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
___________________________________
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!)

Pioneer Holidays

It's Holiday Season so let's look at the most important holidays in a pioneer's life...

Independence Day - pioneers dedicated Independence Rock a huge piece of granite rock in Wyoming.  128 feet tall, 700 feet wide and 1900 feet long.  Pioneers would carve their names and dates on the rock as they passed through to the Pacific Coast.  Independence Rock became the point on the trail of "keeping on schedule".  If the party arrived at Independence Rock by a certain date, it was certain that they would make it through the mountains before winter set in.

For Independence Day, special food was purchased along the trail at Fort Laramie including pies,  lemonade and fresh bread. Flags were sewn from scraps of fabric, dances were held and the name carvings all marked the 4th of July on the pioneer trail.

Fort Laramie was 1/3 of the distance on the Oregon Trail.  A US Army post since 1849, it was the main stop on the way west where pioneers purchased fresh animals (horses, oxen and mules), supplies, and had repairs done.  It was quite expensive and many had to turn back east when they got this far.  Most heavy items were left at Fort Laramie - like stoves and furniture because going over the mountains was difficult enough without extra weight to carry. 

One of the landmarks that told the pioneers they were near Fort Laramie was Chimney Rock which measured 325 feet high from the base.

Weddings - Weddings on the frontier were quite different than ours are today.   Shot guns went off, kettles and pans were banging and the couple's wagon was shaken until late into the night.  This celebration was called a chivaree with fiddles and banjos providing the music. Weddings were anything but quiet, subdued affairs!!

Of course we can see where we get the tying of cans and streamers to the "Just Married" cars today, as well as the music for the reception.  However, today we don't usually shoot off shot guns to announce our weddings :)

Next time we will finish up the Wagon Train and then share some recipes for a Thanksgiving Dinner.