Reservation Era Begins 1850-1878

1864

Gold is discovered in Montana

In violation of treaties, prospectors invade lands of Native people throughout Wyoming and Montana and across the Yellowstone River. The U.S. Army builds forts along the rivers to protect the settlers and prospectors who are illegally trespassing in Native territories. Not surprisingly, Upper Plains Native nations resist White encroachment and the Lakota organize several armies (Nies, 1996).

Traumatic Event