Cheyenne

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.

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.

Explanation of Plot of Cheyenne Village Site on Sheyenne River – Tributary of Red River

Dr. O. G. Libby and Dr. A. B. Stout conducted an examination of the Cheyenne village site on the Sheyenne River, providing valuable insights into its structure and layout. Their findings, now published with maps and notes, reveal the village’s north-facing slope, burial grounds, and the layout of hut rings and refuse sites. Although no large refuse piles were noted, paths leading to smaller refuse areas were identified. The research, archived at the North Dakota Historical Society, contributes significantly to the study of Plains tribes.

Early Cheyenne Villages

Cheyenne Sun Dance

Early accounts of the Cheyenne suggest they transitioned from agricultural societies living in earth lodges, where they cultivated crops, to nomadic lifestyles centered around buffalo hunting on the plains. Ethnologists document their historical presence in regions such as Minnesota and North Dakota. Archaeological evidence supports their habitation in village sites along rivers, including the Sheyenne and Missouri rivers. Sioux traditions hint at Cheyenne origins and migrations, emphasizing their agricultural practices and interactions with neighboring tribes, particularly the Assiniboine and Sioux.

Otter Creek Homesteaders

Otter Creek in Montana’s Tongue River valley was an early ranching and Native settlement area, named by Capt. Calvin Howes, who established one of the first ranches there in the 1880s. The passage also records families and population counts for Little Chief’s, White Bull’s, and other bands, along with 1882 military reports describing houses and land allotments near the creek.

Tongue River Homesteaders

The Northern Cheyenne were encouraged to homestead along the Tongue River and nearby creeks in the 1880s, but many were later displaced when the reservation was expanded in 1900. Federal compensation favored white settlers over Cheyenne families, and descendants argue the government never paid fair value for their land. The content also cites 1882–1883 reports and a list of 46 homesteaders.

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.

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.

Rev. Frank Wright, a Choctaw Indian

Rev. Frank Wright, a Choctaw Indian, addressed the critical land issue facing his people, emphasizing their desire for land ownership despite being the first tribe to agree to allotments. He argued for the necessity of self-reliance among Indians rather than dependency on government rations, which he deemed disgraceful. Drawing from his experiences with Apache prisoners, Wright advocated for compulsory work to instill a sense of purpose and responsibility, suggesting that interaction with farmers could facilitate their learning and independence.

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.