stirring on the Great Plains. As the United States pushed westward, recent

railroad construction brought on new conflict with a new enemy. Roman Nose, a

warrior of the Cheyenne peoples, had set out to defend his ancestral home from

the Americans and soon became the face of resistance in the region. In September

of 1868 a party of fifty US soldiers came under attack on a tiny island on the

Arikaree River, and for three harrowing days exchanged fire with a party of

warriors that outnumbered them ten to one. Although the struggles on the Plains

would continue in the years to come, this battle remains a remarkable example

of heroism and bravery. On this episode we discuss the Battle of Beecher

Island.