Battle of Peno Creek, Wyoming – Legends of America
The Battle of Peno Creek, a lesser-known but significant encounter, unfolded in the rugged landscapes of northeastern Wyoming in December 1866. This clash occurred against the backdrop of Red Cloud’s War, a fierce struggle between the Sioux Nation and the United States government over control of the vital Bozeman Trail. However, unlike many engagements during this period, the Battle of Peno Creek involved Ojibwa warriors and U.S. soldiers, adding a unique layer to the complex dynamics of the Mullan Road War.
Historical Context: The Bozeman Trail and Red Cloud’s War
To fully understand the Battle of Peno Creek, it is essential to grasp the broader historical context. The Bozeman Trail, a shortcut to the Montana goldfields, cut directly through the heart of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho hunting grounds. This intrusion sparked intense resentment and resistance from the Native American tribes, who viewed the trail as a violation of their treaty rights and a threat to their way of life.
Red Cloud’s War, named after the prominent Oglala Lakota chief, was a direct response to the influx of settlers and soldiers along the Bozeman Trail. The Sioux and their allies launched a series of attacks on wagon trains, stagecoaches, and military outposts, aiming to halt the flow of traffic and force the U.S. government to abandon the trail.
Fort Phil Kearny: A Bastion in Hostile Territory
At the center of this conflict stood Fort Phil Kearny, a U.S. Army outpost established to protect travelers along the Bozeman Trail. The fort, located in present-day Wyoming, became a focal point for attacks by the Native American tribes. Soldiers stationed at Fort Phil Kearny faced constant danger, venturing out on patrols and escorting supply convoys while always wary of ambush.
The Peno Creek Incident: A Prelude to Tragedy
The Battle of Peno Creek transpired during a particularly bloody period along the Bozeman Trail. Warriors from various tribes frequently targeted soldiers engaged in tasks away from the relative safety of Fort Phil Kearny, such as wood-cutting details. These small-scale attacks served to harass the troops, disrupt their operations, and inflict casualties whenever possible.
On the day of the Peno Creek incident, Colonel Henry B. Carrington, the commander of Fort Phil Kearny, devised a plan to counter these attacks. Following an earlier assault approximately four miles from the fort, Carrington dispatched two groups of soldiers to intercept the Native American warriors.
Lieutenant George W. Grummond led a contingent of 25 soldiers north of Lodge Trail Ridge, while Captain William J. Fetterman and Lieutenant Horatio S. Bingham commanded another group, directing them northwest toward the wood wagons. The strategy called for Fetterman’s force to drive the Native Americans from the west side of Lodge Trail Ridge toward Carrington’s men, who would then engage them in battle.
Ambush at Peno Creek: A Plan Gone Awry
However, the plan soon unraveled. Lieutenant Bingham and a portion of his troops, riding ahead of the main body, spotted a small number of Native Americans near Peno Creek. Impulsively, they pursued the group, only to be drawn into a well-laid ambush by a larger force of warriors.
As the soldiers found themselves surrounded and under heavy fire, Captain Fetterman arrived on the scene. Witnessing the chaos and the vulnerability of his troops, Fetterman made the decision to pull back to the fort, abandoning the original plan.
Casualties and Aftermath: A Sign of Things to Come
The Battle of Peno Creek resulted in casualties on both sides. Lieutenant Bingham, two sergeants, and four privates sustained wounds during the engagement. Estimates suggest that approximately ten Native American warriors were killed in the clash.
While the Battle of Peno Creek may seem like a minor skirmish in the grand scheme of Red Cloud’s War, it served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers along the Bozeman Trail. More ominously, it foreshadowed the far more devastating Fetterman Massacre, which would occur just weeks later.
The Fetterman Massacre: A Catastrophe at Fort Phil Kearny
On December 21, 1866, Captain William J. Fetterman led a force of 80 soldiers and civilians out of Fort Phil Kearny to relieve a wood train under attack. Ignoring direct orders not to pursue the Native Americans beyond Lodge Trail Ridge, Fetterman and his men were lured into an ambush by a large force of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors led by Red Cloud.
In a matter of minutes, Fetterman’s entire command was annihilated. The Fetterman Massacre sent shockwaves across the nation and further intensified the conflict between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes.
The Significance of Peno Creek
The Battle of Peno Creek, though small in scale, provides valuable insight into the nature of warfare along the Bozeman Trail. It highlights the constant threat faced by soldiers stationed at Fort Phil Kearny, the challenges of conducting military operations in hostile territory, and the tactical prowess of the Native American warriors.
Moreover, the Peno Creek incident underscores the importance of understanding the complex dynamics of Red Cloud’s War. While the Sioux were the primary force behind the resistance to the Bozeman Trail, other tribes, such as the Ojibwa, also played a role in the conflict.
By studying events like the Battle of Peno Creek, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by soldiers and Native Americans alike during this tumultuous period in American history. It also highlights the critical importance of understanding the diverse perspectives and motivations of all parties involved in the conflict.