Arapaho

Boggsville, Cradle of the Colorado Cattle Industry

Map of the Boggsville and Las Animas area

The manuscript “Boggsville, Cradle of the Colorado Cattle Industry” by C. W. Hurd, published by the Boggsville Committee in 1957, serves as an introductory exploration of the rich history of Boggsville, Bent County, and the Arkansas Valley. This work aims to address the frequently asked questions from locals, tourists, and history enthusiasts about the notable individuals and events that shaped the region during the latter half of the nineteenth century. The manuscript provides a glimpse into the lives of pioneers who were instrumental in taming the frontier and establishing the foundations of the Colorado cattle industry. It highlights the significance of Boggsville as a central point in the pioneer narrative of the West, emphasizing the area’s contributions to the development of the cattle industry in America.

Earliest Known Traders on Arkansas River

Country Home of Augustus Pierre Chauteau

Before the Louisiana Purchase, early French traders, notably Joseph Bogy, ventured along the Arkansas River, engaging in commerce with local Indian tribes, such as the Osage. Bogy’s expeditions included confronting Choctaw opposition in 1807, leading to government claims for losses. Prominent figures included Nathaniel Pryor and A. P. Chouteau, who established trading posts at the mouth of the Verdigris. These traders influenced the region’s economy, exchanging goods like furs and providing items such as tobacco and tools to Native Americans, fostering significant cultural exchanges.

Expeditions of Fowler and James to Santa Fe, 1821

General Thomas James

Following Pike’s return from Santa Fe, interest surged for further exploration. In 1821, expeditions led by Major Jacob Fowler and General Thomas James departed towards Santa Fe after witnessing the impact of previous travelers’ accounts. Fowler’s party advanced from Fort Smith, while James’s group left St. Louis with a keel boat, trading goods with local tribes. Both parties faced significant challenges but eventually reached Santa Fe, paving the way for continued American trade in the region, culminating in further expeditions and encounters with the Comanche.

General History of the Western Indian Tribes 1851-1870 – Indian Wars

At the Sand Creek Massacre

From 1851, vast territories east of the Rockies were designated as Indian Territory, where numerous tribes roamed. The discovery of gold in California sparked emigration, leading to treaties that confined tribes like the Cheyennes and Arapahoes to specific areas while promising annual payments. Tensions escalated, culminating in the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, followed by ongoing conflicts. By 1868, efforts to negotiate peace resulted in treaties relocating tribes to reservations, as Indian populations dwindled and government policies shifted to assert control and promote their civilization.

William Cody – “Buffalo Bill” His Life and Adventures – Indian Wars

gen phil sheridan

William Cody, known as Buffalo Bill, emerged as a prominent guide and hunter on the Western frontier, celebrated for his adventures and skills during tumultuous times with Native Americans. Born to humble beginnings, he developed a passion for a nomadic life early on. His reputation grew through remarkable exploits, including capturing Sioux warriors. Appointed by General Sheridan to guide the Grand Duke Alexis in 1871-72, Cody earned lasting fame, receiving acclaim and valuable gifts. His integrity and marksmanship solidified his legacy in American frontier history.

Indian Hostilities in California and New Mexico – Indian Wars

general kearney

The condition of Indian tribes in California, particularly the Shoshonee, Blackfeet, and Crows, is dire, marked by hostility towards settlers, particularly in the Sierra Nevada region. Following the gold discovery, tensions erupted into violence as tribes attacked miners. This led to a declaration of war from settlers, resulting in numerous casualties among the Indians. In New Mexico, the Apache and Navajo tribes proved formidable, engaging in violent confrontations with U.S. troops, while the peaceful Pueblo and other tribes often fell victim to Apache raids.

Sand Creek Massacre

At the Sand Creek Massacre

On November 28, 1864, Colorado troops led by Colonel John M. Chivington attacked a camp of approximately 120 Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians at Sand Creek, despite the presence of American flags signaling peace. What began as a chaotic confrontation escalated into a brutal massacre, resulting in around 300 Native deaths, including many women and children, while the soldiers suffered minimal casualties. The event, born out of rising tensions following treaty violations and growing hostilities, remains a contentious chapter in U.S. history.

Desire to Punish the Cheyenne Indians

The desire to punish the Cheyenne Indians intensified among loyalists, fueled by beliefs that Southern agents incited their hostility. Early in the Civil War, various tribes allied with the Confederacy despite attempts by loyal Indians to resist. After multiple incursions and atrocities against white settlers, including the captivity and mistreatment of women, local sentiments for vengeance grew. This culminated in the Sand Creek massacre, where the Cheyenne’s supposed treachery was interpreted as justification for a brutal retaliatory attack by American forces, leading to widespread controversy and lasting implications.

Were the Cheyenne Responsible for the Sand Creek Massacre?

