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Battle of Whitestone Hill facts for kids

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The Battle of Whitestone Hill was an important event that happened in 1863. It was a fight between the United States Army, led by General Alfred Sully, and several groups of Sioux people. This battle took place in what is now Dakota Territory. The Native Americans involved were mainly Yanktonai, Santee, and Teton (Lakota) Sioux.

Whitestone Hll
An artist's idea of what the Battle of Whitestone Hill might have looked like.

What Led to the Battle?

The Battle of Whitestone Hill was part of a larger effort by the United States Army in 1863. This effort aimed to deal with conflicts between settlers and Native American groups in the Dakota Territory. General Sully's mission was to find and engage with certain Sioux groups. The battle happened after a period of tension and smaller clashes in the region.

Who Was Involved?

On one side was the United States Army. They were led by Alfred Sully, who was a general. His soldiers were well-equipped and trained. On the other side were different groups of the Sioux people. These included the Yanktonai, Santee, and Teton Lakota Sioux. They were living in a village when the army found them.

The Battle Unfolds

The fighting at Whitestone Hill took place over a few days. It started on September 3, 1863, and continued until September 5. General Sully's troops attacked the Native American village. The battle was fierce and chaotic. It was a difficult fight for both sides.

Results of the Battle

The battle ended with a victory for the United States Army. Sadly, many lives were lost on both sides during the conflict. About 20 US soldiers died. A much larger number of Native Americans were killed or injured during the fighting. This battle was a significant event in the history of the American Old West. It had a lasting impact on the Sioux people and the region.

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