01.18.2016 - By Brady J. Crytzer
As America recovered from its terrible Civil War, unrest was
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.