Battle at Sappa Creek
US military engagement in 1875 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Battle of Sappa Creek, or Massacre at Cheyenne Hole, was fought on April 23, 1875, between Company H of the Sixth United States Cavalry under the command of Second Lieutenant Austin Henely and a group of Cheyenne Indians led by Little Bull. The conflict took place in modern-day Rawlins County, Kansas, and was both the final and the deadliest battle in the Red River War.
Battle of Sappa Creek | |||||||
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Part of Red River War (The Buffalo War) | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
U.S. Army | Cheyenne Indians | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Austin Henely | Little Bull | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
Company H, 6th Cavalry Regiment |
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Casualties and losses | |||||||
2 dead | Approximately 27 dead |
The Battle at the Sappa was the result of escalating tensions between Indians, US settlers, and the US Government over the issue of land rights and buffalo hunting. The battle occurred as Henely was chasing after Little Bull's group, which had been sent running in panic caused by a nearby prison break from Black Horse, who was accused of murder, rape, and abuse. When Henely's company caught up with the Indians, they killed all that they could, taking no prisoners. This battle has garnered controversy from several individuals – authors, local settlers, and participants in the fight – over allegations of atrocities committed by Henely and his troops, including ignoring an attempt to parley and burning of living Indians.