The Graves Ranch and the Dull Knife Battle of 1876
Trip Start
Jun 30, 2009
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Trip End
Jul 09, 2009
Kaycee, Wyoming
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Graves are the 5th generation to live on the site of the Dull Knife Battle of November 1876, and the area is virtually unchanged since that terrible day.
Cheri, a math and geology major in college, has become an expert on the geology of the area as well as the battle and its aftermath. She has met and toured descendants of the Northern Cheyenne survivors, and her stories were informative and compelling. Her husband Ken and she are providing an incredible service to those of us interested in the details of the area’s history. Cheri, Ken and their ranch hand Tallon are personable and physically beautiful people; real cowboys. Cheri and Ken have three daughters in their twenties, but they have not an ounce of fat on their bodies, are trim and strong.
To read a quick summary of the battle, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dull_Knife_Fight.
Custer had been killed at the Little Bighorn, and the US Government was determined to ... what? exterminate the natives? "...Mackenzie waited until dawn, then attacked and drove the warriors
from the village. Some were forced to leave their clothes, blankets and
buffalo robes behind and flee into the frozen countryside. Dull Knife
began to offer stiff resistance, and savage fighting continued. The
Pawnee warriors fought with exceptional ability, and the Cheyennes
finally gave way and retreated from their village. The Indian village
of 173 lodges and all its contents were entirely destroyed. About 500
ponies were captured. Lieut. J. A. McKinney, U.S. 4th Cavalry, was
killed, along with five enlisted men.
The battle ended Cheyenne resistance for all practical purposes.
Dull Knife's followers were left in the freezing weather without
sufficient clothing, and many soon froze to death. Most surrendered
shortly after..."
Sobering.
Coming down to Casper after our 6 hours on the ranch, we were met with an incredible, powerful lightning storm which is still raging as I write. We did have rain on the ranch, which was icy cold and added to the adventure of the day. This rain is nasty and the lightning striking so close it could kill. It’s nice to be inside!
