Comanche Wars (1850–1870): Major Events & Causes

Who were the Comanche?

• A Native American tribe who lived in present-day Wyoming as part of the Shoshone tribe
• They later migrated into the southern Great Plains and had an advantage from their effective taming of horses
• Their survival depended on the buffalo hunt

Causes of Conflict

• Western expansion threatened the lifestyle of the Comanche and other tribes
• These settlers hunted buffalo commercially, and threatened the survival of the Comanche
• The Comanche fought to maintain their traditions

Major Battles

Salt Creek Massacre 1871

• The Medicine Lodge Treaty set reserves for tribes to hunt buffalo
• US government did not enforce it
• Comanche crossed into Salt Creek Prairie and killed 8 Texans in a passing wagon
• William Sheridan commanded an all-out attack against Plains Indians that led to future violence

Red River War 1874

• Comprised of a series of over 20 engagements between the US Army and the Southern Plains Indians
• Isa-Tai of the Comanche tribe led 300 Indians to attack the Adobe Walls post
• Comanche attacks catalyzed the US Army to remove Indians from the Red River area
• Comanches were outlasted and surrendered

Antelope Hill

• Capt. Ford led Texas Rangers and Indian allies against a Comanche village northwest of Antelope Hills.
• Iron Jacket challenged the Rangers. He was killed, and the village was captured.
  • It was a victory for Texas, but violated federal laws pertaining to the sovereignty of Indian Territory.