Second Dragoon Expedition facts for kids
The Second Dragoon Expedition was an important journey made in 1835. It was also known as the Dodge Expedition. This trip aimed to meet different Native American tribes across the central Great Plains, reaching all the way to the Rocky Mountains and the Mexican border.
The expedition started on May 29, 1835, from Fort Leavenworth, unorganized territory. The soldiers, called Dragoons, first traveled along the Platte River. Here, they met the Otoe, Omaha, Grand Pawnee, and Arickaree tribes.
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Journey to the Rockies
After meeting the tribes along the Platte River, the Dragoons continued their journey south. They followed the eastern side of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Their goal was to reach Bent's Fort.
Arrival at Bent's Fort
The expedition arrived at Bent's Fort on August 6, 1835. This fort was a famous trading post. While at the fort, the Dragoons held important meetings, called councils. They met with several Native American tribes, including the Arapahoes, Cheyennes, Blackfeet, and Gros Ventres. These meetings were important for building relationships and understanding.
The Return Journey
On August 12, 1835, the Dragoons began their trip back home. They followed the Santa Fe Trail eastward. This was a well-known route for trade and travel.
The Only Loss
The expedition reached Council Grove, Kansas on the evening of September 8, 1835. Between Council Grove and Hundred and Ten Mile Creek, the expedition faced its only sad event. On September 11, 1835, a 23-year-old soldier named Private Samuel Hunt passed away.
Colonel Dodge wrote about this in his journal. He mentioned that Private Hunt was the first and only person to die or get seriously sick during the entire journey. Colonel Dodge ordered that Private Hunt be buried on a high prairie ridge. A stone was placed at his grave with his name and regiment carved on it.
Back to Fort Leavenworth
After this, the Dragoons continued their march. They crossed the Hundred and Ten Mile Creek. They then moved onto the high ground between the Kansas and Osage rivers. They passed by places called Round and Elm Groves.
On September 15, they arrived at the Kansas River crossing, near Dunlap's Ferry. They crossed the river. Finally, on September 16, 1835, the expedition arrived back at Fort Leavenworth. This marked the end of their long and important journey.
