Story in Sheridan County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Wagon Box Monument
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
1. Wagon Box Monument Marker
Before you stands a monument dedicated to the courage and bravery of the defenders in the Wagon Box Fight of August 2, 1867. This monument was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The legend was written by local historians and although it was accurate with the information available at the time, it is now known to contain several discrepancies. Also, it makes no mention of the Lakota warriors who died on this field in defense of their culture.
It is not known if Red Cloud was the actual leader during this battle and the number of Lakota warriors who were involved in the Wagon Box Fight is now estimated to be 1,000 to 1,500. Native American casualty estimates, based on oral histories, vary from six to sixty.
Two Lakota individuals mentioned in both white and Indian accounts of the battle should be noted: one is Red Cloud’s nephew whose name is unknown; the other is a Miniconjou Sioux named Jipala. Both were killed during the battle, but they displayed unusual courage and leadership in their numerous attempts to defeat the corral defenders.
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 44° 33.528′ N, 106° 53.896′ W. Marker is in Story, Wyoming
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wagon Box Fight (here, next to this marker); A Fight to Survive (here, next to this marker); Valor in Attack (here, next to this marker); The Aftermath: Two Versions of Victory (a few steps from this marker); The Battle, August 2, 1867 (a few steps from this marker); Wood Cutting: A Hazardous Harvest (a few steps from this marker); The Wagon Box Fight: Continuing Controversies (a few steps from this marker); Red Cloud’s Victory (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Story.
More about this monument. A picture of the Wagon Box Monument appears at the top of the marker. Two photographs at the bottom of the marker depict men marking the location in 1919 and the original marker (located nearby).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. See all of the markers found on the Wagon Box Fight walking trail.
Also see . . . The Wagon Box Fight, 1867. Account of the battle from the Wyoming State Historical Society. (Submitted on August 19, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
2. Wagon Box Monument Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
3. Wagon Box Monument Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
4. Wagon Box Monument
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 19, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
