Tribal Wars of the Southern Plains

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Few who traverse the Great Plains today remember that for centuries, this land was a battleground where Indian nations fought for survival and resisted the encroachment of white civilization. Even those aware of this history often view Plains Indian conflicts primarily through the lens of American conquest. In this engaging narrative, historian Stan Hoig reveals the ongoing struggle of the native peoples of the southern plains to preserve their homelands and way of life. This comprehensive account covers Indian conflicts from the Platte River to the Rio Grande, beginning with the first Spanish reports in the sixteenth century and concluding with the U.S.-Cheyenne Battle of the Sand Hills in 1875. Readers will follow the journeys of notable chiefs like Lone Wolf, Satanta, Black Kettle, and Dull Knife as they navigated treaties, led attacks, and defended their villages amidst the diverse tribes, including the Wichitas, Comanches, Cheyennes, Arapahos, Kiowas, Osages, and Pawnees. Unlike earlier studies, this synthesis addresses both Indian-white wars and intertribal conflicts, highlighting the intertribal wars that preceded Spanish arrival and continued for centuries, particularly as white settlers pushed tribes onto the Great Plains. Hoig details numerous battles, major treaties, the warrior ethic, the dual roles of peace and war chiefs, Plains Indian warfare tactics, and the influence of spirituality. This work serves as an e