Battle of Summit Springs, Colorado
The Battle of Summit Springs, a pivotal clash that unfolded on July 11, 1869, near present-day Sterling, Colorado, marked a significant turning point in the conflicts between the U.S. military and the Cheyenne Nation. More specifically, it effectively fractured the power of the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers, a particularly fierce and influential warrior society, on the central Plains. This encounter, born from a series of escalating tensions and retaliatory actions, remains a compelling, though often tragic, chapter in the history of the American West.
Background to Conflict: Raids, Revenge, and Rescue
The events leading to the Battle of Summit Springs were deeply rooted in a cycle of violence and mistrust. In 1868 and 1869, Cheyenne warriors launched a series of raids targeting settlements in north-central Kansas. These raids were not random acts of aggression, but rather a response to the injustices and atrocities suffered by the Cheyenne people at the hands of the U.S. military and settlers. A particularly stinging wound was the Washita Massacre of November 1868, in present-day Oklahoma, where Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer’s 7th Cavalry attacked a Cheyenne village, killing men, women, and children. The desire for revenge fueled the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers, who sought to reclaim their ancestral lands and protect their way of life.
In response to the escalating conflict, Brigadier General Christopher C. Augur, commander of the Department of the Platte, issued orders to Colonel Eugene Carr, who was in command of the U.S. Fifth Cavalry, to pacify the Republican River country. This vast territory, encompassing parts of present-day Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska, was a crucial hunting ground for the Cheyenne and other Plains tribes. Augur’s orders were clear: clear the area of Native Americans and, importantly, secure the release of two white women, Maria Weichell and Susanna Alderdice, who had been taken captive during Cheyenne raids. These captives’ fates weighed heavily on the minds of the military leaders.
The Forces Converge: Carr’s Expedition and the Cheyenne Village
Colonel Eugene Carr, a seasoned officer with experience in frontier warfare, assembled a formidable force for the mission. His command consisted of 244 men of the 5th United States Regiment of Cavalry, a well-trained and equipped unit. Augmenting the U.S. Cavalry were 50 Pawnee Scouts, led by Major Frank North. The Pawnee, traditional rivals of the Cheyenne, proved to be invaluable allies, providing crucial intelligence and tracking skills. Adding a touch of Wild West mystique to the expedition was none other than William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the legendary frontiersman and showman, who served as a scout and guide. Cody’s intimate knowledge of the terrain and his ability to read the signs of the Plains made him a valuable asset to Carr’s command.
After days of relentless pursuit, the Pawnee scouts located a substantial Cheyenne village nestled near Summit Springs. Estimates placed the village at around 85 lodges, indicating a significant concentration of Cheyenne people. The village was believed to be under the leadership of Tall Bull, a renowned Dog Soldier chief known for his bravery and strategic acumen. Carr recognized the opportunity to strike a decisive blow against the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers, and he meticulously planned his attack.
The Battle Unfolds: A Surprise Assault
Carr’s plan was designed to maximize the element of surprise and overwhelm the Cheyenne warriors. He deployed his forces to approach the unsuspecting village from three different directions simultaneously. The intention was to cut off any escape routes and prevent the Cheyenne from organizing an effective defense. Guided by a Pawnee scout named Two Crows, Carr’s troops stealthily moved into position under the cover of darkness.
As dawn broke on July 11th, the U.S. Cavalry launched its assault. The attack was swift and brutal. The soldiers charged into the village, firing their rifles and scattering the Cheyenne inhabitants. Caught completely off guard, the Cheyenne warriors scrambled to defend their families and their way of life. Women and children, seeking refuge from the onslaught, fled towards a nearby ravine, hoping to find some measure of protection.
During the intense fighting, Tall Bull, the charismatic Dog Soldier leader, was killed. His death was a major blow to the Cheyenne resistance and demoralized his followers. Accounts of the battle vary, but it is generally believed that Tall Bull was killed while attempting to rally his warriors and defend the village. The loss of their leader further disorganized the Cheyenne defense.
Aftermath and Casualties: A Devastating Victory
The Battle of Summit Springs resulted in a decisive victory for the U.S. military, but at a significant cost. Colonel Carr officially reported that one trooper was wounded during the engagement. However, the casualties among the Cheyenne were far more severe. Carr’s report indicated that 52 Indians were killed, and 17 women and children were taken captive. The actual number of Cheyenne casualties may have been higher, as battlefield reports are often unreliable.
Among the captives were Maria Weichell and Susanna Alderdice, the two white women whose rescue was a primary objective of the expedition. Tragically, Susanna Alderdice was killed during the attack, while Maria Weichell was severely wounded but ultimately survived. The fate of these women underscored the brutal realities of the conflict on the Plains.
In addition to the human cost, the Battle of Summit Springs also resulted in the capture of over 300 horses and mules, vital resources for the Cheyenne people. Following the battle, the soldiers systematically burned the village to the ground, destroying lodges, food supplies, and other essential materials. This act of destruction was intended to further cripple the Cheyenne and prevent them from regrouping.
Fragmentation and Legacy: The End of an Era
The death of Tall Bull and the destruction of the village had a profound impact on the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers. The once formidable warrior society fragmented into two separate groups. One group drifted north to join the Northern Cheyenne, while the other joined the Southern Cheyenne. The Battle of Summit Springs effectively marked the end of the Dog Soldiers’ dominance on the central Plains.
According to George Bent, a mixed-race Cheyenne who later became a historian and chronicler of his people, the Dog Soldiers never regained their former prominence after Summit Springs. The battle shattered their power and dispersed their ranks, contributing to the overall decline of the Cheyenne’s ability to resist the encroachment of the U.S. government and settlers.
The Battle of Summit Springs is often cited as the event that ended the major conflicts between Native Americans and the U.S. military on the Colorado Plains. While skirmishes and isolated incidents continued to occur, the battle represented a turning point in the struggle for control of the region.
Buffalo Bill Cody, ever the showman, later recreated the Battle of Summit Springs in his famous Wild West Show. These reenactments, while entertaining, often romanticized and distorted the historical realities of the conflict, perpetuating a biased narrative of the American West.
Today, the site of the Battle of Summit Springs, located on private property approximately 14 miles southeast of Sterling, Colorado, is marked with a monument. It serves as a somber reminder of the tragic events that unfolded there and the complex history of the American West. The Battle of Summit Springs remains a significant historical event, worthy of remembrance and reflection.