Saturday, September 9, 1876. Battle of Slim Buttes.

Today In Wyoming's History: September 9: 1876  The second day of the Battle of Slim Buttes, South Dakota, sees the first day's fighting.  The 3d Cavalry had surrounded a Sioux village undetected the night prior and charged this morning.  American Horse was mortally wounded.  Indian survivors fled to the neighboring Cheyenne and Sioux village.  In he meantime, elements of additional cavalry and infantry units arrived at the occupied village.

Sioux and Cheyenne under Crazy Horse to counter attacked but were surprised by the numbers of soldiers then in the occupied camp.  They did open fire and Crook, in command, formed defensive positions, and then sent forward skirmishers.  This was effective in driving the Sioux and Cheyenne away.  110 Indian ponies were seized in the village, along with  a supply of dried meat, a 7th Cavalry guidon from Company I, the bloody gauntlets of Capt. Myles Keogh, government-issued guns and ammunition, and other related items.

This concluded the first day's fighting.

Wyatt and Morgan Earp left Dodge City, Kansas for Deadwood, South Dakota in hopes of filing mining claims.

Last edition:

Thursday, September 7, 1876. The Northfield Minnesota Raid.

Labels: 1870s, 1876, Crime, Minnesota (Northfield), Northfield Minnesota Raid, The James Gang