Battle of Turkey Springs (Cheyenne)

This battle occurred three days into the Northern Cheyenne Exodus, in which 353 Cheyenne people escaped Darlington Agency Oklahoma where they had been forcibly relocated from their homelands in Montana, where they were subject to starvation, measels and malaria outbreaks. Of the 353 Cheyenne, only ~90 were warriors. Anticipating US Army pursuit after their escape, warriors set up an ambush at Turkey Springs. On September 13th, Capt. Joseph Rendlebrock spotted the Cheyenne and set up a skirmish line. Fighting continued all day with 3 US Army soldiers killed and 3 more wounded. Overnight, the Cheyenne completely surrounded the Army who retreated 9 miles in the morning under Cheyenne fire. After this win, the Cheyenne continued their return northwards, eventually splitting into two groups led by Ó'kôhómôxháahketa (Little Coyote) and Vóóhéhéve (Dull Knife). Ó'kôhómôxháahketa successfully returned to Montana and Vóóhéhéve's group was captured and imprisoned at Fort Robinson from which they would make another daring escape in January 1879. This battle was also the last fight between Natives and the US Army in Oklahoma.