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The Battle of Beecher Island: A Thrilling Tale of Courage and Survival

Salman Rushdie

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Published in The Stalkers: The Battle Of Beecher Island 1868 (The Plainsmen 3)

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The Battle of Beecher Island was a pivotal event in the history of the American West. Fought in 1868, it was one of the last major battles between the Cheyenne and the U.S. Army. The battle took place on the banks of the Arikaree River in Colorado, and it resulted in a decisive victory for the Cheyenne. This article provides a detailed account of the battle, from the Cheyenne's initial attack to the heroic defense of the outnumbered soldiers.

The Stalkers: The Battle Of Beecher Island 1868 (The Plainsmen 3)

The Stalkers: The Battle Of Beecher Island, 1868 (The Plainsmen Series Book 3)

by Terry C. Johnston

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	939 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	400 pages

The Prelude to Battle

In the years leading up to the Battle of Beecher Island, tensions between the Cheyenne and the U.S. government had been escalating. The Cheyenne were unhappy with the government's treatment of them, and they were determined to resist any further encroachment on their territory. In 1867, the Cheyenne signed the Treaty of Medicine Lodge, which promised them a large reservation in the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). However, the government soon began to renege on its promises, and the Cheyenne were forced to give up much of their land. This betrayal led to widespread anger among the Cheyenne, and it helped to fuel the outbreak of war in 1868.

The Battle

The Battle of Beecher Island began on the morning of September 17, 1868, when a large force of Cheyenne warriors attacked a small detachment of U.S. soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George A. Forsyth. Forsyth and his men were camped on an island in the Arikaree River, and they were outnumbered by the Cheyenne by more than 10 to 1. Despite the odds, Forsyth and his men fought bravely, and they managed to hold off the Cheyenne for several hours. However, as the battle wore on, the Cheyenne began to gain the upper hand. Forsyth and his men were running out of ammunition, and they were surrounded by a relentless horde of Cheyenne warriors.

The Last Stand

As the sun began to set, it became clear that Forsyth and his men were doomed. The Cheyenne had closed in on all sides, and there was no hope of escape. Forsyth and his men made their last stand on a small hilltop, and they fought to the death. One by one, the soldiers were killed, until only Forsyth and a handful of his men remained. Forsyth was shot in the chest, but he refused to give up. He continued to fire his rifle until he was shot again and killed. The last of Forsyth's men were killed shortly thereafter, and the Cheyenne had won a decisive victory.

The Aftermath

The Battle of Beecher Island was a major defeat for the U.S. Army, and it helped to galvanize the Cheyenne resistance. The battle also had a significant impact on the history of the American West. It marked the end of the Cheyenne's resistance to white settlement, and it paved the way for the eventual opening of the Great Plains to white settlers.

The Battle of Beecher Island was a tragic event, but it is also a story of courage and survival. Forsyth and his men fought bravely against overwhelming odds, and they refused to give up even when there was no hope of victory. Their story is a reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity, and it is an inspiration to us all.

If you are interested in learning more about the Battle of Beecher Island, I highly recommend reading the book "The Battle of Beecher Island: A History of the Fight at Beecher Island, Colorado, September 17, 1868" by John H. Monnett. This book provides a detailed and fascinating account of the battle, and it is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of the American West.

The Stalkers: The Battle Of Beecher Island, 1868 (The Plainsmen Series Book 3)

by Terry C. Johnston

4.6 out of 5