Old West Warfare

The American West was shaped by conflict—from the Indian Wars to range wars between cattlemen and settlers, from military campaigns to local feuds. These battles determined who would control the frontier and how it would develop.

This page explores the military history, tactics, forts, and conflicts that marked the violent era of westward expansion.

The Indian Wars

The Great Sioux War

Battle of Little Bighorn (Custer's Last Stand)

The Apache Wars

Red Cloud's War

The Nez Perce War and Chief Joseph

Wounded Knee Massacre

Range Wars & Feuds

Lincoln County War

Johnson County War

Pleasant Valley War (Tonto Basin Feud)

Mason County War (Hoodoo War)

Cattlemen vs. Sheepherders conflicts

The U.S. Cavalry

Organization and structure

Buffalo Soldiers (9th and 10th Cavalry)

Cavalry tactics and equipment

Notable cavalry commanders

Frontier Forts

Fort Laramie

Fort Apache

Fort Bridger

Fort Phil Kearny

The role of frontier forts

Weapons & Tactics

Cavalry sabers and carbines

Native American warfare tactics

Guerrilla tactics and ambushes

Siege warfare on the frontier

Quotes on Frontier Warfare

"The only good Indians I ever saw were dead." — General Philip Sheridan (controversial historical quote)

"Today is a good day to die." — Crazy Horse

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