What Is The Fort Laramie Treaty

The echoes of hoofbeats and whispers of forgotten languages still resonate in the vast plains of the American West, a testament to the complex history etched into its very soil. Among the many chapters of this history, the Fort Laramie Treaty stands as a pivotal, albeit tragic, cornerstone. It represents a moment of negotiation, promise, and ultimately, betrayal that continues to shape the relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes.

Imagine a landscape painted with hues of sagebrush and endless sky, where the lives of nomadic tribes – the Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, and others – were inextricably linked to the rhythm of the buffalo. This was their world, a world they had inhabited for centuries, governed by traditions, respect for the land, and a deep understanding of the natural order. But the tides of change were relentless, driven by the westward expansion of the United States, a nation hungry for land and resources.

The Seeds of Conflict: Westward Expansion and Native American Lands

The mid-19th century witnessed a surge in American settlers venturing westward, spurred by dreams of gold, fertile farmland, and a new life. This influx inevitably led to increased competition for resources, escalating tensions, and violent clashes with Native American tribes who viewed the newcomers as a threat to their way of life. The Oregon Trail, a vital artery for westward migration, cut directly through the heart of Native American hunting grounds, disrupting buffalo migration patterns and depleting vital resources.

The situation reached a critical point, demanding a solution. The United States government, recognizing the need to maintain peace (at least temporarily) and facilitate westward expansion, sought to establish formal agreements with the tribes. This led to the convocation of tribal leaders at Fort Laramie, a strategic trading post and military installation located in present-day Wyoming.

The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851: A Promise of Peace

In 1851, representatives from the United States government gathered with leaders from eight Northern Plains tribes at Fort Laramie. The tribes included the Lakota (Sioux), Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, Assiniboine, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. The negotiations aimed to define tribal territories, establish a framework for peaceful coexistence, and ensure safe passage for American travelers along the Oregon Trail.

The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, also known as the Treaty of Fort Laramie, was a landmark agreement that sought to achieve these goals. Its key provisions included:

• Defined Tribal Territories: The treaty formally recognized specific territories for each of the signatory tribes. These territories were vast, encompassing millions of acres of land that the tribes had traditionally occupied and utilized.
• U.S. Acknowledgment of Tribal Land Ownership: The treaty acknowledged Native American ownership of the designated lands. This was a significant concession on the part of the U.S. government, at least on paper.
• Safe Passage and Roadways: In exchange for the tribes' agreement to allow safe passage for American travelers along the Oregon Trail and other established roadways, the U.S. government pledged to provide annual payments and protection from white encroachment.
• U.S. Government Responsibilities: The U.S. government agreed to provide annuities (goods and provisions) to the tribes for a period of fifty years, as compensation for the use of their land and resources. It also pledged to maintain law and order among white settlers and prevent them from trespassing on tribal lands.
• Intertribal Peace: The treaty encouraged the tribes to maintain peace among themselves and to resolve disputes through negotiation rather than violence.

The treaty was seen as a triumph at the time, a step towards establishing a stable and peaceful relationship between the United States and the Plains tribes. However, the ink was barely dry before the promises enshrined in the treaty began to unravel.

The Unraveling: Broken Promises and the Erosion of Trust

The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, despite its initial promise, proved to be a fragile and ultimately unsustainable agreement. The primary reason for its failure lay in the U.S. government's consistent inability and unwillingness to uphold its end of the bargain. Several factors contributed to this breakdown:

• Encroachment of White Settlers: The westward expansion continued unabated, with increasing numbers of settlers ignoring the treaty boundaries and encroaching upon tribal lands. The U.S. government, often unwilling or unable to control its own citizens, failed to protect Native American territories from this illegal settlement.
• Delayed and Inadequate Annuities: The annual payments promised to the tribes were often delayed, insufficient, or of poor quality. This undermined the tribes' ability to sustain themselves and fostered resentment towards the U.S. government.
• Discovery of Gold: The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in the 1870s, a region considered sacred by the Lakota Sioux and guaranteed to them under the 1851 treaty, triggered a massive gold rush. This influx of prospectors and settlers completely disregarded the treaty provisions and led to violent conflict.
• Differing Cultural Understandings: The U.S. government's concept of land ownership differed drastically from that of the Native American tribes. The tribes viewed the land as a shared resource, to be used and respected, while the U.S. government sought to divide and control it. This fundamental difference in perspective contributed to misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Shifting Government Policy: The U.S. government's policy towards Native Americans shifted over time, moving from a policy of negotiation and treaty-making to one of assimilation and forced removal. This change in policy further undermined the Fort Laramie Treaty and other similar agreements.

The cumulative effect of these factors was the erosion of trust between the Native American tribes and the U.S. government. The tribes felt betrayed and abandoned, their lands stolen, and their way of life threatened. This sense of injustice fueled resistance and ultimately led to the outbreak of further conflicts.

The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868: A New Attempt at Peace

The escalating tensions and violence culminated in Red Cloud's War (1866-1868), a series of battles fought between the Lakota Sioux and the U.S. Army over control of the Bozeman Trail, a route that cut through the heart of Lakota hunting grounds. The war ended in a decisive victory for the Lakota, forcing the U.S. government to negotiate a new treaty.

