Battle of Solomon Fork
In the years preceding the Battle of Solomon’s Fork, the Cheyenne people had maintained relative peace with the white settlers, who had not yet started encroaching on their territory. While the Cheyenne were peaceful with white settlers, they were often at war with other tribes. To the Cheyenne people, having a fighting spirit was encouraged and welcomed among the young men of the tribe. To be killed in battle while in their prime was considered a great honor, and living to old age was disagreeable.
Trouble began when the Sioux people, traditional allies of the Cheyenne, killed 31 United States Army soldiers at the Grattan Massacre in 1854. In March of 1856, Colonel William Selby Harney joined Sioux leaders at a peace meeting at Fort Pierre. This meeting also included Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples, and Harney demanded that they all make peace with each other and withdraw from the Platte River territory. |
The Cheyenne agreed to avoid any conflict with the United States Army. However, several events following the agreement proved that they could not. Numerous incidents, including accusations of theft from U.S. soldiers, murder of innocents on both sides of the conflict, and fear tactics perpetrated by U.S. soldiers, left great tension and distrust between the two factions.
In revenge for an attack from U.S. troops that killed ten of their people and injured another eight, the Cheyenne attacked emigrant wagon trains, which led to the killing of twelve whites and the kidnapping of two. General Persifor Frazer Smith, commander of the Department of the West, demanded severe punishment for the Cheyenne attacks.
On May 18, 1857 a Cheyenne expedition under the command of Edwin Vose Sumner departs from Fort Leavenworth to track a band of renegade Indians. The Battle of Solomon Fork: On July 29, 1857, about three hundred Cheyenne warriors waited for their adversaries on the Solomon River's south fork. Without infantry or artillery support, Sumner faced the warriors with about the same number of cavalry. Fall Leaf, a Delaware scout, fired the first shot, answered by a few shots from the Cheyennes. When Sumner ordered a saber charge, the warriors broke off their charge, fired arrows, and sped away.“The Cheyenne Campaign of 1857” is the historical accounts of the first actual campaign against the Plains Indians - known as the Battle of Solomon Fork. This little-known clash with the Cheyenne Indians took place in northwest Kansas, near present-day Penokee, in Graham County, Kansas.
In revenge for an attack from U.S. troops that killed ten of their people and injured another eight, the Cheyenne attacked emigrant wagon trains, which led to the killing of twelve whites and the kidnapping of two. General Persifor Frazer Smith, commander of the Department of the West, demanded severe punishment for the Cheyenne attacks.
On May 18, 1857 a Cheyenne expedition under the command of Edwin Vose Sumner departs from Fort Leavenworth to track a band of renegade Indians. The Battle of Solomon Fork: On July 29, 1857, about three hundred Cheyenne warriors waited for their adversaries on the Solomon River's south fork. Without infantry or artillery support, Sumner faced the warriors with about the same number of cavalry. Fall Leaf, a Delaware scout, fired the first shot, answered by a few shots from the Cheyennes. When Sumner ordered a saber charge, the warriors broke off their charge, fired arrows, and sped away.“The Cheyenne Campaign of 1857” is the historical accounts of the first actual campaign against the Plains Indians - known as the Battle of Solomon Fork. This little-known clash with the Cheyenne Indians took place in northwest Kansas, near present-day Penokee, in Graham County, Kansas.
Colonel Edwin Vos Sumner: His Crucial Role in the Cheyenne Indian Wars
Immerse yourself in the tumultuous era of the Cheyenne Indian Wars with our latest podcast episode. From the sparking embers of the initial conflict in the Cheyenne Campaign of 1857 to the chilling climax in the Sheridan Winter Campaign of 1868, we uncover the tales that shaped the raw, unbridled landscape of the American West.
The Cheyenne Indian Wars were a series of conflicts marked by intense encounters, failed negotiations, and striking displays of courage and strategy. The U.S. government initially sought to avoid conflict by negotiating with the Cheyenne. However, when these efforts proved fruitless, they employed aggressive tactics to confront their perceived enemy. One such tactic was the environment itself, which played a crucial role in these battles. The terrain, with its rugged paths and sun-kissed grasslands, provided a challenging yet fascinating backdrop to this volatile era.
At the helm of these encounters was Colonel Edwin Vos Sumner, a figure of notable importance in the Cheyenne Indian Wars. Colonel Sumner's regiment was tasked with venturing through the raw wilderness, navigating the treacherous Santa Fe Trail, and facing the adrenaline-fueled spectacle of a massive buffalo stampede. The Colonel's strategy and courage were pivotal in leading his men through these daunting experiences.
A critical turning point in the wars was the Battle of Solomon Fork. Colonel Sumner's strategic maneuvers in this conflict showcased his adept military skills. His actions during and after the battle, particularly his compassionate care for his wounded soldiers, painted a vivid picture of the harsh realities of war. This firsthand account was shared by Robert E. Peck, a young recruit in the 1st Cavalry Regiment. His recollections bring to life the stark realism of the Cheyenne Indian Wars, offering listeners a personal and intimate glimpse into this turbulent chapter of American history.
In conclusion, the Cheyenne Indian Wars were a significant period in the shaping of the American West. The stories from this era are not just tales of conflict and confrontation, but also narratives of courage, determination, and resilience. These accounts provide a richer understanding of the complexities and challenges faced during this pivotal time in history. By delving into these stories, we can appreciate the intricate tapestry of events and personalities that have shaped the narrative of the American West.
Join us on this historical deep-dive into the Cheyenne Indian Wars, as we navigate through buffalo stampedes, battlefield strategies, and the indomitable spirit of the people who lived through this era. Tune into our podcast for an unforgettable journey into the past that's as thrilling as it is enlightening.
The Cheyenne Indian Wars were a series of conflicts marked by intense encounters, failed negotiations, and striking displays of courage and strategy. The U.S. government initially sought to avoid conflict by negotiating with the Cheyenne. However, when these efforts proved fruitless, they employed aggressive tactics to confront their perceived enemy. One such tactic was the environment itself, which played a crucial role in these battles. The terrain, with its rugged paths and sun-kissed grasslands, provided a challenging yet fascinating backdrop to this volatile era.
At the helm of these encounters was Colonel Edwin Vos Sumner, a figure of notable importance in the Cheyenne Indian Wars. Colonel Sumner's regiment was tasked with venturing through the raw wilderness, navigating the treacherous Santa Fe Trail, and facing the adrenaline-fueled spectacle of a massive buffalo stampede. The Colonel's strategy and courage were pivotal in leading his men through these daunting experiences.
A critical turning point in the wars was the Battle of Solomon Fork. Colonel Sumner's strategic maneuvers in this conflict showcased his adept military skills. His actions during and after the battle, particularly his compassionate care for his wounded soldiers, painted a vivid picture of the harsh realities of war. This firsthand account was shared by Robert E. Peck, a young recruit in the 1st Cavalry Regiment. His recollections bring to life the stark realism of the Cheyenne Indian Wars, offering listeners a personal and intimate glimpse into this turbulent chapter of American history.
In conclusion, the Cheyenne Indian Wars were a significant period in the shaping of the American West. The stories from this era are not just tales of conflict and confrontation, but also narratives of courage, determination, and resilience. These accounts provide a richer understanding of the complexities and challenges faced during this pivotal time in history. By delving into these stories, we can appreciate the intricate tapestry of events and personalities that have shaped the narrative of the American West.
Join us on this historical deep-dive into the Cheyenne Indian Wars, as we navigate through buffalo stampedes, battlefield strategies, and the indomitable spirit of the people who lived through this era. Tune into our podcast for an unforgettable journey into the past that's as thrilling as it is enlightening.