War Comes to the Cheyennes Summary

In spite of the conflicts and battles, the Cheyennes, Arapahos, Sioux, Crows, and other Indian tribes agree in 1851 to let the white men establish trade routes and military posts throughout their territory. No one is prepared, though, for the influx of white settlers during the Pikes Peak gold rush in 1858, which results in the loss of more territory for the Indian tribes. A new peace treaty is signed at the U.S. post at Fort Wise and instructs the Indians to inhabit even less land than before in the Colorado territory.

The arrival of more U.S. soldiers in search of Confederate soldiers hiding out in this region instigates more conflicts. Colorado's governor, John Evans, declares it lawful for any white man to kill any hostile Indian. A Cheyenne chief named Lean Bear unwittingly rides...