-
Jefferson helps pay for The Prospect Before Us
The Prospect Before Us, the work of James Callenders. This pamphlet exposed John Adams as a Monarchist. Jefferson promised Callender the job of postmaster in Richmond, Virginia. After Jefferson was voted president he did not fulfill his promise. -
The second federal census
The population of the United States of America is 5,308,483 people. 17% of that is made up of the young nations vast slave population. -
John Adams moves into the White House.
The second president John Adams moves into the White House which is then unfinished. At the time it is called the Executive Mansion. -
Congress meets in DC.
The first session of the United States Congress is held in Washington,D.C. After meeting at Federal Hall in New York and Congress Hall in Philadelphia. The Congress finally gets it's place in the Capitol. -
John Marchelle
He's appointed chief justice of the US. John Marchelle is the head judge in the supreme court. He is head of the judicial branch. -
Thomas Jefferson takes office
Thomas Jefferson becomes the third president. He beat John Adams bringing the federalists out of power. Jefferson and his running partner Aaron Burr win in both popular and electoral votes. -
Tripoli declares war
Tripoli declares war against the United States. The United States had refused to pay additional tribute to commerce raiding corsairs from Arabia. -
Lydia Child is born
Lydia Child was born in Medford, Massachusetts. In the 1830's she started he work as an abolitionist. She grew to become one of the main abolitionist authors. -
West Point
West point is established in New York. The four months later they opened the US military academy. That opened on July 4th -
James Callender goes after Thomas Jefferson.
James Callender tells the world that,"for many years past kept, as his concubine, one of his own slaves,". The slave in question was Sally Hemming. It was published in the Richmond Recorder and spread to all federalist papers in the country. -
Marbury vs. Madison
This court case set the bar for congress. Marbury vs. Madison made it so that congress can not pass law that contrast the Constitution. This keeps our initial ideals in tact. -
The Louisiana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson's biggest achievement made was the Louisiana purchase. Jefferson bought the entire Louisiana territory from Napoleon for 3 cents an acre. This is known as the "single biggest real estate deal in history". -
Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark's story is one of the more well known in America.Lewis and Clark were sent up the Mississippi to scout out the wild west. Of course they had plenty of help including the famous Sacajawea, an Lemhi Shoshone woman, that helped them through their journey. The journey lead to the settling of the west through the discovery of beaver. The trappers flocked west in the prospects of riches. -
The 12th Amendment.
The 12th amendment changed how Americans voted forever. Before the amendment was passed the president, vice president, and Senate were voted by popular vote. This was the amount of votes that every individual cast. The 12th amendment brought forth the electoral collage which determines each states amount of votes by their population. This was so the southern states could count their slaves and dominate the elections. -
Aaron burr's duel with Alexander Hamilton
After years of rivalry Aaron burr shots Hamilton in a duel. The founding father died the day after. Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury and fought in the Revolutionary War. -
Joseph Smith, Jr is born
Smith is the founder of Mormonism. He claimed to start receiving messages from God at the age of 14. Today there are more that 15 million Mormons in the world. About 6.5 million of them live -
Ohio outlaws slavery
This is an important step to freeing slaves. Making America the land of the free. Ohio was a safe haven for runaway slaves and free black citizens. This helped fuel the flame that started the civil war. -
Aaron Burr is Captured
Aaron Burr the former Vice President is captured and arrested for treason for shooting Alexander Hamilton in a duel. He is taken to Richmond Virginia, where is is found not guilty. -
First practical steamboat journey.
The first practical steamboat journey was made by Robert Fulton in the steamboat Clermont. He navigated the Hudson River from New York City to Albany in thirty-two hours. The trip was 150 miles in total. This becomes the first commercial steamboat service in the world. -
Fletcher and Peck
This was a supreme court case in 1810. As a result of land fraud in Georgia the case was held and resulting in a conclusion that states could not pass legislation that violates a contract. This is the 1st time in history a state law was viewed as unconstitutional. The first of many similar rulings. -
James Monroe is inaugurated into presidency
James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States. In his presidency Monroe purchased Florida from Spain extending the countries territory to the pacific north west. Florida is the 27th state to join the country. -
Dartmouth college v. Woodward.
