Hancock’s War on the Plains
The westward expansion of American society brought with it inevitable conflict with the American Indian nations inhabiting the Southern Plains. Before 1867, the violence, though frequent, was generally limited in scale, particularly in western Kansas. A significant portion of this unrest centered around the vital Santa Fe Trail, a lifeline for commerce and westward migration. In response to escalating tensions, the U.S. government established Fort Larned in 1859. This fort, part of a larger network, served as a permanent military presence on the frontier, designed to facilitate the transition of land from tribal control to that of the United States.
The conclusion of the Civil War allowed the U.S. Army to shift its focus westward, where various tribes stood as obstacles to further Westward Expansion. By March 1867, several tribal leaders had drawn the attention of officers stationed at Fort Larned. Among these figures were Satanta and Kicking Bird of the Kiowa tribe; Tall Bull, White Horse, Bull Bear, Roman Nose, and Black Kettle of the Cheyenne; and Little Raven of the Arapaho. Captain Henry Asbury of the 3rd Infantry, stationed at Fort Larned, reported his assessment of the situation, stating, "The Cheyenne talk but little but are among the most dangerous of the Indians on the Plains, on account of their superior qualities as soldiers." This assessment underscored the growing concern regarding the Cheyenne’s military prowess and their potential to resist American expansion.
In 1867, General Winfield Scott Hancock, a celebrated Union hero of the Battle of Gettysburg, arrived in western Kansas. Despite his military achievements, Hancock lacked experience in dealing with American Indians. Nevertheless, he possessed unwavering confidence in his ability to bring them under control. On April 12, Hancock convened a meeting with several Cheyenne chiefs at Fort Larned. Due to legal constraints, Hancock was unable to negotiate formal treaties with the tribes. Instead, he aimed to intimidate them into aligning with U.S. interests. This strategy reflected a broader policy of coercion rather than diplomacy in dealing with Native American populations.
During the meeting, Hancock delivered a stern warning to the chiefs: "You know very well that if you go to war with the white man, you will lose… I have a great many chiefs with me who have commanded more men than you ever saw, and they have fought more great battles than you have fought." This statement was intended to assert American military dominance and dissuade the tribes from engaging in conflict.
The meeting concluded with Hancock expressing his desire to meet with the remaining chiefs. Consequently, Hancock and his troops journeyed west of Fort Larned, heading toward a combined Cheyenne and Lakota village. As the army approached the village on April 14, a contingent of Cheyenne warriors rode out to meet them, mirroring the army’s display of military might. Colonel Ned Wynkoop, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Agent at Fort Larned from 1866 to 1868, intervened, riding between the lines to urge the warriors to remain calm and stationary. The warriors complied, and the troops advanced to within one mile of the village. Captain Albert Barnitz of the 7th Cavalry later described the encampment, stating, "I was astonished at its magnitude – and magnificence!"
The sight of a large military force so close to their village triggered memories of the Sand Creek Massacre, a devastating event that instilled fear and distrust among the tribes. In response, the women and children of the village fled that evening, abandoning most of their lodges and possessions. Hancock, who had boldly positioned his troops within sight of the village, seemed unable to comprehend the reason for their flight. Enraged by what he perceived as an affront, Hancock demanded their return. Some Cheyenne warriors attempted to comply with Hancock’s demand and searched for the women and children, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Fearing the consequences of Hancock’s anger, the remaining warriors also fled, evading Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer’s 7th Cavalry as night fell.
The events leading up to Hancock’s War on the Plains were marked by miscommunication, mistrust, and a fundamental misunderstanding of Native American culture and concerns. The army’s imposing presence and Hancock’s confrontational approach exacerbated existing tensions, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of hostilities.
Hancock’s troops, particularly the 7th Cavalry, spent several days attempting to locate the villagers, but their efforts proved fruitless. Based on the assumption that their flight indicated a lack of interest in peaceful negotiation, Hancock concluded that the Indians intended to wage war. As a result, Hancock ordered the abandoned village to be burned to the ground. "I am satisfied that the Indian village was a nest of conspirators," Hancock reported. This act marked the beginning of what became known as Hancock’s War on the Plains, a period of unprecedented violence on the Kansas plains.
Hancock’s War on the Plains was not simply a military campaign; it was a reflection of the broader conflict between American expansionism and Native American sovereignty. The burning of the village symbolized the destruction of Native American homes, communities, and way of life.
Word of the village’s destruction spread rapidly among the tribes, igniting a series of battles across Kansas. These included engagements at Fort Dodge on June 12; Fort Wallace on June 21-22; Baca’s Wagon Train on June 22; Pond Creek Station and Black Butte Creek on June 26; the Kidder Massacre on July 2; the Saline River on August 1-2; and Prairie Dog Creek on August 21-22. In addition to these battles, raiding along the Santa Fe Trail increased significantly, disrupting trade and communication routes.
The impact of Hancock’s War on the Plains extended beyond the immediate casualties and destruction. It further strained relations between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, leading to increased distrust and resentment. The war also contributed to the displacement and dispossession of Native American communities, forcing them to seek refuge elsewhere.
The events of Hancock’s War on the Plains highlight the complex and often tragic history of the American West. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of westward expansion and the importance of understanding and respecting the cultures and rights of Native American peoples. The conflict underscores the need for more diplomatic and peaceful approaches to resolving disputes and building lasting relationships between different communities.
The legacy of Hancock’s War on the Plains continues to be debated and re-examined today. Some historians view Hancock’s actions as a necessary response to perceived threats from Native American tribes, while others condemn his aggressive tactics and the devastating consequences they had on Native American communities. Regardless of differing perspectives, the war remains a significant chapter in the history of the American West, one that sheds light on the challenges and complexities of intercultural relations.
In conclusion, Hancock’s War on the Plains was a pivotal moment in the history of the American West. Fueled by misunderstandings, mistrust, and a clash of cultures, the conflict resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and lasting damage to relations between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. The war serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked expansionism and the importance of seeking peaceful and respectful solutions to intercultural conflicts. It is a reminder that understanding and empathy are essential for building bridges between different communities and creating a more just and equitable future for all.