The Battle of Cedar Canyon (1864): A Turning Point in the Cheyenne-Arapaho Indian War
The Battle of Cedar Canyon, fought in 1864, remains a significant and tragic event in the history of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Indian War, which unfolded against the backdrop of the American expansionist ambitions and the systematic displacement of Native American tribes. Located in present-day Colorado, Cedar Canyon was the site of a decisive engagement between the United States military forces and the Cheyenne, with the Arapaho also being involved in the broader conflict.
Historical Context: The Cheyenne-Arapaho Indian War
The Cheyenne-Arapaho Indian War was part of the larger series of conflicts known as the Indian Wars, fought between various Native American tribes and the United States government from the late 18th century through the early 20th century. These wars were primarily motivated by the encroachment of European settlers on Native American lands, along with the U.S. government’s policies of forced removal and assimilation.
The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes were originally based in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, with a rich culture and history tied to the land. However, as settlers moved westward, and with the discovery of valuable resources such as gold and fertile land, the U.S. government began to push Native American tribes off their ancestral lands. This led to growing tensions, culminating in several violent clashes between the U.S. military and various tribes.
The year 1864 marked a particularly brutal period in the war, with the U.S. government’s policy of “total war” seeking to break the resolve of Native American tribes through military force, strategic attacks on villages, and the destruction of food sources such as buffalo herds.
The Battle of Cedar Canyon
The Battle of Cedar Canyon took place in the autumn of 1864. The precise details of the battle remain somewhat elusive due to limited records, but the strategic importance of the conflict is clear. It was part of a larger series of skirmishes and engagements between the U.S. military forces and Native American tribes, specifically the Cheyenne, who were engaged in resistance against their forced relocation.
The U.S. Army, under the command of General John Chivington, had been actively pursuing the Cheyenne and their allies, including the Arapaho, as part of an ongoing campaign to subdue Native American resistance. While the Cheyenne had initially attempted to negotiate with the U.S. government, they were often met with violence and betrayal.
Cedar Canyon itself was a remote and rugged location, and the terrain played a significant role in the battle’s outcome. The Cheyenne, often numbering in the hundreds, faced off against a well-equipped U.S. military force. Though the Cheyenne put up a determined fight, they were ultimately overwhelmed by the superior firepower and numbers of the United States troops.
The Aftermath and Massacre
The aftermath of the Battle of Cedar Canyon was devastating for the Cheyenne and their allies. Following their defeat, many Cheyenne women, children, and elderly were either killed or captured. The massacre that followed was a chilling reminder of the brutal tactics employed by the U.S. Army.
Historical accounts describe the aftermath as a “massacre,” with surviving Cheyenne members either being massacred in the immediate aftermath or forced into submission. The killing of non-combatants was a brutal feature of many battles during this period, particularly during the so-called “Indian Removal” policies, which sought to forcibly relocate Native Americans to reservations.
The loss of Cedar Canyon marked a significant blow to the Cheyenne resistance, leading to further displacement and the eventual signing of treaties that promised to protect their rights but were ultimately violated by the U.S. government. The Cheyenne would eventually face further hardships, including the infamous Sand Creek Massacre in the same year, where nearly 200 Cheyenne, mostly women and children, were killed by U.S. troops.
The Impact on the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
The defeat at Cedar Canyon, along with the massacre that followed, had long-lasting consequences for the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples. These events disrupted their way of life, undermined their ability to resist further encroachment on their lands, and left lasting scars on their communities.
For the Cheyenne, the loss at Cedar Canyon and other subsequent defeats contributed to their eventual relocation to reservations, particularly in present-day Oklahoma. The Arapaho, too, faced similar challenges. As they were forced to adapt to new lands and a new way of life, many suffered from diseases, starvation, and continued military oppression.
The Role of the U.S. Military
From the perspective of the United States, the victory at Cedar Canyon was seen as a significant military success. The U.S. Army was engaged in an aggressive campaign to subdue Native American resistance to westward expansion, and the defeat of the Cheyenne and Arapaho was seen as one step closer to achieving the nation’s goals of Manifest Destiny—the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent.
However, the use of extreme violence, including massacres of non-combatants, would be heavily criticized by future generations. The events of Cedar Canyon and other similar battles highlighted the darker aspects of American expansionism and the brutal tactics employed against indigenous populations.
The Legacy of Cedar Canyon
The Battle of Cedar Canyon, along with other engagements in the Cheyenne-Arapaho War, represents a painful chapter in the history of the United States’ treatment of Native American tribes. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of expansionism and the resilience of the indigenous peoples who fought to protect their land, culture, and way of life.
While the Cheyenne were ultimately defeated, their story continues to be told in Native American communities and through the work of historians, scholars, and activists. The events at Cedar Canyon, as part of the broader Cheyenne-Arapaho Indian War, remain a testament to the resilience of Native Americans in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The massacre that occurred following the battle is a painful reminder of the violence and inhumanity that defined much of the U.S. government’s interactions with Native Americans during the 19th century. It underscores the need to recognize and understand the history of this period and the ongoing impacts it has on Native American communities today.
Conclusion
The Battle of Cedar Canyon was a tragic and pivotal moment in the history of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Indian War. It represented a significant loss for the Cheyenne, whose defeat at the hands of the United States military would set the stage for further violence and forced relocation. Despite the outcome of the battle, the legacy of the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples endures, with their stories continuing to inspire movements for justice and recognition of Native American rights. The massacre that followed the battle serves as a stark reminder of the horrors faced by indigenous peoples during the American expansion and remains a somber chapter in the broader narrative of the Indian Wars.