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The Battle of Beecher Island: A Gruesome and Desperate Stand by the Plainsmen Defenders

Jack London

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Published in The Stalkers: The Battle Of Beecher Island 1868 (The Plainsmen 3)

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The annals of American history are replete with countless battles and skirmishes that have shaped the nation's destiny. Among these conflicts, the Battle of Beecher Island stands out as a harrowing tale of unwavering courage and desperate survival against overwhelming odds. This bloody confrontation, fought on September 17, 1868, between United States troops and a large force of Cheyenne and Sioux warriors, unfolded on the vast and unforgiving plains of northeastern Colorado, forever etching itself into the tapestry of the American West.

The Stalkers: The Battle Of Beecher Island 1868 (The Plainsmen 3)

The Stalkers: The Battle Of Beecher Island, 1868 (The Plainsmen Series Book 3)

by Terry C. Johnston

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	400 pages

Background: The Plains Wars and the Fort Laramie Treaty

The Battle of Beecher Island was a culmination of years of escalating tensions and broken promises between the United States government and the Native American tribes of the Great Plains. In 1868, the Fort Laramie Treaty, negotiated between the US and several Plains Indian tribes, attempted to establish peace and define territories for both parties. However, misunderstandings, mistrust, and violations of the treaty provisions led to a resurgence of hostilities.

Prelude to the Battle

In the summer of 1868, a combined force of Cheyenne and Sioux warriors, under the leadership of the renowned chiefs Roman Nose and Dull Knife, left their reservations in Wyoming and Montana, determined to hunt buffalo in the Republican River Valley of Colorado. However, their presence violated the Fort Laramie Treaty, and the US military was dispatched to intercept and prevent them.

The Besieged Garrison at Beecher Island

On September 15, 1868, a company of 52 US cavalrymen, under the command of Captain Frederick Beecher, established a defensive position on a small island in the Arikaree River, known as Beecher Island. Their mission was to monitor the movements of the Native American force and prevent them from entering the Republican River Valley. However, the garrison was vastly outnumbered and ill-prepared for the impending conflict.

The Battle Erupts

On September 17, a force of approximately 500 to 700 Cheyenne and Sioux warriors approached Beecher Island. The warriors, armed with bows and arrows, spears, and tomahawks, surrounded the island and launched a furious assault. The beleaguered cavalrymen fought back with determination, firing their rifles and repelling several waves of attackers.

A Desperate Defense

As the battle raged, the cavalrymen found themselves running low on ammunition. They resorted to using their cavalry sabers and bayonets to fight off the relentless warriors. The fighting was intense and brutal, with casualties mounting on both sides. Captain Beecher himself was killed early in the battle, leaving Lieutenant Frederick Beecher (no relation) in command.

The Arrival of Relief

As the sun began to set, the besieged garrison's situation became increasingly dire. Their ammunition was nearly exhausted, and their defenses were crumbling. Just when all hope seemed lost, a column of reinforcements, under the command of Major George Forsyth, arrived on the horizon. The sight of the approaching cavalry gave the defenders new hope and inspired them to fight on.

Breaking the Siege

The arrival of reinforcements shifted the balance of power in favor of the US troops. Major Forsyth's cavalry charged into the fray, breaking the warrior's siege and forcing them to retreat. The battle raged for several more hours before the Native American force finally withdrew, leaving behind a large number of dead and wounded.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Battle of Beecher Island ended with a victory for the US troops, but at a great cost. Of the 52 cavalrymen who defended the island, only eight survived unwounded. The battle is remembered as a testament to the courage and tenacity of the Plainsmen, who fought against insurmountable odds and held their ground until help arrived.

In the aftermath of the battle, the Native American force continued to resist US encroachment on their territories. The Battle of Beecher Island became a symbol of the ongoing conflict between the United States and the Plains Indian tribes, a conflict that would continue for many years to come.

The Battle of Beecher Island is a haunting reminder of the brutality and complexity of the American Indian Wars. It is a story of both heroism and tragedy, a testament to the indomitable spirit of both the Plainsmen defenders and their Native American adversaries. As the United States expanded westward, the conflict between the two cultures intensified, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape the nation's history and identity.

Keywords: The Battle of Beecher Island, Plains Indian Wars, Fort Laramie Treaty, Cheyenne and Sioux, Captain Frederick Beecher, Lieutenant Frederick Beecher, Major George Forsyth, Native American history, American West, cavalry, buffalo hunting, Great Plains, conflict between cultures

The Stalkers: The Battle Of Beecher Island, 1868 (The Plainsmen Series Book 3)

by Terry C. Johnston

4.6 out of 5