COMANCHES AND THE INDIAN TERRITORY: The sanctuary or reservation system that was set up by the US Government in the Indian Territory that is known as Oklahoma Territory began, I think, when the Choctaw and the Cherokee Indians were forcefully moved from east of the Mississippi to west of the river about 1819. They first were located in Arkansas Territory then later were moved further west into Indian Territory and occupied much of the SE portion of what is now the state of Oklahoma. However, it was much later, probably after 1850, that land was set aside for the wild Prairie Tribes of the Comanche and the Kiowa. It was hoped that these wild tribes could be persuaded to relocate but only a few accepted the offer of sanctuary. Sanctuary, meaning, if they would, indeed, relocate, the US Government would provide sustenance and protection for all that entered. By the mid 1850s, the main enemy to both the Comanche and the Kiowa were the hated Texans. The Comanches were still smarting from the Council House fight and the raid by Moore deep into their territory in 1840, where many of their southern warriors were killed. So, it didnt take either tribe long to realize that if they moved their families into Indian Territory where they would be protected from any raids by the Texans, that they could then raid with impunity into NW Texas without fear of retaliation. From that period on until the early 1870s, these two wild savage tribes played havoc upon the settlers of north and northwest Texas and anyone who doesnt believe it needs to read, The Settlers War by Michno. He documents from federal records the horrible raids these two tribes heaped upon the Texans and besides that, he has a fantastic index where you can locate your own family member. Some good history in Tidbits from Driftwood. MEK
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:26:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015