Battle of Platte Bridge

Course of the battle

The tribes of the Indiens of the Plains had been made indignant by the Massacre of Sand Creek in the Territory of the Colorado, perpetrated by Chivington. Also in 1865 the hostility of the Indians burst in the Plains. In answer the troops of the Army of the Union as well as the 3me regiment of the Volunteers of Infantry U.S. stationed with Platte Bridge and on other sites along the track.

In July 1865 the tribes Cheyennes led by Dull Knife, and Sioux led by Red Cloud, decided to eliminate Platte Bridge Station, the small barracks neighborhood, like their inhabitants. Later on July 26th, 1865 a railway goods wagon with 25 men under the command of the Sergeant Amos Custard forwarded of Sweetwater Station towards the east with Platte Bridge Station.

Lieutenant Caspar Collins with a small detachment of soldiers was sent of Platte Bridge Station to try to reach the coach in order to escort it to the barracks. But at the time to cross the bridge towards north they were attacked by the Sioux and Cheyennes. Lieutenant Collins and several of his men were killed. Platte Bridge Station was renamed Fort Caspar.

Bonds

Site on the Indian wars

Gallery of the painter William Henry Jackson (for the image)

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