Casper in Natrona County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
The Battle of Red Buttes
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 17, 2015
1. The Battle of Red Buttes Marker
A desperate battle to save a supply train ended tragically the same day as the Battle at Platte Bridge. Sgt. Amos Custard and his men were bringing five supply wagons from the Sweetwater Station near Independence Rock. The group came into view of Platte Bridge Station from the direction of Red Buttes about noon on July 26, 1865. Unaware of the morning’s skirmish, Custard barely had time to assume a defensive position when a large group of Indians attacked. The 4-hour battle ended when the Indians overran the soldier’s position.
The next day a detachment from Platte Bridge Station found the bodies of Sgt. Custard and 20 of his men. The only survivors were three of the five men on advance patrol from the supply train who made their way here to safety.
Erected 1988 by Natrona County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is July 26, 1865.
Location. 42° 50.196′ N, 106° 22.26′ W. Marker is in Casper, Wyoming, in Natrona County. Marker can be reached from Fort Caspar
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Battle at Platte Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Old Fort Caspar (within shouting distance of this marker); Reconstructed Fort Caspar (within shouting distance of this marker); Platte Bridge Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Indians Of Wyoming (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Stuart Cabin Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Oregon Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pony Express (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Casper.
More about this marker. This maker is on the pathway leading from the museum to the reconstructed fort.
Also see . . . The Battles of Platte Bridge Station and Red Buttes -- WyoHistory. Custard's men corralled the wagons and piled cargo underneath them to form a breastwork of sorts. They held off the Indians until about 4 p.m., at which time the men in the station saw smoke rising from burning wagons. (Submitted on December 18, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 17, 2015
2. The Battle of Red Buttes Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 779 times since then and 151 times this year. Last updated on January 12, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