The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, also known as the Treaty of Fort Laramie Revisited, was signed in 1868. It aimed to address the shortcomings of the 1851 treaty and establish a more lasting peace. Key provisions of the 1868 treaty included:

• Establishment of the Great Sioux Reservation: The treaty established a large reservation for the Lakota Sioux, encompassing the entire state of South Dakota west of the Missouri River, including the Black Hills. This was intended to provide the Lakota with a secure and self-governing territory.
• Closure of the Bozeman Trail: The U.S. government agreed to abandon the Bozeman Trail and close all forts along its route, a significant concession to the Lakota.
• Guaranteed Hunting Rights: The Lakota retained the right to hunt on unoccupied lands outside the reservation, a vital provision for their traditional way of life.
• Government Assistance and Education: The U.S. government pledged to provide the Lakota with agricultural assistance, education, and other resources to help them transition to a more settled lifestyle.
• Consent Required for Land Cessions: The treaty stipulated that any future land cessions would require the consent of three-fourths of the adult male Lakota population.

While the 1868 treaty offered a glimmer of hope for a more equitable relationship, it too was destined to be broken.

The Black Hills and the Final Betrayal

The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 proved to be the death knell for the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. The ensuing gold rush brought thousands of prospectors and settlers into the region, once again violating the treaty provisions and encroaching on Lakota land.

The U.S. government, under pressure from mining interests and public opinion, sought to acquire the Black Hills from the Lakota. However, the Lakota refused to sell their sacred lands, leading to further conflict and ultimately the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877.

The Great Sioux War culminated in the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn, where Lakota and Cheyenne warriors, led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, decisively defeated General George Armstrong Custer and his troops. However, this victory was short-lived. The U.S. Army retaliated with overwhelming force, eventually forcing the Lakota to surrender.

In the aftermath of the Great Sioux War, the U.S. government seized the Black Hills, despite the treaty provision requiring the consent of three-fourths of the Lakota population. This act of blatant land theft remains a source of deep resentment and legal contention to this day.

Legacy of the Fort Laramie Treaty

The Fort Laramie Treaty, both in its 1851 and 1868 iterations, stands as a stark reminder of the complex and often tragic relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes. It represents a cycle of negotiation, promise, betrayal, and conflict that has shaped the American West.

The treaty's legacy is multifaceted:

• Broken Promises: The treaty serves as a symbol of the U.S. government's broken promises to Native American tribes. The failure to uphold treaty provisions and protect tribal lands has had a devastating impact on Native American communities.
• Land Loss: The treaty highlights the vast amount of land that Native American tribes have lost as a result of U.S. expansion and government policies. The seizure of the Black Hills remains a particularly egregious example of this land loss.
• Legal Basis for Tribal Rights: Despite its failures, the Fort Laramie Treaty, along with other treaties, provides a legal basis for Native American tribal rights and sovereignty. These treaties are recognized as the supreme law of the land under the U.S. Constitution.
• Ongoing Legal Battles: The legacy of the Fort Laramie Treaty continues to play out in legal battles over land rights, water rights, and tribal sovereignty. The Lakota Sioux, for example, have never accepted the U.S. government's seizure of the Black Hills and continue to seek its return.
• Symbol of Resistance: The treaty serves as a symbol of Native American resistance to U.S. oppression and a reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect their culture, traditions, and way of life.

The Fort Laramie Treaty is more than just a historical document; it is a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Native American people and their fight for justice and self-determination. It serves as a crucial lesson in American history, urging us to confront the past and work towards a more equitable future for all. The echoes of those treaty negotiations at Fort Laramie still resonate today, reminding us of the promises made, the promises broken, and the long road to reconciliation that lies ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What was the main goal of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851?

A: The main goal was to establish peace between the U.S. government and various Plains tribes, define tribal territories, and ensure safe passage for American travelers along the Oregon Trail.

Q: Why did the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 fail?

A: It failed primarily because the U.S. government failed to uphold its promises, including protecting tribal lands from white encroachment and providing adequate annuities.

Q: What were the key provisions of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868?

A: Key provisions included the establishment of the Great Sioux Reservation, closure of the Bozeman Trail, guaranteed hunting rights for the Lakota, and government assistance with education and agriculture.

Q: What role did the discovery of gold in the Black Hills play in the breakdown of the 1868 treaty?

A: The gold rush led to a massive influx of settlers into the Black Hills, violating the treaty provisions and ultimately leading to the U.S. government seizing the land.

Q: What is the legacy of the Fort Laramie Treaty today?

A: The treaty serves as a reminder of broken promises, land loss, and ongoing legal battles over tribal rights. It also symbolizes Native American resistance and the fight for self-determination.

Conclusion

The story of the Fort Laramie Treaty is a complex tapestry woven with threads of hope, betrayal, and resilience. It's a story that demands our attention, not just as a historical event, but as a continuing narrative that shapes the relationship between the United States and its Native American communities. The treaty's failure serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of broken promises and the importance of honoring agreements with indigenous peoples.

The questions it raises about land rights, sovereignty, and historical injustices are still relevant today. As we reflect on this pivotal moment in history, let's consider the lessons it offers and strive towards a future built on respect, understanding, and genuine reconciliation. What steps can we take to ensure that the promises made to Native American tribes are finally fulfilled? How can we move forward in a way that honors the past and builds a more just and equitable future for all?