Horse Creek Treaty
These markers, located
4 miles west of Morrill, tell the story of one of the first
treaties covered by the media of the day. The story goes that
tensions were high in the area and a peace treaty was sought to
quiet down some of the ongoing turmoil between the many factions.
The original plans were for a meeting in the Fort Laramie area
about 35 miles to the west. But size/area limitations proved it
necessary to move it to the Horse Creek area not far from these
markers. Reports indicate that up to 10,000 of the Plains
Indians of the day assembled to 'smoke the peace pipe'
amd bring an end to the potential for war on the plains. The
following is an excerpt from the Nebraska Historical Society about
the event called the 'Great Smoke'.
"THE GREAT
SMOKE"
From all directions they came in
late summer 1851--Plains Indian tribes, summoned by government
officials so their chiefs could smoke the peace pipe and sign a
treaty with representatives of "The Great Father." Never before had
so many American Indians assembled to parley with the white man.
(Estimates range from 8,000 to 12,000.) It was perhaps history's
most dramatic demonstration of the Plains tribes' desire to live at
peace with the whites.
The tribes had been invited to
assemble at Fort Laramie, but a shortage of forage for their
thousands of horses caused the parley to be moved downstream.
Because some tribes had been at war for generations, most Indian
camps were widely spaced to minimize contact. About 270 soldiers
were present to help keep the peace. However, a spirit of
friendliness prevailed.
Among those helping bring the
tribes together were mountain man and trailblazer Jim Bridger and
Jesuit Father Peter De Smet, the beloved "Blackrobe" who worked 50
years among the Indians.
Now for my 'Doctor
Demento' brand of humor to arise. After reading the
commentary on the markers and of course the bit about the 'Great
Smoke' and the peace pipe. I thought maybe a good name for the
cache might be 'Let's All Get Stoned.' That would certainly make
for a peaceful afternoon! Who knows what they were smoking,
ya know??? Heh, Heh, Heh! But my better judgment thought it
might be better not to offend anyone and go with the above name.
But again, maybe these folks could have been early day hippies of
sorts.
So have fun with this
one and enjoy the cache. Post some pictures if you have time. Some
great views to the south from the cache sight.
Try these
on the way ,
'Platform 9 3/4'.
&
Pride of
Mitchell.
both by
Mudblood Squad
As usual hide as good or
better.
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