History Daily: The Northern Cheyenne Face Off Against the US Army

Release Date: January 22, 2025
Host: Lindsey Graham
Produced by Airship, Noiser, Wondery

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Northern Cheyenne Face Off Against the US Army," host Lindsey Graham delves deep into a pivotal moment in American history. This episode chronicles the harrowing struggle of the Northern Cheyenne tribe as they valiantly resisted the United States Army's attempts to forcibly relocate them from their ancestral lands in Montana to the reservation in Oklahoma. Through vivid storytelling and expert analysis, Graham brings to life the courage, resilience, and tragic losses endured by the Cheyenne people during this tumultuous period.

Background: The Prelude to Conflict

Timestamp: 00:00

The episode opens on January 9, 1879, at Fort Robinson in Nebraska. Here, Northern Cheyenne Chief Morningsun, also known as Dull Knife, leads his tribe in a desperate bid for freedom. After enduring harsh conditions—deprivation of food, water, and heat for four days—Morningstar and his people decide to escape, aiming to return to their homeland in Montana. This act of defiance is set against the backdrop of the US Government's relentless efforts to relocate Native American tribes to Oklahoma, a policy that the Cheyenne refuse to accept.

Lindsey Graham (00:00): "Chief Morningstar raises his voice and urges all that can to keep moving. Escape is all that matters now."

The Climactic Escape and Immediate Aftermath

Timestamp: 00:00 - 08:50

As the Cheyenne traverse the fort grounds under the cover of night, tension mounts. Their escape plan is meticulously executed, with warriors discreetly retrieving hidden weapons. However, the US Army swiftly detects the attempt, leading to an explosive confrontation. The ensuing violence is brutal:

• Cheyenne Warriors: Stand their ground, engaging soldiers to provide cover for the fleeing members.
• US Army: Responds with overwhelming force, leading to significant casualties on both sides.

Despite their valor, the weakened state of the tribe due to starvation hampers their ability to sustain the escape. Chief Morningstar witnesses the tragic loss of many of his people, including both combatants and non-combatants. The relentless pursuit by the military forces the remaining members to press onward, driven by the imperative to survive.

Chief Morningstar (Via Narrative, 00:00): "Knowing he's lost too many already, and the road ahead promises to take even more."

Historical Context: US Government's Pressures and Cheyenne's Resistance

Timestamp: 09:55 - 08:50

The episode transitions to provide a comprehensive backdrop of the US Government's strategies to displace Native American tribes. Key factors include:

• Economic Interests: The discovery of gold in Montana by Lt. Col. George Custer heightened the region's value, fueling the government's determination to control the land.
• Military Tensions: The infamous Battle of Little Bighorn (June 1876), where Custer and his men were defeated by a coalition of Lakota, Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, intensified the military's resolve to suppress Native resistance.
• Policy of Relocation: For over a year, the government employed violent measures to compel tribes to move to Oklahoma, often violating treaties and disregarding the tribes' deep-rooted connections to their lands.

This relentless pressure culminated in the tragic events at Fort Robinson, highlighting the broader narrative of Native American resilience against systemic oppression.

Narrator (09:55): "With this surprise attack, the US army hopes to send a pointed message to the native population across Montana. They are not welcome here, and all tribes must leave or face death."

The Struggle and Suffering on the Reservation

Timestamp: 08:50 - 09:55

Upon being relocated to Oklahoma, the Northern Cheyenne face dire conditions:

• Environmental Unfamiliarity: The Oklahoma landscape lacks the resources and game of Montana, rendering the tribe's traditional hunting skills ineffective.
• Resource Scarcity: Poor soil quality and inadequate provisions lead to widespread starvation and suffering.
• Health and Welfare: The army's provision of food and shelter is insufficient, further exacerbating the tribe's plight.

Chief Morningstar's leadership is tested as he grapples with the grim reality of his people's situation. His attempts to negotiate a return to Montana are met with indifference and obstinacy from the military authorities, leaving him with no choice but to consider drastic measures to save his tribe.

