Oklahoma Indian Battles
Oklahoma, a state rich in history and culture, bears the indelible marks of a tumultuous past, particularly concerning the interactions between European settlers and the indigenous populations. The landscape of what is now Oklahoma served as a crucial crossroads and, frequently, a battleground in the unfolding drama of the American West. Several significant armed conflicts occurred within its boundaries, each with its own story of struggle, resilience, and the clash of civilizations. This article delves into some of the key Oklahoma Indian Battles, offering insights into the events, the people involved, and their lasting impact on the region.
The Battle of the Two Villages (1759)
The mid-18th century witnessed a significant encounter that highlights the complex interplay of European powers and indigenous tribes in the southern plains. The Battle of the Two Villages, fought in 1759, involved a Spanish military expedition targeting the Taovaya villages situated in both present-day Texas and Oklahoma. The Taovaya, a prominent group within the larger Wichita tribal confederation, had established a strong presence in the region, known for their skilled horsemanship and trading prowess.
The Spanish, seeking to expand their influence and control over the territory, launched an attack against these villages. However, the Taovaya, allied with other Wichita tribes and bolstered by the formidable Comanche warriors, mounted a stout defense. The combined forces of the indigenous alliance proved too strong for the Spanish army, resulting in a decisive victory for the Taovaya and their allies. This Oklahoma Indian Battle not only thwarted Spanish expansionist ambitions but also demonstrated the strength and resilience of the native tribes in the face of European encroachment. The victory solidified the Wichita and Comanche influence in the region for decades to come.
The Battle of Little Robe Creek (1858)
Nearly a century later, the landscape of conflict shifted, with the burgeoning United States increasingly encroaching upon indigenous lands. The Battle of Little Robe Creek, also known as the Battle of Antelope Hills, unfolded on May 12, 1858, marking a significant escalation in the Indian Wars. This Oklahoma Indian Battle was not a single engagement but rather a series of three encounters that occurred throughout the day. The conflict pitted the Comanche, a dominant force on the Southern Plains, against a contingent of Texas Rangers, militia, and their Tonkawa allies.
Driven by a desire to retaliate against Comanche raids and to assert Texan dominance over the region, the Texas Rangers, under the command of Captain John Salmon "Rip" Ford, launched an unauthorized incursion into the Indian Territory, violating federal laws that forbade such actions. This expedition was part of a larger campaign known as the Antelope Hills Expedition, which aimed to penetrate the heart of the Comancheria – the vast territory controlled by the Comanche – as far as the Wichita Mountains and the Canadian River.
The battle itself was a fierce and bloody affair, with both sides displaying courage and determination. The Texas Rangers, armed with superior firepower and tactics, inflicted heavy casualties on the Comanche warriors. While the Comanche fought valiantly to defend their land and way of life, they were ultimately outmatched. The Battle of Little Robe Creek marked a decisive defeat for the Comanche and signaled a shift in the balance of power on the Southern Plains. It also had the effect of escalating tensions between the Comanche and the settlers, paving the way for further conflict.
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site (1868)
The year 1868 witnessed another tragic event in the history of Oklahoma Indian Battles: the attack on Black Kettle’s Cheyenne village along the Washita River. In the predawn hours of November 27th, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, leading the 7th Cavalry, launched a surprise assault on the sleeping village. Black Kettle, a respected Cheyenne peace chief who had long sought peaceful coexistence with the United States, and his people were caught completely off guard.
The ensuing battle was a brutal and devastating affair. Soldiers poured into the village, indiscriminately killing men, women, and children. Black Kettle himself, along with his wife, was among those who perished in the attack. While the exact number of casualties remains a subject of debate, it is estimated that over 100 Cheyenne people were killed, with many more captured.
The attack on Black Kettle’s village sparked outrage and condemnation from many quarters. While some hailed it as a necessary military victory that would curb Indian raids on frontier settlements, others denounced it as a massacre of innocent civilians. The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site stands today as a somber reminder of this tragic event, serving as a testament to the struggle of the Southern Plains Indians to maintain their traditional way of life in the face of relentless pressure from the United States government and westward expansion. Visitors to the site can explore the landscape where the battle took place, learn about the perspectives of both the Cheyenne and the U.S. soldiers, and reflect on the complex and often tragic history of the American West.
Goingsnake Massacre (1872)
Not all conflicts were strictly between the U.S. military and Native American tribes. The Goingsnake Massacre, also known as the Goingsnake Tragedy or the Cherokee Courthouse Shootout, offers a glimpse into the internal conflicts and jurisdictional disputes that plagued the Cherokee Nation in the post-Civil War era. This bloody incident occurred on April 15, 1872, during a trial in the Cherokee court system in the Goingsnake District of the Cherokee Nation.
The trial of Ezekial "Zeke" Proctor, who was accused of killing Polly Beck and wounding Jim Kesterson in a shooting incident, was already fraught with tension due to the strong family ties of those involved and a simmering jurisdictional dispute between the Cherokee and United States courts. Adding fuel to the fire, a federal posse consisting of Deputy U.S. Marshals, their posse members, and several Cherokee relatives of the victim, was dispatched to attend the trial and arrest Proctor on federal charges if he was acquitted by the Cherokee court.
As the trial unfolded in the crowded courtroom, a shooting erupted, leaving a scene of carnage and chaos. Eight members of the Marshal’s posse and three Cherokee citizens lay dead. The exact cause of the shooting remains a matter of debate, but the incident highlights the deep divisions and mistrust that existed within the Cherokee Nation and between the Cherokee Nation and the United States government. This Oklahoma Indian Battle, though not a battle in the traditional sense, underscores the complexities and tragedies of the era.
These Oklahoma Indian Battles represent just a fraction of the numerous conflicts that shaped the history of the region. They serve as poignant reminders of the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of the Native American tribes who called this land home and the often-brutal consequences of westward expansion. The stories of these battles continue to resonate today, prompting reflection on the legacy of the past and the ongoing need for understanding, reconciliation, and respect for the rights and cultures of indigenous peoples.