The trail was about legislature. Is it constitutional for a state legislature to change a school charter. The verdict was no. -
Denmark Vesey plans an attack.
Denmark Vesey was a free African American who made a living as a carpenter. He lead plans to revolt by laying siege on Charleston, SC. He was discovered before the attack in South Carolina. He and 34 others were hanged for treason. -
John Quincy Adams is inaugurated.
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United states. Adams was the son of John Adams, the second president. In 1779 Adams began a journal. He wrote 50 volumes in total and historians use them as first hand accounts of the time. -
The Erie Canal.
The Erie Canal linked the Hudson River to the Lake Erie. This brought the city of Chicago a whole new horizon of finance. The wild west was now not as wild and could trade goods all the way to new york. This helped expand our nation westward and turn Chicago into a big business city. -
The construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad this is the first public railroad in America. This leads to the railroad becoming incredibly popular In america. This leads to Americas huge rail industry and spread out west. -
Andrew Jackson is inaugurated
Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United states. Most known by the Indian Removal Act. This was the act that sent thousands of people to reservations. This was a horrible act of cruelty. Though he was a hero of his day. -
The Indian Removal Act
This brought forth the forced removal of Indians to west of the Mississippi. By the late 30's 50,00 people had been relocated. The process was brutal and brought up many wars between the Indians and the law enforcers. -
The Liberator
William Lloyd Garrison begins to write the Liberator. This is a weekly paper that advocates the complete abolition of slavery. Garrison becomes one of the most famous abolitionist authors. -
Cherokee Nation v. Georgia
The Indian nations do not apply to the constitution and are considered foreign states. This ruling allowed natives to be abused for the immigrants benefits. An example is the forced relocation to reservations. This ruling was later changed and native Americans considered citizens. -
Nat Turner's slave uprising.
Nat Turner, an enslaved African American preacher, lead the most significant slave uprising in American history. He and his band of about 80 followers launched a bloody, day-long rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia. The militia quells the rebellion, but not before 55 to 65 white citizens were killed. Turner was eventually hanged. As a consequence, Virginia institutes much stricter slave laws -
James A. Garfield was assassinated
Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau in Washington, DC. He later died of complications of the wound. He had the second shortest presidential term. Only slightly longer then William Henry Harrison. -
Texas declares independence from Mexico
The Mexican settlement of Texas was open to American settlers. These settlers were not agreeing with the Mexican government so they rebelled. The first battle was a disaster. Then in a rage with a motive to defend their home and beliefs the American settlers defeated the Mexican forces -
The Alamo
The American settlers are in an all out battle defending their homes and beliefs. The Mexican Army has years of experience and training. The Americans were in small militias of everyday people. The thirst for revolution wasn't enough for the militia men and they were slaughtered. -
Texans defeat Mexico
In San Jacinto an epic battle took place. The Texans were defending their homes and searching for vengeance for their fallen brethren. They used the famous battle cry "Remember the Alamo!" to fuel their anger. The Mexicans may have been trained better but nothing can beat people with a cause they are ready to die for. -
Martin Van Buren is inaugurated as president
Martin Van Buren was the eighth president of the United states. He had served under Andrew Jackson as both Secretary of State, and Vice President. He only served one term as president though. His term was overall uneventful. -
The trail of tears
The trail of tears sent 15,000 American Indians from Georgia to reservations. The journey was very brutal. SO brutal in fact that 4,00 people died of starvation and disease. The trail of tears was part of Jackson's Indian Removal Act. -
William Henry Harrison is inaugurated
William Henry Harrison was the ninth president of the united states. Harrison was a senator and congressman before his presidency. He became a war hero after fighting in the battle of Tippecanoe. He was later made a general. -
The office is succeeded by vice president, John Tyler
John Tyler was the tenth President of the united states. He also was the tenth vice president for a month under William Henry Harrison. He was the first vice president to succeed after a president died. -
William Henry Harrison dies
Harrison dies from pneumonia after only one month of presidency. Having only served 31 days he holds the record for shortest term served of Presidency. He also was the first president to die in office. -
James Polk is inaugurated
James Polk is the eleventh president of the united states. Polk acquired over 800.000 miles of western territory. He also stayed true to his campaign of only serving one term. three months after he had served his term he died of cholera. -
"manifest destiny"
The term is first used by John L, Sullivan, in one of his magazine articles. This is used to describe the belief that the U.S. is destined to reach the whole Continent. This movement was mostly white citizens. Brought to life by James Polk who brought America from see to see. -
The Mexican War
The U.S. wanted California and other southwest territory. So James Polk declared war against Mexico. This war was the first to be fought armed on foreign soil. America won and Mexico lost one third of their territories. -
the Oregon treaty
The Oregon treaty was made with Canada. The purpose was to fix land disputes. U.S. was not happy with the 49th parallel. So they got the Oregon Territory . -
Gold is discovered at Sutter's Mill
California is brand new and filled with gold. News of the find at Sutter's Mill sends thousands of people to California to try and get rich quick with gold. Sadly it wasn't so easy and very few did. Most lost more then they found then in frustration left the boom town popping up all over California. Leaving many ghost towns in California. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
This treaty with the Mexicans ended the war. Selling the U.S. nearly 1/3 of their territories. Including modern day California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. As well as changing the Texas border to the Rio Grande. This huge sale cost $15 million. -
Woman's rights convention.
