Fort Phil Kearny and the Battle of the Hundred Slain: A Legendary Tale of Conflict and Courage

The Fetterman Massacre: Fort Phil Kearny and the Battle of the Hundred Slain

by Dee Brown

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7557 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	244 pages

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Nestled amidst the rugged wilderness of Wyoming, Fort Phil Kearny stands as a testament to the tumultuous era of the American frontier. This remote outpost, perched along the Bozeman Trail, became the focal point of a legendary clash between the U.S. Army and the Lakota and Cheyenne warriors, known as the Battle of the Hundred Slain.

In this gripping article, we delve into the captivating history of Fort Phil Kearny and unravel the events that culminated in this epic battle. From the construction of the fort to the escalating tensions between settlers and Native Americans, we trace the path that led to one of the most significant conflicts of the Indian Wars.

The Genesis of Fort Phil Kearny

In 1866, the U.S. Army embarked on an ambitious project to establish a series of forts along the Bozeman Trail, a vital route for miners and settlers seeking to reach the gold fields of Montana. Fort Phil Kearny was one such fortification, strategically located on the Powder River in northeastern Wyoming.

The fort's construction sparked immediate resistance from the Lakota and Cheyenne nations, who vehemently opposed the encroachment of settlers and the disruption of their traditional hunting grounds.

Tensions Escalate

As Fort Phil Kearny grew, so did the tensions between the U.S. Army and the Native American tribes. The Lakota and Cheyenne warriors, led by legendary chiefs like Red Cloud and Crazy Horse, intensified their attacks on settlers and soldiers alike.

One particularly infamous incident occurred in December 1866, when a group of soldiers from Fort Phil Kearny was ambushed by a large force of Lakota warriors. The resulting Fetterman Massacre claimed the lives of 81 U.S. soldiers, including their commander, Captain William Fetterman.

The Battle of the Hundred Slain

The Battle of the Hundred Slain, also known as the Wagon Box Fight, took place on August 2, 1867, and marked the culmination of the escalating tensions between the U.S. Army and the Lakota and Cheyenne warriors.

A large force of Native American warriors, estimated to number between 1,000 and 2,000, attacked a wagon train that was transporting supplies to Fort Phil Kearny. The soldiers, outnumbered and outmaneuvered, were forced to take cover in the wagon boxes of their supply train.

For hours, the battle raged, with the Native American warriors employing a relentless barrage of arrows and gunfire. Despite the overwhelming odds, the soldiers fought bravely, but eventually, they were forced to retreat back to the safety of the fort.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Battle of the Hundred Slain resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. The U.S. Army reported the loss of 28 soldiers, while the Lakota and Cheyenne warriors suffered an estimated 100 casualties.

The battle marked a significant victory for the Native American tribes and contributed to the growing unrest and resistance against the U.S. government's policies of westward expansion.

Fort Phil Kearny and the Battle of the Hundred Slain remain iconic symbols of the complex and often tragic history of the American frontier. The fort, now designated as a National Historic Site, stands as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by both soldiers and Native Americans during this tumultuous era.

Through the lens of history, we can appreciate the bravery and resilience of those who fought on both sides of this legendary conflict. Fort Phil Kearny and the Battle of the Hundred Slain invite us to reflect on the complexities of the human experience and the enduring legacy of the American frontier.

The Fetterman Massacre: Fort Phil Kearny and the Battle of the Hundred Slain

by Dee Brown

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7557 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	244 pages

FREE