Captain Henry Stanton, to search and destroy Apaches along the Penasco River, 200 miles to the east.
March 1855 - The First U.S. Cavalry Regiment is authorized by Congress through the efforts of Jefferson Davis. It is called the 2nd Cavalry and known as "Jeff Davis' Own." This Regiment is given new breech-loaded Springfield rifles.
June 1855 - Mescalero Apaches sign a treaty ending their war with the United States.
July 1855 - The Gila Apaches also seek to sign a peace treaty, agreeing to become peaceful farmers.
November 1856 - Major Kendrick is sent to find Apaches raiding the herds of friendly Navajo Indians. One of the men with him is Henry Linn Dodge, Navajo agent.
June 23rd 1857 - U.S. troops are withdrawn from Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. In accordance with agreements from the treaty with the Cherokee nation, the post will be given to the Cherokees on September 9,1857. The present-day town of Keetoowah, Oklahoma is established on the site.
July 20th 1857 - A 2O-man detachment from the 2nd Cavalry under Lt. John Hood is ambushed near Devil's River, Texas.
July 21st 1857 - The 8th Cavalry from Fort Hudson arrives to reinforce Lt. Hood with supplies.
April 22nd 1858 - Rip Ford, a scout, leaves Camp Runnels, Texas, with a force of over 100 Texas Rangers and approximately 100 Indian scouts, heading towards Oklahoma to search out and destroy Indians. The force encounters a massive Comanche village on May 11th.
May 6th 1858 - Colonel E. I. Steptoe and his command of 157th Infantry and Dragoons are attacked by over 1,200 Indians, at Fort Walla Walla, Washington Territory.
September 1858 - Colonel George Wright's troops cross the Snake and Pease Rivers to engage Indians at "Four Lakes."
October 1st 1858 - The U.S. 2nd Cavalry marches almost 100 miles in 37 hours to surprise a Comanche war camp north of the Red River, at Rush Springs, Oklahoma Territory. The Indians are under Chief Buffalo Hump. U.S. Major Van Dorn (later a Confederate General) commands the Soldiers. Van Dorn also leads an attack against the Indians in another battle at Crooked Creek during 1859.
1860 - The Apaches allow the Butterfield Stage Coach Line to pass safely through their Territory to keep Soldiers from coming in force.
October 1860 - The Cavalry is dispatched from Fort Buchanan to recapture a young boy kidnaped by Apaches.
December 17th 1860 - Texas Ranger Sul Ross with 60 Rangers and about 70 Settlers and Scouts, pursue Comanche Chief Nawkohnee. The Rangers are joined by a detachment of the 2nd Cavalry, consisting of 20 men.
December 17th 1860 - During the Cavalry raid on Nawkohnee's camp, a white woman and child are discovered. The woman turns out to be Cynthia Ann Parker, one of the children captured during the raid on Parker's Fort in 1836. She speaks no English and has become the wife of Nawkohnee.
February 4th 1861 - Second Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom and a command of 50 Troopers go to the stagecoach post at Apache Pass, demanding that Cochise return Felix Ward or Cochise will face prison at Fort Buchanan. Cochise escapes but 6 warriors are taken prisoner The Indians are hanged. Fighting continues for several weeks between the Cavalry and the Apaches until reinforcements including Infantry and Dragoons arrive. The Apaches will continue to fight for the
1832 - During 1832, Mounted troops known as Rangers are dispatched to Fort Gibson, Oklahoma with orders to set up their camp approximately 5 miles north of the Fort on a little stream flowing into the Grand River (Ranger Creek). Within a year, these troops are merged with the Dragoons and become the U.S. Cavalry.
March 2nd 1833 - Congress would merge the Rangers and the 1st Regiment of Dragoons, initiating the birth of the "U.S. Cavalry:'
June 15th 1834 - Colonel Henry Dodge, with 500 Dragoons, leaves Fort Gibson heading for the Arkansas Territory to search out and destroy the Comanche, Pawnee and other hostile Indian tribes who had gone out of reach of the U.S. Infantry.