This particular one was held in Seneca falls. It's special because it's the very first to be held in America.Almost 200 women went to protest unequal rights of women. They did this convention annually until 1920 when the 19th amendment granted them voting rights -
Harriet Tubman escapes slavery.
She then goes back and becomes one of the most successful members of the underground railroad. They called her Moses in the south because she was going to lead her people to the promise land. She is the most celebrated person on the underground railroad. -
Zachery Taylor is inaugurated.
Zachery Taylor was the 12th president of the United States. He served in the army for 4 decades. As well as commanded troops in the Mexican war, and the Black Hawk War. The people called him"old rough and ready". He also got the Clayton- Bulwer treaty signed. -
Zachery Taylor dies
Zachery Taylor was sick for four days leading up to his death. He died of cholera. He knew death was coming so he told his wife,"I have always done my duty, I am ready to die".Conspirators think that the president was poisoned. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin. It showed an insight into the true workings of slavery. This infuriated the north and started a movement. It soon becomes one of the most influential works of its time. -
President Lincolns Proclamation.
President Lincoln issues a Proclamation calling for 75,000 militiamen. The proclamation also summons a special session of Congress for July 4. Robert E. Lee is offered command of Union Army. He declines the offer. -
The Grattan Massacre
A Mormon's lame cow was killed by a visiting Miniconjou. Chief conquering bear offers a horse worth $125 but the Mormon wants $25 they dont have money.The gov wants the boy who killed the cow. They refuse for he is not actually in their tribe and they don't want conflict with the other tribe.The Calvary dispatches Gratton to arrest the boy. His interpreter was drunk and only speaks broken Dakota. Negotiations fell apart, Gratton and the 11 with him were killed. -
Emancipation Proclamation.
President Lincoln issues the final Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves in territories held by Confederates and emphasizes the enlisting of black soldiers in the Union Army. The war to preserve the Union now becomes a revolutionary struggle for the abolition of slavery. -
Franklin Pierce is inaugurated
Franklin Pierce was the 14th president. He signed the Kansas- Nebraska act. Also pushed the fugitive slave act. -
Gadsden Purchase Treaty
Part of the southern New Mexico and Arizona. This was acquired for the transcontinental railroad. It was signed by the ambassador of mexico. This cost 30 million dollars -
Kansas- Nebraska Act
Congress passed this act for the transcontinental railroad. This brought forth both Kansas and Nebraska territories. -
The Missouri Compromise is repealed.
The legislation repeals the Missouri Compromise of 1820. This renews tensions between anti- and pro slavery factions. -
Dred Scott v. Stanford
This court case decided that slaves were not American citizens therefor they could not be protected by the Constitution. They also could not sue in court. This was due to ruling that only citizens could sue. They also ruled that congress didn't have the Constitutional right to ban slavery from federal states. -
James Buchanan
James Buchanan was the 15th president of the United States. He served immediately before the civil war. -
Abraham Lincoln comes to national attention
Lincoln comes to the public attention in a series of seven debates with Sen. Stephen A. Douglas. This was all during Illinois state election campaign. -
Abolitionist John Brown captures the Harper's Ferry
Abolitionist John Brown lead 21 people on a mission. Their target the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Va. In an attempt to start a slave revolt. -
Abraham Lincoln was elected as president.
