Townsend Wagon Train Fight facts for kids
The Townsend Wagon Train Fight was an important event that happened on July 7, 1864. It took place near the Powder River in what is now Kaycee, Wyoming. This fight involved a large group of travelers, called a wagon train, and Native American groups.
Most of the people in the wagon train were families from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. They were traveling to Virginia City, Montana, hoping to find gold during the gold rush. The Native Americans were upset because these travelers were moving into their traditional hunting lands.
The wagon train was one of the biggest ever, with over 400 people and more than 150 wagons. It was led by Captain Absalom Austin Townsend.
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What Was the Bozeman Trail?
The fight happened on the Bozeman Trail. This trail was created by John Bozeman in 1863. It was a shortcut from the Oregon Trail directly to the gold fields in southwestern Montana.
In 1864, John Bozeman led the first wagon train of the year on this new trail. The Townsend Wagon Train was the third group to travel the Bozeman Trail that year.
Why Did the Fight Happen?
The main reason for the fight was that the wagon train was entering lands that Native American tribes used for hunting. These lands were very important for their survival and way of life. The Native Americans saw the travelers as invaders who were taking their resources. This led to conflict as they tried to protect their territory.
What Happened After the Fight?
The events on the Bozeman Trail, including the Townsend Wagon Train Fight, showed how much tension there was. Because of these battles, the U.S. Government decided to send a military group called the Powder River Expedition in 1865.
To try and control the area, several forts were built along the Bozeman Trail. These included:
- Fort Reno (built in 1865)
- Fort Phil Kearny (built in 1866)
- Fort C. F. Smith (built in 1866)
- Fort Ellis (built in 1867)
These forts were staffed by soldiers from the U.S. Cavalry. However, building these forts led to more conflict, especially during a period known as Red Cloud's War, which lasted from 1866 to 1868.
Learning More About the Bozeman Trail
Montana PBS, a public television station, made a 90-minute documentary about the Bozeman Trail. It aired in March 2019. This film shares the history of the trail, including details about the Townsend Wagon Train Fight and other important battles.
