Today in History - Nov 25 - The Dull Knife Fight

November 25 is the anniversary of The Dull Knife Fight in 1876. Occurring five months after the Battle of Little Bighorn, this was the first in a series of attacks to "avenge" their mass murderer, General Custer.

Cheyenne War Chief, Dull Knife was reluctant to rise up against the invading settlers. He (rightfully) felt that they could not win the war. But after the Sand Creek Massacre, he could no longer remain at peace. The US military's incessant hounding eventually came to a halt at the Battle of Little Bighorn, which was the greatest victory of native forces against their oppressors.

White settlers of course were shocked and horrified at their defeat, and demanded something be done about the Indians. So they sent in "Their greatest Indian Fighter", Ranald Mackenzie to eliminate further resistance to their will.

So, he did. He and his native collaborators first found Dull Knife's encampment. He raided them at dawn. He forced everyone to leave the village and their belongings behind. Then he burnt it all. About 200 lodges, all their winter food, and in some cases, even their clothing. He took all of their livestock, and left them with nothing. Many froze to death in the first night, including 11 babies. The general overseeing the massacre had this to say about Mackenzie:

“I can’t commend too highly Mackenzie’s brilliant achievements and the gallantry of the troops of his command. This will be a terrible blow to the hostiles, as those Cheyennes were not only their bravest warriors but have been the head and front of most all the raids and deviltry committed in this country.”

The remaining Cheyenne made their way to Crazy Horse's camp, where they spent a hard winter. They surrendered in the spring. They were moved onto a malaria infested reserve in Oklahoma without food. Half of the remaining population died in the first year on the reserve. Dull Knife led two escape attempts from the reserve. Neither of which were all that successful, but Chief Dull Knife was one of the few who managed to get away in the second escape attempt. He died in Montana, where he was born.

This act of terrorism was successful. Much of the Cheyenne people's history was destroyed along with the village on this day. It was the end of hope for the native people.