Lincoln lead the country though war. Then emerged victorious using new tactics never before seen. He abolished slavery. He was a true believer of his course. -
South Carolina secedes from the union.
This was the beginning of the end. This started the civil war. Many states fallowed suite -
Confederate states of america are established.
Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana secede. The south refuses to give up their way of live. So they create their own nation that will protect it. -
Jefferson Davis is elected president
Jefferson Davis was a Kentucky raised solider. He was a US senator. He was a war hero. Then he was the perfect guy for the south's now nation. -
Abraham Lincoln is inaugurated
Lincoln is one of the best known presidents. He won the civil war by using new strategy's. A couple of examples are trains and telegraphs. Mr.Lincoln then abolished slavery with the application of the emancipation proclamation. -
Confederates open fire at fort Sumter
At 4:30 a.m. General Pierre Beauregard gathers his Confederate forces. They then open fire with 50 cannons upon Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War begin. This is the first official attack. -
Proclamation of Blockade
President Lincoln issues a Proclamation of Blockade against Southern ports. For the duration of the war the blockade limits the ability of the rural South to stay well supplied in its war against the industrialized North. They have more farms but nowhere to process it. They also don't have as many trains to ship supplies, and men. -
Lee joins south
Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the United States Army. "I cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children." Lee then goes to Richmond, Virginia, is offered command of the military and naval forces of Virginia, and accepts.He was in the same situation as many people. Do they go with their families of beliefs. -
lincoln needs more soldiers
Lincoln, in a speech to Congress, states the war is..."a People's contest...a struggle for maintaining in the world, that form, and substance of government, whose leading object is, to elevate the condition of men..." The Congress authorizes a call for 500,000 men. The war efforts are just kicking off. -
First Bull Run
The Union Army under Gen. Irvin McDowell suffers a defeat at Bull Run 25 miles southwest of Washington. Confederate Gen. Thomas J. Jackson earns the nickname "Stonewall," as his brigade resists Union attacks. Union troops fall back to Washington. President Lincoln realizes the war will be long. "It's damned bad," he comments. -
George McClellan
President Lincoln appoints George B. McClellan as Commander of the Department of the Potomac, replacing McDowell. -
The Homestead Act
This act played a huge role in settling the newly acquired west. The homestead act allowed settlers to claim land cheap and easy. They had a few requirements. they had to build a fence, a house, and live on it 5 years. This helped give people a brand new start at the American dream. -
Shiloh
Confederate surprise attack on General Grant's troops at Shiloh on the Tennessee River. The troops are unprepared and there is a bitter struggle.In the end 13,000 Union killed and wounded and 10,000 Confederates. This is more men than in all previous American wars combined. -
The Battle of Seven Pines
General Joseph E. Johnston's Army attacks McClellan's troops.This all happened in front of Richmond. Johnston's troops nearly defeats McClellan's. Johnston is badly wounded. -
The Dakota Souix Uprising
Inconsistent annuity payments by Indian agents caused hunger and hardship among the Sioux.Near New Ulm Minnesota in 1862, the Sioux under Little Crow attempted to drive the whites out of the area and killed around 800 settlers.The Government hangs 38 in the largest one day execution in US history
The Sioux were kicked out of Minnesota and the res were abolished. -
The Seven Days Battles
Lee attacks McClellan near Richmond. The battles have very heavy losses on both sides. McClellan then begins a withdrawal back toward Washington. To replenish his supplies and men. -
Second Battle of Bull Run
75,000 Federals under Gen. John Pope are defeated by 55,000 Confederates under Gen. Stonewall Jackson and Gen. James Longstreet at the second battle of Bull Run in northern Virginia. Once again the Union Army retreats to Washington. The president then relieves Pope. -
Fredrecksburg
Army of the Potomac under Gen. Burnside suffers a costly defeat at Fredericksburg in Virginia with a loss of 12,653 men after 14 frontal assaults on well entrenched Rebels on Marye's Heights. "We might as well have tried to take hell," a Union soldier remarks. Confederate losses are 5,309 -
