American Indian History
Information and Facts
Indian Wars Of The Old West:
Texas
Palo Duro Canyon, Texas
On September 28, 1874, Col. Ranald S. Mackenzie at the head of the Fourth U.S. Cavalry attacked and destroyed a large Indian encampment in Palo Duro Canyon.
Mackenzie’s troopers formed part of the Red River Campaign of 1874 - 75, which saw no less than six military columns placed in the field (in a bid) to force Kiowas, Cheyennes, and Comanches to return to the reservations. On the 28th, Mackenzie’s scouts followed the Indian trail to the edge of Palo Duro Canyon.
The soldiers descended the steep slopes to the valley floor 700 feet below. Taken by surprise, the Indians abandoned their villages, allowing Mackenzie to capture more than 1,100 horses that were later slaughtered to prevent recapture.
Although few Indians or soldiers were killed, the unrelenting pursuit of the troopers and the cold weather ultimately forced the Indians to surrender, thus bringing to a close the Red River War. Part of the battlefield is located within Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Indian Wars Of The Old West:
Oklahoma
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, Oklahoma
Here in the predawn of November 27, 1868, Lt. Col. George A. Custer, leading the 7th Cavalry, attacked the sleeping Southern Cheyenne village of Peace Chief Black Kettle.
The chief and more than 100 Indians, many of them women and children, were killed. The controversial attack was hailed by the military and many civilians as a significant military victory aimed at reducing Indian raids on frontier settlements.
Washita was also viewed by many whites and Indian participants as a massacre. Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, located in western Oklahoma, testifies to the struggle of the Southern Plains Indians to maintain their traditional lifeways. Casualties: U.S. 21 killed, 16 wounded; Indians 103 killed, 53 captured. The site is operated by the National Park Service
Native American Event Calendar from nativegatherings.com:
March 13th, 2010 - 8th Annual Social Powwow
Please come to Willamette University's 8th Annual Social Powwow.
Despite being primarily a social powwow, there is a Women's Traditional contest this year, open to all ages, with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Raffle: Grand prize - Pendleton Blanket.
Vendors please contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs if interested at the phone number below.
March 13th, 2010 - Lawilowan American Indian Festival
Third annual Lawilowan American Indian Festival, March 13th (one day event) to be held at NEW LOCATION: Student Recreation Center, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA. This is a newer, larger venue, as we had over 300 dancers March 2009, and over 3,000 attendees from the general public. Univ. street directions to follow. This is a traditional, non-competitive festival, put on as a gift to the American Indian people. All proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association, Awakening the Spirit Project. 21 NA vendors. All vendors and drums by invitation only! All dancers and vendors will be provided dinner by event organizer at no charge. Concession stand for general public. Admission: $5. Elders 65 and over, and children 10 and under free admission. Open to the public 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Grand Entry: Noon. Head dancers to be announced. Drums: TBA. Emcee: TBA. Arena Director: Many Hawks. Entertainment: TBAmore »
March 18th, 2010 - Training: Fathers and Tradition Coaches
Presented by Wellbriety Institute in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Registration includes materials $450. All are welcome to training.more »
March 19th, 2010 - 36th Annual Denver March Powwow
Witness the pagentary and beauty of tribal dances as performed by over 1,000 American Indian Dancers. Inspired by time-honored songs, performed by 30+ drum groups. Watch a grand entry which begins each session. It has been described as "a magnificant array of color, motion, and sound. Storytellers share the legacies, legends, and histories of a distinguished and proud people. Enjoy the works of tribal craftsmen at 180 booths. Enjoy a freshly made Fry Bread or Indian Taco.more »
March 19th, 2010 - March Native Food Concession