Osages or pawnee lost trail

Indian Wars Timeline

  • Apache and Navajo Wars

    Apache and Navajo Wars
    Many Apache killed and relocated in 1862 by Carson. Navajo told to surrender but Carson attacks killing hundreds in 1863. Navajo moved to New Mexico reservation in 1865.
  • Sand Creek Massacre

    Sand Creek Massacre
    Cheyenne massacres prompt Chivington to kill 500 surrendered Cheyenne and Arapaho led by Black Kettle.
  • Red River War

    Red River War
    Southern Plains Indians relocated to Oklahoma Indian Territory. Buffalo hunters destroy Indian food supply, Comanche warriors race to grazing areas in Texas to kill hunters.
  • Sherman and Sheridan

    Sherman and Sheridan
    Sherman and Sheridan defeat warriors and open panhandle to cattle ranching. End of Red River War.
  • Battle of Little Bighorn

    Battle of Little Bighorn
    U.S. tries to buy gold-rich Black Hills from Sioux. Talks fail and Custer tries to round up Sioux, met with a huge enemy force. Custer and some 200 men are killed.
  • Nez Percé War

    Nez Percé War
    Howard orders Nez Percé to to Idaho Reservation, sparks violence. Joseph leads some 700 men, women, and children on a 1,400-mile flight. 200 warriors hold off 2,000 soldiers until halted 40 miles short of Canada. Sent to Indian Territory, many die of disease.
  • Geronimo Surrenders

    Geronimo Surrenders
    Geronimo surrenders, ending the Apache and Navajo wars.
  • Battle of Wounded Knee

    Battle of Wounded Knee
    Fear of Sioux uprising; Sitting Bull killed during attempted arrest. His followers surrender and camp at Wounded Knee, shots are fired, some 200 Sioux die.