Chancellorsville
The Union Army under Gen. Hooker is decisively defeated by Lee's much smaller forces at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia as a result of Lee's brilliant and daring tactics. Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson is mortally wounded by his own soldiers. Hooker retreats. Union losses are 17,000 killed, wounded and missing out of 130,000. The Confederates, 13, 000 out of 60,000. -
The Daft
The U.S. Congress enacts a draft, affecting male citizens aged 20 to 45, but also exempts those who pay $300 or provide a substitute. "The blood of a poor man is as precious as that of the wealthy," poor Northerners complain. -
Chickamauga
A decisive Confederate victory by Gen. Braxton Bragg's Army of Tennessee at Chickamauga leaves Gen. William S. Rosecrans' Union Army of the Cumberland trapped in Chattanooga, Tennessee under Confederate siege. -
Gettysberg Address
President Lincoln delivers a two minute Gettysburg Address at a ceremony dedicating the Battlefield as a National Cemetery. -
Chickamaunga
The Rebel siege of Chattanooga ends as Union forces under Grant defeat the siege army of Gen. Braxton Bragg. During the battle, one of the most dramatic moments of the war occurs. Yelling "Chickamauga! Chickamauga!" Union troops avenge their previous defeat at Chickamauga by storming up the face of Missionary Ridge without orders and sweep the Rebels from what had been though to be an impregnable position. "My God, come and see 'em run!" a Union soldier cries. -
Cold Harbor
A costly mistake by Grant results in 7,000 Union casualties in twenty minutes during an offensive against fortified Rebels at Cold Harbor in Virginia. -
March to the Sea
After destroying Atlanta's warehouses and railroad facilities, Sherman, with 62,000 men begins a March to the Sea. President Lincoln on advice from Grant approved the idea. "I can make Georgia howl!" Sherman boasts. -
Sand Creek Massacre
Tension was growing there were raids on wagon trains and ranches . Dozens of homes were burned and 200 settlers had been killed.
Governor encourages their surrender for protection and food.
Chief Black Kettle brought several hundred in to negotiate, they were told to hang out at Sand Creek and await orders. Col. John Chivington and his Colorado militia takes his men and attacks.
It was said that Black Kettle was flying both an American flag and a white flag. -
Lee Surrenders
Gen. Robert E. Lee surrenders his Confederate Army to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at the village of Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Grant allows Rebel officers to keep their sidearms and permits soldiers to keep horses and mules. -
Lincoln is Assassinated
Lincoln died soon after the victory. He was shot in the Ford Theater by John Wilkes Booth. Sadly he did not get to see the 13th amendment ratified. The 13th amendment made slavery illegal in the United States. -
Andrew Johnson is succeeded into presidency
Andrew Johnson was Lincoln's vice president. Due to the surprise assassination Johnson became president. He then finished what Lincoln started. He got the 13th amendment passes and with that slavery. -
The 13th Amendment is Ratified
The 13th amendment was the result of the civil war. It banned slavery and made all slaves citizens. This was the first of many steps to get equality. -
Fetterman Fight
The first battle in Red Clouds war the Fetterman fight started with tromping through treaty lands, after failed negotiations, Ft Laramie, Red Cloud, Crazy Horse & Sitting Bull go on offense. Later the wood train from Ft, Phil Kearny was attacked. Col.Carrington ordered Fetterman not to cross Trail Ridge as this has happened before.Fetterman takes the bait, Fetterman leads his troops over the ridge to be met by Crazy Horse and around 1,000 warriors. All 80 men under Fetterman were slain -
Alaska
The addition of Alaska to America was huge due to the eminence oil reserves. The US bought Alaska from Russia. The sale was a total of $7.2 million. -
The Hayfield fight
The tactic in this fight was to hit the enemy when they lest expect it. Then they attacked and it was more of a massacre. There were 21 soldiers vs 700 trained warriors. The soldiers used a wooden corral to withstand six hours of attacks -
Wagon Box Fight
Small numbers of soldiers would fend off huge groups of warriors that would attack as they would reload.The new weapons could reload 8-20x per minute faster than the muskets 3-4x per minute.
