Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mahatmakanejeeves

(61,045 posts)
Tue Jan 23, 2024, 06:36 AM Jan 2024

On this day, January 23, 1870, the Marias massacre occurred.

Marias Massacre

Date: January 23, 1870
Location: Marias River, Montana Territory
Result: 173-217 killed; Ulysses S. Grant's "Peace Policy"

The Marias Massacre (also known as the Baker Massacre or the Piegan Massacre) was a massacre of Piegan Blackfeet Indians carried out by the United States Army as part of the Indian Wars. The massacre took place on January 23, 1870, in Montana Territory. Approximately 200 Indians were killed, most of whom were women, children and elderly men.

As part of a campaign to suppress Mountain Chief's band of Piegan Blackfeet, the U.S. Army attacked a different band led by Chief Heavy Runner, to whom the United States government had previously promised their protection. This resulted in public outrage and a long-term shift towards a "Peace Policy" by the Federal Government, as advocated by President Ulysses S. Grant. Grant kept the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a division of the Department of the Interior although the War Department was trying to regain control. He then appointed men recommended by various religious clergy—including Quakers and Methodists—as Indian agents, in hopes that they would be free of the corruption he had previously found in the department.

{snip}

Mon Jan 23, 2023: On this day, January 23, 1870, the Marias massacre occurred.

Thu Jan 23, 2020: On this day, January 23, 1870, the Marias massacre occurred.
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
On this day, January 23, 1870, the Marias massacre occurred. (Original Post) mahatmakanejeeves Jan 2024 OP
"We're all Children of the same God." though? czarjak Jan 2024 #1
Recall Sand Creek and Washita River GreenWave Jan 2024 #2

GreenWave

(9,221 posts)
2. Recall Sand Creek and Washita River
Tue Jan 23, 2024, 09:59 AM
Jan 2024

that's where the creeks ran red with blood
women, children lying all over
babies dying like dogs in the mud.
...
Sioux and Cheyenne did entail
forts along the Bozeman trail

(Can't remember the rest of this Native American poem, but it is a prelude to Little Big Horn which would be a few years later)

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»American History»On this day, January 23, ...