Near Crawford in Dawes County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Flight of the Cheyennes

Photographed By Connor Olson, May 25, 2021

1. The Flight of the Cheyennes Marker

Inscription. Just before 10 P. M. on January 9, 1879, the 130 Cheyennes held in the cavalry barracks made their desperate bid for freedom. After disabling the soldier guards, they fled across this ground to the White River beyond. Under heavy fire from pursuing troops, they followed the river and climbed the high buttes several miles to the west. During this initial fighting, twenty-seven Cheyennes and five soldiers were killed. The Cheyennes were buried in a mass grave near the post sawmill.

Erected by Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 425.)

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 9, 1879.

Location. 42° 39.816′ N, 103° 27.851′ W. Marker is near Crawford, Nebraska, in Dawes County. Memorial can be reached from Bridges to Buttes Byway (U.S. 20) 0.2 miles south of Soldier Creek Road, on the left when traveling south. 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 walking distance of this marker. Cavalry Barracks/Cheyenne Outbreak (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sea Level Bench Mark (about 500 feet away); Adjuncts Office/Guardhouse

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 600 feet away); Crazy Horse (about 600 feet away); Fort Robinson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Officers’ Row, 1874-1875 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bison: Behemoths of the Plains (approx. ¼ mile away); K-9 Training Area (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crawford.

Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, June 30, 2023

2. The Flight of the Cheyennes Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 218 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on May 14, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on May 26, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on July 12, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.