Army on the Frontier facts for kids
The Army on the Frontier was the name for the United States Army soldiers stationed near the new settlements in the American Old West. This happened from when the U.S. was first formed until about 1890. That's when the frontier, or the edge of settled lands, was mostly gone.
The main jobs of the U.S. Army on the frontier were:
- Protecting new towns and forts from Native American groups.
- Helping people settle the West. They did this by building and guarding roads and trails. They also explored the West and protected important routes like rivers, telegraph lines, and railroads.
- Keeping peace and order until local governments were strong enough to do it themselves.
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Understanding the Indian Wars
The "Indian Wars" were many conflicts between the U.S. Army and various Native American tribes. These wars happened all over the United States. They are often divided into two groups: those east of the Mississippi River and those west of it.
The U.S. Bureau of the Census reported in 1894 that there were over 40 Indian Wars. These conflicts resulted in many deaths on both sides. The movement of settlers heading west often led to these conflicts with Native Americans.
Some of the well-known Indian Wars included:
- The Northwest Indian Wars (1790–95 and 1811–13).
- The Seminole Wars in Florida (1817–18, 1835–42, and 1856).
- The Black Hawk War (1832).
- The Sioux Wars (1862–1867).
- The War of the Plains Indians (1863–69).
- The Sioux and Cheyenne War (1876–79).
- The Apache Wars (1861–90).
These battles were fought by regular Army soldiers, including infantry (foot soldiers) and cavalry (soldiers on horseback). Sometimes, state militia (citizen soldiers) and volunteers also helped.
Life as a Frontier Soldier
Frontier soldiers usually lived in forts at important locations. These forts protected communication routes, settlements, and Native American reservations. The size of this army varied. In 1790, there were about 1,423 troops in the Northwest Territory. By 1868, during the peak of the Indian Wars on the Great Plains, there were over 26,000 soldiers.
Most frontier forts had about 200 soldiers. After 1870, as the Indian Wars ended, many of these forts were quickly closed.
Daily Duties and Challenges
Supplies for the Army were brought by boats, steamboats, and wagons pulled by oxen or mules. Later, railroads helped transport goods. This need for supplies helped trade, farming, and ranching grow around the forts. These areas often became permanent settlements.
Life for a frontier soldier was very tough. Soldiers often built their own homes, which were usually made of logs, stone, adobe, or sod. They escorted travelers, settlers, and wagon trains. They also helped and protected groups surveying land.
Soldiers built thousands of miles of trails and roads. They gave aid to settlers who needed it. They patrolled trails and railroad lines. They guarded government and private property from Native Americans and outlaws. They also helped friendly Native American groups. When needed, they fought against hostile Native Americans and helped local authorities keep order.
The soldiers faced many hardships. Their living quarters were often poor, and the food was not always good. The lonely life on the frontier caused many soldiers to leave without permission.
Army and Native American Policy
The Army on the Frontier often disagreed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and local government officials. These groups had different ideas about how to deal with Native Americans. Many settlers wanted Native Americans to be moved or removed from their lands. The Indian Bureau tried to protect Native Americans, while the Army's role was to enforce policies.
When conflicts arose, the U.S. Army sometimes acted against entire Native American tribes. This meant that everyone in the tribe, including those not involved in the conflict, might be affected. Both the Indian Bureau and Army officials sometimes blamed each other for the ongoing conflicts.
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