The Red River War

By Crusader1307

The Red River War was a US Army Campaign during The Indian Wars, that lasted for the last few months of 1874, into early 1875. Fought mostly in The State of Texas (Northern portion), it was the ''death knell'' for The Peoples of The Comanche (who had been actively fighting since 1867), Kiowa, Southern Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations. The majority of the battles were actually small skirmishes in which little casualties were produced on either side. The US Army's 5th, 6th 8th and 10th Cavalry were detailed to conduct The Campaign. Winter proved more of an issue for the Native American Tribes, who could not muster enough supplies to maintain resistance. The Comanche evoked various prayers which, they were told by their Chiefs – would render them incapable of being killed by bullets. This was seen as a method of psychological warfare as much for recruit US Cavalrymen as it was to bolster the courage of The Warrior. Various engagements were The Battle of Adobe Walls and Palo Duro Canyon, which is considered to be the last engagements of The War. Over 1,400 horses were captured and 450 Camps were destroyed by The US Army. Unable to withstand further loses, The Tribes surrendered and were moved to Reservations farther West.