Besieged By Starvation
By Charles M. Skinner in 1896
The annals of the American West, and indeed the broader tapestry of the American experience, are interwoven with tales of conflict, survival, and the stark realities of life and death. Among these narratives are accounts of sieges, where desperation and the unforgiving hand of starvation played a pivotal role. These stories, often passed down through generations, paint a vivid picture of the hardships endured by both Native American tribes and early settlers as they navigated a landscape fraught with peril. This article delves into three such instances, each bearing the chilling mark of a community besieged by starvation.
Long before the arrival of European traders who established their outposts along the Arkansas and Platte Rivers, a dramatic encounter unfolded between a band of Ute warriors and a force they initially underestimated. The Ute, anticipating an easy victory against what they believed to be a small contingent of plainsmen, soon found themselves facing a well-prepared and formidable enemy. The tables turned swiftly, and the Ute Indians were driven back into the rugged terrain of the hills, seeking refuge from the onslaught.
The majority of the Ute sought shelter atop a distinctive, castle-like rock formation situated on the southern flank of Boulder Canyon. This natural fortress offered a significant tactical advantage. From their elevated position, they were able to effectively defend themselves for several days, repelling any attempts to storm their stronghold by dislodging massive rocks upon their adversaries below. The defenders’ position seemed impregnable.
However, the enemy, recognizing the futility of a direct assault, adopted a strategy of attrition. Rather than risk heavy casualties in a frontal attack, they established a camp at the base of the rock formation, effectively cutting off the Ute’s access to vital resources. The siege was designed to slowly strangle the Ute’s resistance. By preventing them from hunting game and accessing water sources, the besiegers aimed to force their surrender through deprivation. Sadly, the Ute, besieged by starvation, held firm to their position until every last member of the band succumbed to starvation. The rock became a silent testament to their unwavering resolve and the brutal efficiency of the siege.
Another grim chapter in the history of starvation sieges is etched into the very landscape of Illinois, at a place known as Starved Rock. This imposing geological feature, a sandstone bluff towering 150 feet above the Illinois River near Ottawa, Illinois, possesses a singular characteristic: a gentle slope on only one of its sides, rendering the other faces virtually inaccessible. The summit of Starved Rock spans approximately one acre, providing a relatively expansive area for defense.
The strategic importance of Starved Rock was recognized early on. During the era of French exploration, Sieur de La Salle, a prominent figure in the exploration of North America, ordered his trusted lieutenant, Tonti, to fortify the bluff. Tonti, acting on La Salle’s command, transformed Starved Rock into a defensive stronghold, even mounting a small cannon on its summit to further enhance its protective capabilities. This fortification marked the beginning of Starved Rock’s association with conflict and survival. Tonti would later die at the rock.
The tragic event that ultimately gave Starved Rock its haunting name occurred after the assassination of Chief Pontiac, a pivotal figure in Native American resistance against European encroachment, at Cahokia. Following Pontiac’s death, suspicion and blame fell upon the Illinois tribe, who were accused by the Ottawa tribe of perpetrating the crime. Outnumbered and facing the wrath of their enemies, the Illinois tribe sought refuge atop Starved Rock, believing its natural defenses would provide them with a safe haven.
The Illinois tribe successfully defended their position on Starved Rock, holding off the Ottawa for a considerable period. However, the Ottawa, like the plainsmen in the earlier Ute narrative, employed a strategy of encirclement. They established a blockade, preventing the Illinois from accessing the river below. The Illinois attempted to secure vessels by lowering thongs over the bluff, but the Ottawa countered this by maneuvering canoes beneath the bluff and severing the cords. The Illinois, besieged by starvation, trapped and unwilling to surrender, were left with no other option than to remain on the bluff. As the days turned into weeks, their supplies dwindled, and their strength waned. Eventually, every member of the Illinois tribe perished from starvation, their bodies left to rest on the summit of their final refuge. In later years, skeletal remains and relics were occasionally discovered at the top of the bluff, grim reminders of the tragic events that unfolded there.
The name "Starved Rock" serves as a somber memorial to the Illinois tribe’s suffering and the cruelty of starvation warfare. The story of Starved Rock remains a powerful reminder of the vulnerability of those besieged by starvation and the devastating consequences of conflict and deprivation.
The landscape of Nebraska also bears witness to a similar tale of siege and starvation, centered around a prominent landmark known as Crow Butte. Rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains, Crow Butte presents a formidable natural barrier. Its sides are virtually vertical on all but one face, where a narrow path allows a horseman to ascend to the summit. This unique topography made Crow Butte an ideal refuge for those seeking to escape their pursuers.
In this instance, a band of Crow Indians, fleeing from the relentless pursuit of the Sioux, sought sanctuary atop Crow Butte. Recognizing the strategic advantage of their elevated position, they vigorously defended the narrow path leading to the summit, repelling repeated attempts by the Sioux to dislodge them. The Crow proved to be a resilient and determined foe, effectively holding off their pursuers.
Frustrated by their inability to overcome the Crow’s defenses, the Sioux adopted a strategy of patience and attrition, mirroring the tactics employed in the previous narratives. Instead of continuing their costly and unsuccessful assaults, they settled in on the plains below, establishing a perimeter around Crow Butte. Their intention was clear: to cut off the Crow’s access to supplies and water, and to force their surrender through starvation.
The siege of Crow Butte dragged on, and the Crow Indians found themselves in a precarious situation. As their food and water supplies dwindled, desperation began to set in. Faced with the grim prospect of starvation, they devised a daring plan to escape their predicament. Under the cover of darkness, the Crow stealthily killed several of their ponies. Using the hides of these animals, they crafted makeshift lariats, which they then used to lower themselves down the unguarded side of the rock face.
One by one, the Crow descended the treacherous cliff, making their way silently to the ground below. They managed to escape undetected, leaving behind only a single, aged member of their tribe. This elderly Indian, displaying remarkable loyalty and self-sacrifice, remained behind to tend the campfire, creating the illusion that the Crow still occupied the summit.
The following day, the Sioux discovered that the majority of the Crow had vanished. Approaching the summit, they found only the elderly Indian, who surrendered without resistance. Impressed by his courage and unwavering loyalty to his people, the Sioux chose to spare his life, granting him his freedom. The story of Crow Butte serves as a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of the Crow Indians, as well as the respect that even enemies could sometimes show in the face of adversity. While besieged by starvation, they managed to escape and leave only one member behind.
These three narratives – the Ute warriors in Boulder Canyon, the Illinois tribe at Starved Rock, and the Crow Indians at Crow Butte – offer a glimpse into the harsh realities of life on the American frontier. They highlight the strategic importance of natural fortifications, the devastating consequences of siege warfare, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. Each story serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made and the hardships endured by those who came before us, shaping the landscape and the history of the American West. The theme of being besieged by starvation echoes throughout these historical accounts.