The wagons were tipped over and they chipped holes through the bottom for their rifles. To rapid fire and mow down the native Americans and have total cover. -
president Johnson impeached
Johnson was the first sitting president to get impeached. He was impeached due to a violation of the Tenure of Office Act. The house of Representatives voted 11 articles to impeach him. -
Fourteenth Amendment
The 14th amendment defined citizenship.This was wrote to protect black rights. As well as try to improve their lives. -
The fifteenth Amendment
The 15th amendment gave blacks the right to vote. This is huge and now a step closer to equally. America's greatest right is the right to vote. This keeps it a nation "of the people, fore the people." -
Ulysses S. Grant is inaugurated
Ulysses S. Grant is the 18th president f the United States. He previously was the Unions biggest general. He fought and won the Civil War. He was also a big role in getting Lincoln elected a second term -
The transcontinental railroad
The transcontinental railroad was finished with a golden spike in Promontory, Utah. The raiway was built by the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads. This railroad changed the way life was lived in the rural west. -
Chicago fire
The Chicago was city wide and burned for three days. The fire caused $200 million in damages. Along with that 90,000 people are homeless and 300 killed. The fire is blamed on dry weather. -
Slaughter House Cases
Due to an outbreak of cholera the city of New Orleans passed a law allowing a monopoly of meat processing. Local butchers argued this went against the new 14th amendment. They won in local court but when taken to the supreme court they lost. The judge said that this amendment was to protect free slaves and not the general public. -
Battle of slim Buttes
Crook is sent to find Indian warriors. Unable to locate any for two months Crook is getting low on supplies and leads the infamous “horsemeat march”. Crook orders Captain Anson Mills to take 150 men and head to the Black Hills to obtain food and supplies for his starving troops.He stumbles on 37 lodges, they attack at dawn after capturing the pastured ponies. 10 killed and 27 taken prisoner. -
Rutherford B. Hayes
Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th President of the United States. He was in charge of the end of reconstruction.He lead efforts that led to civil service reform. He also attempted to reconcile the divisions left by reconstruction. -
First telephone line is built.
The line is built from Boston to Summerville Massachusetts. This is the first step that evolves into a nation reliant on phones. The next year Rutherford B. Hayes has the first telephone installed in the white house. -
The Battle of Little Big Horn
General Terry detaches Custer and his troops to prevent them from fleeing.Going against orders, Custer decides to attack thinking he is near the end of the encampment and being near the middle.Custer with 650 men splits his forces benteen goes west into the hill. Reno is to sweep down the Cheyenne River into the village Custer to come down directly. Reno retreats and Benteen reinforces him 46 killed 55 wounded. They abandon Custer and 263 Soldiers died in the Battle including Custer -
James A. Garfield is inaugurated
James A. Garfield was the 20th president of the United States. He also served 9 terms in the House of Representatives.He was a close second to shortest term served in the White House.He was one of the four lost presidents. -
Chester Alan Arthur succeeds James A.Garfield
Chester Alan Arthur was made president when Garfield died. He is one of five presidents never elected into office.He put through the Pendleton Service Act. Which reformed the corrupt civil service system. -
standard time
With the railways allowing us to travel farther faster the schedules became crazy. Since everyone went off the sun the times were different everywhere. So train schedules were hard to keep. Therefore we adopted standard time. -
Grover Cleveland is inaugurated
Grover Cleveland was the 22nd president of the United States. Grover vetoed twice as many bills as every president before him. He was the first democrat elected after the civil war. He is the only president to serve two nonconsecutive terms. -
Dawes Act
As an attempt of assimilation, the government signs the Dawes Act. Divides up the reservations and split them up. 160 acres for head of households, 80 acre for single adults, 40 acres to each kid.
All remaining land was sold to the general public. Then the money goes to tribes -
Wounded Knee
Chief Spotted Elk of the Miniconjou Lakota nation and 350 of his followers that go with him on a slow trip from Cheyenne River Reservation to Pine Ridge Reservation. They were intercepted and escorted to Wounded Knee. In the am Col. Forsyth goes to disarm the natives. A deaf warrior, Black Coyote did not want to give up his gun for it was too expensive.This prompted the Cavalry to open fire indiscriminately
