Chief Spotted Tail's Visit to Dodge City
During the 1870's, conflicts between area buffalo hunters and Plains Indian tribes were frequent. In 1872, the Cheyenne had heard talk of hunters not honoring the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty and hunting buffalo south of the Arkansas River. The Cheyenne sent Chief Spotted Tail to warn Charles Rath of what would happen to the buffalo hunters should the Treaty be neglected. Rath, a well-known buffalo hunter, was believed to be able to send the Cheyenne message to numerous hunters.
Charles Rath was living behind the City Drug Store in a divided lean-to with his wife, Carrie. The other half of the lean-to had been rented to Dodge City's first physician, Dr. T.L. McCarty, and his new bride, Sallie. Both women were new to the Plains and had little contact with Indians before their arrival. Upon the Chief's arrival, Charles Rath knew that Spotted Tail's safety was in grave danger. Rath rushed out to meet the Chief and pulled him into the safety of the Drug Store to protect his life from the angry mob of Dodge City citizens. He pushed his companion into the lean-to, much to the surprise of Sallie McCarty, the room's occupant. Sallie prompted the Chief to take shelter under the McCarty's bed. Sallie then called for her neighbor, Carrie Rath, to come over and aid with the predicament. |
Charles then listened to the message from Chief Spotted Tail and attempted to find a way to get the Chief out of Dodge City unnoticed. This would be tricky with armed men standing watch over the lean-to. Rath is said to have made several pleas for assistance to neighboring Fort Dodge with no avail. So Sallie peeked out the front door to see if the coast was clear, but she found armed men laying in wait across the street.
Charles Rath decided to make one last daring attempt to get the Cheyenne chief safely out of town, risking both of their lives if he failed. He raced a team of horses pulling a wagon to the lean-to. Charles ordered Spotted Tail to climb onto the wagon and take shelter beneath a buffalo robe. Chief Spotted Tail climbed onto the wagon and Rath spurred the horses on. They surprised the mob so much that it took a moment for the men to mount and give chase. However, the chase did not last long; the mob realized the other hoof beats they heard were those of the 6th U.S. Calvary of Fort Dodge headed in their direction.
Riding the Storm: The Bold Rescue of Chief Spotted Tail in the Old West
In the heart of the Wild West, where buffalo roamed freely, tensions ran high. The 1870s era was marked by regular conflicts between buffalo hunters and plains Indian tribes, a dangerous atmosphere that set the stage for a high-stakes standoff in Dodge City. Our podcast episode delves into the gripping tale of Cheyenne Chief Spotted Tail and renowned buffalo hunter, Charles Rath.
The clash was sparked by the violation of the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty. In 1872, the Cheyenne tribe heard rumors of hunters not honoring the peace treaty, hunting buffalo south of the Arkansas River, contrary to its terms. Understanding the implications, they sent Chief Spotted Tail to deliver a dire warning to Charles Rath, a respected buffalo hunter. They believed Charles, known for his connections, could relay their message to other buffalo hunters.
Charles Rath, living in a divided lean-to behind the city drug store with his wife Kerry, was caught in the middle of this escalating conflict. His neighbors, Dodge City's first physician, Dr. T L McCarty, and his wife Sally, were also swept into this drama, despite being new to the plains and having little previous contact with Indians.
The episode captures the heightened tension when Chief Spotted Tail arrives in Dodge City. Charles Rath, recognizing the danger, swiftly pulls the Chief into the safety of the drug store to shield him from an enraged mob of citizens. This bold act sparks a series of dramatic events as Charles, Kerry, and Sally McCarty attempt to secure Chief Spotted Tail's safety, battling against time, and a hostile mob.
Charles, after listening to the Chief's message, grapples with the daunting task of sneaking Spotted Tail out of Dodge City unnoticed. Despite pleas for assistance to neighboring Fort Dodge falling on deaf ears, and armed men guarding their hideout, Charles decides on a daring rescue mission. With the help of his wife and Sally, they formulate a plan involving a team of horses, a wagon, and a buffalo robe for disguise.
The final act of this episode sees Charles Rath and Chief Spotted Tail in a wild ride for their lives, surprising the mob and outpacing them, thanks to the unexpected arrival of the 6th US Cavalry of Fort Dodge. This vivid slice of history paints a picture of the courageous human spirit, the complexities of frontier life, and the high stakes involved in the Wild West.
Our podcast episode, rich in historical detail and brimming with suspense, brings to life this unforgettable tale. Join us as we journey through the unyielding standoff, daring plans, and high-stakes clashes that marked this period of the Wild West. Tune in for an adventure that brings history alive and highlights the bravery and resilience of those who dared to challenge the odds.
The clash was sparked by the violation of the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty. In 1872, the Cheyenne tribe heard rumors of hunters not honoring the peace treaty, hunting buffalo south of the Arkansas River, contrary to its terms. Understanding the implications, they sent Chief Spotted Tail to deliver a dire warning to Charles Rath, a respected buffalo hunter. They believed Charles, known for his connections, could relay their message to other buffalo hunters.
Charles Rath, living in a divided lean-to behind the city drug store with his wife Kerry, was caught in the middle of this escalating conflict. His neighbors, Dodge City's first physician, Dr. T L McCarty, and his wife Sally, were also swept into this drama, despite being new to the plains and having little previous contact with Indians.
The episode captures the heightened tension when Chief Spotted Tail arrives in Dodge City. Charles Rath, recognizing the danger, swiftly pulls the Chief into the safety of the drug store to shield him from an enraged mob of citizens. This bold act sparks a series of dramatic events as Charles, Kerry, and Sally McCarty attempt to secure Chief Spotted Tail's safety, battling against time, and a hostile mob.
Charles, after listening to the Chief's message, grapples with the daunting task of sneaking Spotted Tail out of Dodge City unnoticed. Despite pleas for assistance to neighboring Fort Dodge falling on deaf ears, and armed men guarding their hideout, Charles decides on a daring rescue mission. With the help of his wife and Sally, they formulate a plan involving a team of horses, a wagon, and a buffalo robe for disguise.
The final act of this episode sees Charles Rath and Chief Spotted Tail in a wild ride for their lives, surprising the mob and outpacing them, thanks to the unexpected arrival of the 6th US Cavalry of Fort Dodge. This vivid slice of history paints a picture of the courageous human spirit, the complexities of frontier life, and the high stakes involved in the Wild West.
Our podcast episode, rich in historical detail and brimming with suspense, brings to life this unforgettable tale. Join us as we journey through the unyielding standoff, daring plans, and high-stakes clashes that marked this period of the Wild West. Tune in for an adventure that brings history alive and highlights the bravery and resilience of those who dared to challenge the odds.