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).