The 1865 Treaty: A Glimpse into Southern Plains History
The Cheyennes & Arapahos
The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, rich in tradition and culture, inhabited the Southern Great Plains. In the mid-19th century, as tensions rose between Indigenous peoples and settlers moving westward, these tribes found themselves caught between their sovereign rights and the relentless expansion of American territories.
Signing of the 1865 Peace Treaty
In 1865, in a move which many consider a last-ditch effort for peace, the Cheyenne and Arapaho leaders negotiated a treaty with the U.S. government. This agreement intended to limit conflict over land and resources, acknowledging both tribes' rights to their traditional hunting grounds. However, the reality of those promises would quickly become apparent as American interests continued to expand into the region.
The Consequences of Broken Promises
The Aftermath of the Treaty
Despite the signing of the treaty, the situation for the Cheyenne and Arapaho populations deteriorated rapidly. As settlers continued to encroach upon their land, tensions escalated leading to significant resentment among the tribes. In 1867, a mere two years after the treaty, both tribes would find themselves forcibly removed from their lands in Colorado, undermining the principles laid out in the treaty.
Expulsion from Colorado
Faced with growing hostility, both the Cheyenne and Arapaho were subjected to military actions that chased them from their ancestral homelands in Colorado. This expulsion marked a grievous chapter in their history, symbolizing the broader trend of the U.S. government's policies towards Native Americans during this period. Many tribe members lost their lives or faced severe hardships in the struggle to seek refuge.
Fun Fact
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Resilience
Despite their hardships following the treaty's signing and subsequent expulsion, the Cheyenne and Arapaho demonstrate remarkable resilience. They have maintained their cultural identities and continue to be recognized as prominent tribes in America.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on Cheyenne and Arapaho History
For those interested in diving deeper into this significant period, consider reading “The Cheyennes: A History 1830-1879” by Paul H. Carlson and “A History of the Arapahos” by R. A. B. C. C. T. Davison. These works provide more insights into the cultures, struggles, and triumphs of these tribes.
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