The Epic Trek of Cheyenne Autumn: A Journey of Survival and Defiance through the Eyes of Mari Sandoz

Cheyenne Autumn

by Mari Sandoz

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3189 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In the annals of American history, the Cheyenne Autumn stands as a testament to the resilience and defiance of the Native American people in the face of relentless westward expansion. In 1878, over 1,000 members of the Southern Cheyenne tribe embarked on a perilous 1,000-mile journey from their ancestral lands in Oklahoma Territory to the Black Hills of South Dakota, their traditional homeland. This extraordinary trek, immortalized in the acclaimed novel "Cheyenne Autumn" by Mari Sandoz, is a story of survival, loss, and the enduring spirit of a nation.

The Seeds of Conflict

The Cheyenne Autumn had its roots in a series of broken treaties and betrayals that had marked the relationship between the United States government and the Native American tribes. The Southern Cheyenne had been forcibly relocated to Oklahoma Territory in 1867, after years of conflict with white settlers and the U.S. Army. However, the promises of land and resources made to the Cheyenne by the government were not fulfilled, and they faced severe hardship and poverty in their new home.

In 1875, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, which were considered sacred by the Cheyenne, reignited tensions. Despite the treaty of 1868, which guaranteed the tribes' ownership of the Black Hills, the government ordered the Cheyenne to return to their reservation in Oklahoma. The Cheyenne refused, and the stage was set for a confrontation.

The Long Walk Begins

On September 9, 1878, over 1,000 Southern Cheyenne, including women, children, and elders, left their camp in Oklahoma Territory. Led by their chief, Dull Knife, they set out on a long and arduous journey to the Black Hills. The Cheyenne traveled on horseback and foot, facing harsh weather, lack of supplies, and relentless pursuit by the U.S. Army.

Along the way, the Cheyenne were joined by a band of Northern Cheyenne who had also been forced to leave their ancestral lands. Together, they formed a formidable force, determined to reach their destination. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, as the Army pursued them relentlessly and engaged in skirmishes with the Cheyenne.

The Tragedy at Sand Creek

One of the most tragic events of the Cheyenne Autumn occurred at Sand Creek, Colorado, on November 29, 1878. A detachment of U.S. Army soldiers attacked a peaceful Cheyenne village that had surrendered, killing over 100 men, women, and children. This brutal massacre, which became known as the Sand Creek Massacre, further inflamed tensions and convinced the Cheyenne of the government's treachery.

Arrival at Fort Robinson

After a grueling six-month journey, the Cheyenne finally reached their destination in the Black Hills in April 1879. However, their victory was short-lived. The Army surrounded the Cheyenne camp and forced them to surrender. The Cheyenne were then taken to Fort Robinson in Nebraska, where they were held as prisoners of war.

Conditions at Fort Robinson were deplorable. The Cheyenne were housed in overcrowded barracks, and they suffered from lack of food, water, and medical care. Many died from disease or exposure. In January 1881, a group of Cheyenne prisoners, led by Dull Knife, escaped from Fort Robinson and attempted to return to their homeland. However, they were recaptured and returned to the fort.

Mari Sandoz's Cheyenne Autumn

The story of the Cheyenne Autumn was later immortalized in the acclaimed novel "Cheyenne Autumn" by Mari Sandoz. Sandoz, a Nebraska-born writer, conducted extensive research on the Cheyenne tribe and the events of the Cheyenne Autumn. Her novel, published in 1953, is a powerful and moving account of the Cheyenne people's journey, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their tragic fate.

Sandoz's novel vividly portrays the Cheyenne characters, their struggles, and their hopes. She gives a voice to the Cheyenne people, who had often been marginalized and silenced in the historical narrative. "Cheyenne Autumn" is considered a classic of American literature and has helped to shed light on the complex relationship between Native Americans and the United States government.

Legacy of the Cheyenne Autumn

The Cheyenne Autumn remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and hardships faced by Native American tribes during the era of westward expansion. It is a story of resilience, determination, and the enduring spirit of a nation. The Cheyenne Autumn also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the history and culture of Native American people.

Today, the descendants of the Southern Cheyenne still live in Oklahoma and Wyoming. They continue to honor the memory of their ancestors and to advocate for the preservation of their culture and traditions. The Cheyenne Autumn remains a powerful symbol of their strength and determination.

Cheyenne Autumn

by Mari Sandoz

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3189 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE