The Long Walk of the Navahos Summary

In the Southwestern states in 1860, the Navaho people are led by Chief Manuelito, who desires peace with white men until the white soldiers indiscriminately destroy Indian homes, crops, and livestock. The Indians retaliate with an attack on the U.S. Fort Defiance and come very close to annihilating the fort and its inhabitants but are ultimately driven back into the hills. The Indians consider the battle successful but the U.S. Government considers the attack a declaration of war.

When another U.S. post, Fort Fauntleroy, is established nearby the following year, Chief Manuelito challenges a U.S. officer to a horse race. When it is determined that Manuelito's bridle rein had been slashed resulting in his being unable to control his horse, the Indians insist on another race but are denied. This...