At the Sand Creek Massacre

The Cheyennes were involved in hostilities leading up to the Sand Creek Massacre, participating in raids, stock thefts, and violent conflicts against settlers and soldiers throughout 1864. While some Cheyenne leaders, like Black Kettle, sought peace, their admissions of hostility and ongoing war parties complicated their stance. Despite claims of friendship, witnesses revealed evidence of scalps and stolen goods in their camp. Ultimately, military leaders viewed them as hostiles, justifying the attack on Sand Creek, where many Indians were killed, including women and children.

Old Indian Trails of Pike’s Peak

The principal Indian trail into the Pikes Peak area originated from the plains via Templetons Gap, crossing significant points like Monument Creek and the Garden of the Gods. This route, known as the Ute Pass trail, was utilized by various tribes for centuries. Notable historical figures such as Dr. Edwin James and Thomas J. Farnham documented this trail’s importance for trade and travel. The region saw frequent conflicts among tribes, especially between the Ute and the Cheyenne and Arapaho, until the arrival of white settlers in the mid-19th century.

Tribes of the Pike’s Peak Region

A Comanche Village

The Pikes Peak region has seen a succession of tribes throughout its history, including the Ute, Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Sioux. Evidence indicates that these tribes, primarily nomadic, moved through and fought over this territory, which was rich in game. The Jicarilla Apache also frequented the area, maintaining relations with the Ute. Early Spanish records hint at these dynamics, although much of the prehistoric occupation remains speculative. The region’s diverse tribes engaged in trade, warfare, and cultural exchanges that shaped their interactions with one another and with incoming settlers.

Games of the Plains Tribes

Games among the Plains tribes served as both entertainment for children and gambling for adults, with unique customs emerging in different tribes. Notable games include a ring-throwing game popular among the Dakota, Omaha, and Pawnee, and a hoop game tied to buffalo calling rituals and the ghost dance among the Dakota. While some games are widespread, others retain regional variations. Overall, the Plains tribes’ cultural traits, particularly in material culture, show a distinct regional identity largely shaped by their environment, rather than linguistic or political affiliations.

Treaty of February 15, 1861

On February 18, 1861, a treaty was signed at Fort Wise between U.S. commissioners and chiefs of the Arapahoe and Cheyenne tribes, ceding their lands except for a designated reservation. This agreement aimed to promote individual land ownership among tribe members, facilitating agricultural development. The U.S. pledged annual financial support for fifteen years, alongside resources for education, agriculture, and infrastructure. Additionally, provisions were made to encourage all tribe members to reunite and participate in the benefits of the treaty, reinforcing U.S. obligations towards the tribes’ welfare.

Treaty of May 10, 1868

The Treaty of May 10, 1868, established a framework for peace between the United States and the Northern Cheyenne and Northern Arapahoe tribes. It included commitments to maintain peace, the establishment of reservations for the tribes, and provisions for land selection for farming. The treaty also promised annual supplies, education, and support for agriculture, aiming to facilitate the tribes’ transition to a settled lifestyle. Furthermore, it stipulated that any cession of tribal land require a majority approval from adult male members, ensuring their rights were protected.

Treaty of October 28, 1867

The Treaty of October 28, 1867, established peace between the United States and the Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes, affirming mutual commitments to cease hostilities. It defined a designated reservation for the tribes, mandated educational provisions, and outlined the establishment of agricultural support. The treaty emphasized the tribes’ right to hunt on certain lands and prohibited unauthorized settlements. It established an annual distribution of goods and services, while ensuring that no land cessions would occur without the consent of three-fourths of the adult male tribe members.

Treaty of October 17, 1865

On October 14, 1865, a treaty was established between the United States and the Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes at Little Arkansas River, Kansas. This agreement recognized the Apache Indians’ desire to dissolve their confederation with the Kiowa and Comanche tribes, allowing them to join the Cheyenne and Arapahoe on equal terms. Following this, the tribes were united under one confederated identity, and the obligations of the original treaty would be upheld for all three tribes. The treaty was formally signed on October 17, 1865.

Treaty of February 18, 1861

On February 18, 1861, at Fort Wise, U.S. commissioners and chiefs of the Arapahoe and Cheyenne tribes signed a treaty whereby the tribes ceded their lands while retaining a designated reservation. The agreement aimed to establish settled agricultural practices among the tribes by assigning individual plots of land, promoting their welfare through various supports, such as financial aid and agricultural resources. The treaty emphasized the tribes’ rights and outlined provisions for education, land ownership, and future tribal assistance, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to their integration and development.

Treaty of April 29, 1868

The Treaty of April 29, 1868, marked a pivotal peace agreement between the U.S. government and various Sioux tribes. It established a promise of lasting peace, delineated a designated reservation for the Sioux, and outlined support for agricultural development and education. The treaty also mandated that both parties would ensure accountability for wrongdoing, stipulated provisions for land selection and ownership, and sought to protect Sioux rights to hunt and oppose railroads. Ultimately, the treaty sought to formalize a cooperative relationship and mitigate conflict.