Lindsey Graham (09:55): "Morningstar refuses to accept this. The longer the tribe stays here, the more endangered it becomes for him. Something must be done, and quickly."

The Final Stand: Antelope Creek Massacre

Timestamp: 09:55 - 08:50

The episode culminates in the Antelope Creek Massacre on January 22, 1879. After enduring prolonged hardship and a failed escape attempt from Fort Robinson, the remaining 149 Cheyenne are captured and confined. Determined to return home, Morningstar and his warriors plan another escape, driven by desperation and unwavering resolve.

• Battle at Antelope Creek: As the Cheyenne make a final stand atop a snowy bluff in Nebraska, they confront a battalion of US Soldiers. Despite their valiant efforts to fend off the advancing army, the overwhelming force and superior weaponry of the military lead to devastating losses.

• Casualties: Of the original 32 Cheyenne warriors, only six survive after three hours of fierce combat. The two warriors who charge the army with unloaded weapons epitomize the tribe's indomitable spirit, sacrificing themselves in a futile attempt to resist.

• Aftermath: The massacre results in the tribe's full subjugation, with survivors being forcibly returned to Fort Robinson. This tragic event underscores the immense struggles faced by the Northern Cheyenne in their quest for freedom and dignity.

Narrator (08:50): "Of the original 32 Cheyenne in the group, only six survive. With no weapons and no hope of escape, they surrender to the army and are shipped back to Fort Robinson."

Legacy and the Path to Reconciliation

Timestamp: Post-Massacre

In the years following the Antelope Creek Massacre, the Northern Cheyenne's plight continues to draw national attention. Public opinion gradually shifts in favor of the tribe, highlighting the injustices they endured. This growing awareness exerts pressure on the US Government, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation at the Tongue River in Montana in 1884, five years after the massacre.

• Chief Morningstar's Demise: Tragically, Morningstar does not live to see his people return home, passing away shortly before the reservation's creation. His legacy, however, remains a testament to the Cheyenne's enduring struggle for autonomy and respect.

• Continued Challenges: The establishment of the reservation brings new hardships, including the creation of the Saint Labre Catholic Indian Boarding School in Montana. These institutions were part of a broader policy aimed at assimilating Native American children, often through violent and abusive means, perpetuating the cycle of trauma and loss.

Lindsey Graham (09:55): "Though the Cheyenne will return to Montana, this new chapter of their history will come with its own horrors. The path to liberation will remain a long and difficult process."

Conclusion

Lindsey Graham's episode on the Northern Cheyenne's confrontation with the US Army offers a profound exploration of a dark chapter in American history. Through meticulous research and evocative narration, the podcast sheds light on the resilience of the Cheyenne people and the enduring impact of their struggle for sovereignty. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and tragedies that have shaped the nation's relationship with its indigenous populations.

For those unacquainted with this history, "The Northern Cheyenne Face Off Against the US Army" provides an essential and enlightening perspective on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and self-determination.

Notable Quotes:

• Lindsey Graham (00:00): "Chief Morningstar raises his voice and urges all that can to keep moving. Escape is all that matters now."

• Chief Morningstar (Via Narrative, 00:00): "Knowing he's lost too many already, and the road ahead promises to take even more."

• Chief Morningstar (09:55): "Morningstar refuses to accept this. The longer the tribe stays here, the more endangered it becomes for him. Something must be done, and quickly."

• Narrator (08:50): "Of the original 32 Cheyenne in the group, only six survive. With no weapons and no hope of escape, they surrender to the army and are shipped back to Fort Robinson."

• Lindsey Graham (09:55): "Though the Cheyenne will return to Montana, this new chapter of their history will come with its own horrors. The path to liberation will remain a long and difficult process."

About History Daily

History Daily is a compelling podcast that brings historical events to life, one day at a time. Hosted by Lindsey Graham, the show explores significant moments from the past, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the events and people that have shaped our world. Whether you're commuting, working, or simply seeking a captivating narrative, History Daily offers engaging and informative episodes that illuminate the complexities of history.