Near Fort Robinson State Park in Sioux County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Cheyenne Outbreak
Captain Wessels, Commanding Officer at Fort Robinson, imprisoned the Indians in a log barracks and attempted to starve them into submission. Using the few weapons they had smuggled into the building, the younger warriors began the Cheyenne Outbreak about 9:00 p.m., January 9, 1879. After a desperate running battle on the snow-covered parade ground, the Indians managed to follow the banks of the White River, scale the cliffs and escape.
Unable to find horses, the Cheyenne eluded pursuing troops for 12 days by heading northwest through the rough terrain of the Pine Ridge. Soldiers discovered their hiding place on Antelope Creek January 22, but the Indians refused to surrender. During the outbreak, 64 Cheyenne and 11 soldiers were killed. More than 70 were recaptured and several escaped. The number of casualties made the Cheyenne Outbreak one of the major conflicts of the Indian Wars.
Erected by Crawford Historical Society. (Marker Number 86.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1924.
Location. 42° 39.187′ N, 103° 29.8′ W. Marker is near Fort Robinson State Park, Nebraska, in Sioux County. Marker is on U.S. 20 at milepost 30 east of Vogl Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harrison NE 69346, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bison: Behemoths of the Plains (approx. 1˝ miles away); Fighting in the Buttes (approx. 1.7 miles away); Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Robinson (approx. 1.7 miles away); Fort Robinson (approx. 1.8 miles away); 1887 Barracks Row (approx. 1.8 miles away); Crazy Horse (approx. 1.8 miles away); Officers’ Row, 1909 (approx. 1.8 miles away); Adjuncts Office/Guardhouse (approx. 1.8 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2008, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,527 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2008, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on August 16, 2009, by Bob Reece of Firestone, Colorado. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.