A Red Cloud over Dakota Territory

At Fort Laramie in 1866, the government met with western Sioux chiefs such as Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses, Spotted Tail and one of the most feared of all Sioux leaders - Ogala chief Red Cloud.  Red Cloud's bands had been attacking parties of settlers traveling through the great buffalo preserve on their way to Montana gold fields.  The Laramie council had been called to settle the matter of the Bozeman Trail.

Col. Henry B. Carrington at once announced that the War Department had ordered troops to construct forts along the Trail to protect the settlers.  Red Cloud, enraged, shouted, "The Great Father sends us presents and wants us to sell him the road, but white chief goes with soldiers to steal the road before Indians say Yes or No!"  (true point!)  Red Cloud, accompanied by other Sioux and northern Cheyenne, left the meeting in disgust before it even got started.

For months the soldiers along the Bozeman Trail could not leave their forts.  It was too dangerous.  In bands as many as 200, Red Cloud's braves ambushed the forts.  By the end of 1866 when Fort Kearny was finished, it became apparent that the Army's presence along the Bozeman Trail was not protecting anyone.

On December 21, 1866, William J. Fellerman, an impetuous young captain at Fort Kearny, boasted that he could ride through the entire Sioux Nation with just 80 men.  He was given that chance when he was sent out with just 80 men to relieve a detail under attack.  He allowed himself and his men to be lured into an ambush by a young Sioux named Crazy Horse.  The entire company, including their cocky leader, were killed. 

The loss reduced Fort Kearny to such a degree that they feared the entire command might be destroyed at any moment.  In the midst of a raging blizzard, a civilian, John Phillips, rode to Laramie alone in four days, and men were on their way to replenish Fort Kearny.  The extra men failed to intimidate the Sioux, however...

Next Time...The Battle at Fort Kearny
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Today in Pioneer History:  "On December 15, 1919, hot molasses floods the streets of Boston, killing 21 people and injuring scores of others. The molasses burst from a huge tank at the United States Industrial Alcohol Company building in the heart of the city. It took weeks to clean the molasses from the streets of Boston. This disaster also produced an epic court battle, as more than 100 lawsuits were filed against the United States Industrial Alcohol Company.  (it was a slow news day in Pioneer History!)