Book Description

The origin of Montana's militia dates to 1867, when a politically ambitious acting governor organized frontiersmen in supposed fear of Plains Indian incursions into the territory's mining camps and other settled regions. After establishing posts on the upper Missouri, some skirmishing with warriors occurred, but within months these unruly volunteers were disbanded after mutiny in the ranks, their harsh punishment of horse thieves, and disputes over federal provisioning. Afterward, the U.S. Army took the forefront in the Indian campaign.