Battle of Killdeer Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Killdeer Mountain |
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| Part of Sioux Wars, American Civil War | |||||||
 Killdeer Mountain battlefield |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| United States of America | Lakota, Yanktonai, Santee Dakota | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Alfred Sully | Gall Sitting Bull Inkpaduta |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 2,200 | 1,600 or more | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 5 dead, 10 wounded. | 31-150 dead | ||||||
The Battle of Killdeer Mountain was an important fight that happened in 1864. It's also known as the Battle of Tahkahokuty Mountain. This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the Sioux Wars, which involved the United States Army and several Native American tribes. It took place in what is now Dunn County, North Dakota.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
In 1864, Brigadier General Alfred Sully led a group of about 2,200 United States soldiers. Their mission was to find and stop Native American tribes who were seen as a threat in the Dakota Territory. Many Native American families were living in the area, including the Lakota, Yanktonai, and Santee Dakota tribes.
General Sully's expedition was part of the larger American Civil War. Even though the main war was happening in the eastern United States, there were also conflicts in the western territories. These conflicts often involved the US Army and Native American tribes.
Who Fought at Killdeer Mountain
On one side were the United States soldiers, led by General Alfred Sully. They had a large force and were well-equipped.
On the other side were warriors from several Native American tribes. These included the Lakota, Yanktonai, and Santee Dakota. Important leaders like Gall, Sitting Bull, and Inkpaduta were among them. They had gathered a force of at least 1,600 warriors.
What Happened During the Battle
The battle began on July 28, 1864. General Sully's soldiers found a large camp of Native Americans near Killdeer Mountain. The Native American families were living there, and the warriors prepared to defend them.
The fighting was intense. The US soldiers used their cannons and rifles. The Native American warriors fought bravely to protect their homes and families. The battle continued into July 29.
The Outcome
The Battle of Killdeer Mountain ended with a victory for the United States Army. Around 31 to 150 Native American warriors were killed. The US forces had fewer casualties, with 5 soldiers dead and 10 wounded.
After the battle, General Sully's troops continued to pursue the Native American tribes. They moved through difficult lands, including the Badlands of North Dakota. This area is now near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The battle was a significant event in the history of the Sioux Wars.
Images for kids
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Killdeer battle marker, 2003
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After the battle, Sully pursued the Sioux through the difficult terrain of the Badlands of North Dakota near present-day Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
