Powder River Invasion Summary

The Plains Indians, located near the Powder River between the Bighorn Mountains to the west and the Black Hills to the east, are preparing for their annual medicine ceremonies in the summer of 1865. The tribes are unaware of an initiative being launched by U.S. General Patrick E. Connor to form three columns of soldiers to attack the Powder River encampments with the goal of killing every male Indian over twelve years of age.

In addition to this organized effort, a private expedition led by James A. Sawyers, heads west toward Montana gold mining territory. Aware that he would be passing through Indian territory, Sawyers has employed infantrymen to help his party pass through, unscathed if possible. Sioux and Cheyennes Indians in the area take note of Sawyers' wagon train, harass the travelers for several hours before the wagons...