1835 - A detachment of the U.S. 7th Infantry is dispatched from Fort Gibson with orders to proceed under the command of Captain Stuart and establish another Fort (Fort Coffee) which is to be located approximately 13 miles further up the River.
December 28th 1835 - The "Dade Massacre" Seminoles ambush Soldiers as they march to reinforce Fort King, Florida.
May 19th 1836 - Approximately 100 Comanches raid the Texas settlement of Parker's Fort in Limestone County, Texas. Two women captives are the first known white women taken captive by Comanches.
May 26th 1837 - Representatives of the Apache Kiowa, and Tawakoni Tribes sign a Peace Treaty at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. This is the first treaty adopted between the U.S. and these Indians.
March 9th 1840 - Council House Fight - "Mook -War - Ruh" and 12 other Comanche War Chiefs with their families arrive in San Antonio for a peace parley, but a fight ensues.
March 26th 1840 - One woman held captive by the Comanches, Mrs. Webster, steals a horse, escaping from their village with one of her children. She arrives at San Antonio safely. Booker Webster, her son, and one 5 year old child survive. All other white captives held by the Comanches are "skinned, sliced and horribly mutilated, finally being burned to death" (described by Booker Webster).
August 4th 1840 - Comanches under "Buffalo Hump" bypass San Antonio with their war party of over 1,000 braves. A Militia force pursues the Indians.
August 6th 1840 - The Comanches encircle the town of Victoria, Texas and massacre several people on the outskirts.
August 7th 1840 - Buffalo Hump's warriors raid settlers along Peach Creek, as they move toward the Gulf of Mexico.
August 8th 1840 - The Comanches raid Linville, Texas (vicinity of San Antonio). The savages take Daniel Boone's granddaughter captive.
August 8th 1840 - Captain McCulloch and his Texas Rangers arrive as Linville, Texas, still in pursuit of Buffalo Hump.
August I0th-12th 1840 - Texans from all over are converge on Plum Creek to intercept Buffalo Hump's force. Tonkawa Chief Placido and 14 of his warriors join the Texans acting as scouts. The Texans engage the Comanches and chase them for approximately 15 miles towards Austin.
October 1840 - Texans under the command of Colonel John M. Moore, on the trail of the Comanches since the battle of Plum Creek, finally discover a Comanche camp of approximately 100 warriors, near the Red Fork of the Colorado, and seek revenge for the Linville Massacre.
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.
November 1846 - Major William Gilpin, with approximately 180 men, in addition to 60 Mexicans and Pueblo Indians, cross the Cordilleras mountains to join with Doniphan to engage the Navajo Indians.
January 19th 1847 - BENT MASSACRE - Pueblo Indians under Chief Tomasito attack settlers. Governor Bent of the New Mexican Territory is among the casualties.
February 3rd 1847 - The U.S. Army, accompanied by 6 pounder cannons, attack the Pueblo de Taos and its Garrison of Pueblo Indians to avenge the Bent Massacre.
1849 - The San Antonio-El Paso Road is opened to travelers and immigrants. During 1853, the Federal Government awards a Mail contract to George H. Giddings. His company subsequently uses this route to transport the U.S. Mail. During 1857, the contract is awarded to James Birch who will be remembered for the "Jackass Mail." To continue the story of the U.S. Mail, the "Butterfield Overland Mail" initiates mail service during 1859 carrying between St. Louis and San Francisco.
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.
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.
March 1854 - Apaches ambush approximately 60 troopers under Lt. Davidson, on the northern New Mexico plains.
June 1854 - General John Garland, commander of troops in New Mexico, initiates two campaigns against the Apaches.
