What is the Northern Cheyenne Exodus?

The Northern Cheyenne Exodus was the attempt by the Northern Cheyenne to return to their ancestral lands in Montana after being forcibly removed to Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma).

Why were the Northern Cheyenne sent to Indian Territory in the first place?

The Northern Cheyenne were sent to Indian Territory because it was land the US government was not interested in at the time, while they were quite interested in the ancestral lands of the Cheyenne in the north.

Why couldn't the Northern Cheyenne simply leave the reservation?

The Northern Cheyenne had been promised they could leave the reservation if they did not like it and return home. Once they were there, however, they were essentially imprisoned and their requests to leave were denied. This was because the US government had no intention of returning their lands to them.

What was the Fort Robinson Breakout?

The Fort Robinson Breakout/Fort Robinson Massacre was an event of 9 January 1879 in which the Northern Cheyenne tried to escape captivity at Fort Robinson. Most were captured or killed and their bodies were interred in the mass grave known as "The Pit."

Northern Cheyenne Exodus Timeline

Definition

The Northern Cheyenne Exodus (1878-1879) is the modern-day term for the attempt by the Northern Cheyenne under chiefs Morning Star (Dull Knife, l. c. 1810-1883) and Little Wolf (also known as Little Coyote, l. c. 1820-1904) to leave the Southern Cheyenne Reservation in Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma) and return to their home in modern-day Montana.

More about: Northern Cheyenne Exodus

Timeline

25 Nov 1876
The Northern Cheyenne are defeated by the US Cavalry at the Battle on the Red Fork/Dull Knife Fight and surrender to authorities.
1878 - 1879
Northern Cheyenne Exodus from Indian Territory in Oklahoma to their ancestral lands in the north.
9 Sep 1878
Little Wolf and Morning Star (Dull Knife) begin the exodus from Indian territory back to ancestral lands of the Northern Cheyenne.
13 Sep 1878 - 14 Sep 1878
Battle of Turkey Springs; the Northern Cheyenne fight off pursuing cavalry.
9 Jan 1879
Fort Robinson Breakout/Fort Robinson Massacre; The Northern Cheyenne attempt to escape Fort Robinson, most are killed or captured.

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