Book Description

Edition one of this book was previously published as a single volume under the Title: The US Army in Frontier Montana. This edition, Edition 2 is a revised and expanded edition published in two volumes. This frontier history portrays Montana's frontier during the period 1805-1890 as seen through the eyes of the participants presented as official US Army reports, first-person accounts, or historians quoting first person accounts. Volume I commences in 1805 when the Lewis and Clark Expedition first set foot in the future Montana Territory, covers the fur trade era in Montana, the discovery of gold and the formation of the territory. The US Army's struggle during the period 1866-1868 to secure the Montana Road including the Fetterman Fight or Massacre, the Hayfield and Wagon Box Fights, and Sioux Chief Red Cloud's subsequent victory are described in detail. Further described are the establishment of the Montana Military District in 1867, details about life at Fort Shaw, the mission of the US Army and the challenges it faced. Volume I ends with an in depth discussion of the Piegan campaign(1869-1870) as seen from the viewpoint of participating US Army officers. Volume II details the Campaign against the hostile Sioux and Northern Cheyenne during the years 1876 to 1881 when Sitting Bull surrendered. The Nez Perce campaign of 1877 is covered extensively. Volume II terminates with the abandonment of Fort Shaw in 1890.