October 1854 - U.S. Major General Persifor F. Smith selects a location in the Davis Mountains in Western Texas, for the location of a new Fort to be constructed for the defense of the area. The Fort is named in honor of Jefferson Davis (Secretary of War and later President of the Confederacy). Six companies of the U.S. 8th Infantry move west to establish and construct the new Fort which is located in the vicinity of Limpia Creek in a Box Canyon. In other activity, American troops chase and engage Apaches who have attacked a wagon train on the El Paso-San Antonio trail.
January 1855 - U.S. Cavalry under the command of Captain Thorn departs Fort Thorn on the Rio Grande and meets up with Captain Henry Stanton, to search and destroy Apaches along the Penasco River, 200 miles to the east.
March 1855 - The First U.S. Cavalry Regiment is authorized by Congress through the efforts of Jefferson Davis. It is called the 2nd Cavalry and known as "Jeff Davis' Own." This Regiment is given new breech-loaded Springfield rifles.
June 1855 - Mescalero Apaches sign a treaty ending their war with the United States.
July 1855 - The Gila Apaches also seek to sign a peace treaty, agreeing to become peaceful farmers.
November 1856 - Major Kendrick is sent to find Apaches raiding the herds of friendly Navajo Indians. One of the men with him is Henry Linn Dodge, Navajo agent.
June 23rd 1857 - U.S. troops are withdrawn from Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. In accordance with agreements from the treaty with the Cherokee nation, the post will be given to the Cherokees on September 9,1857. The present-day town of Keetoowah, Oklahoma is established on the site.
July 20th 1857 - A 2O-man detachment from the 2nd Cavalry under Lt. John Hood is ambushed near Devil's River, Texas.
July 21st 1857 - The 8th Cavalry from Fort Hudson arrives to reinforce Lt. Hood with supplies.
April 22nd 1858 - Rip Ford, a scout, leaves Camp Runnels, Texas, with a force of over 100 Texas Rangers and approximately 100 Indian scouts, heading towards Oklahoma to search out and destroy Indians. The force encounters a massive Comanche village on May 11th.
May 6th 1858 - Colonel E. I. Steptoe and his command of 157th Infantry and Dragoons are attacked by over 1,200 Indians, at Fort Walla Walla, Washington Territory.
September 1858 - Colonel George Wright's troops cross the Snake and Pease Rivers to engage Indians at "Four Lakes."
October 1st 1858 - The U.S. 2nd Cavalry marches almost 100 miles in 37 hours to surprise a Comanche war camp north of the Red River, at Rush Springs, Oklahoma Territory. The Indians are under Chief Buffalo Hump. U.S. Major Van Dorn (later a Confederate General) commands the Soldiers. Van Dorn also leads an attack against the Indians in another battle at Crooked Creek during 1859.
1860 - The Apaches allow the Butterfield Stage Coach Line to pass safely through their Territory to keep Soldiers from coming in force.
October 1860 - The Cavalry is dispatched from Fort Buchanan to recapture a young boy kidnaped by Apaches.
December 17th 1860 - Texas Ranger Sul Ross with 60 Rangers and about 70 Settlers and Scouts, pursue Comanche Chief Nawkohnee. The Rangers are joined by a detachment of the 2nd Cavalry, consisting of 20 men.
December 17th 1860 - During the Cavalry raid on Nawkohnee's camp, a white woman and child are discovered. The woman turns out to be Cynthia Ann Parker, one of the children captured during the raid on Parker's Fort in 1836. She speaks no English and has become the wife of Nawkohnee.
February 4th 1861 - Second Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom and a command of 50 Troopers go to the stagecoach post at Apache Pass, demanding that Cochise return Felix Ward or Cochise will face prison at Fort Buchanan. Cochise escapes but 6 warriors are taken prisoner The Indians are hanged. Fighting continues for several weeks between the Cavalry and the Apaches until reinforcements including Infantry and Dragoons arrive. The Apaches will continue to fight for the
Calvery Vs Indians
by LadyHawk2
Hello Everyone, I am LadyHawk and I am a Domestic Violence Survivor. It took me 10 years before I had the courage enough to walk away. It has taken... (more)
