Grattan massacre

The Grattan Massacre, also known as the Grattan Fight, was the opening engagement of the First Sioux War, fought between the United States Army and Lakota Sioux warriors on August 19, 1854. It occurred east of Fort Laramie, Nebraska Territory, in present-day Goshen County, Wyoming.

Grattan massacre
Part of the First Sioux War

Grattan Massacre marker, 2003
DateAugust 19, 1854
Location
East of Fort Laramie, Nebraska Territory
42°7′56″N 104°24′21″W
Result

Lakota victory

  • Start of the First Sioux War
Belligerents
Lakota Sioux  United States
Commanders and leaders
Conquering Bear 
Little Thunder
John Grattan 
Strength
~ 500 31
Casualties and losses
2 killed 31 killed

A small detachment of soldiers entered a large Sioux encampment to arrest a man accused of taking a migrant's cow, although such matters by treaty were to be handled by the US Indian agent. After one of the soldiers fatally shot Chief Matȟó Wayúhi (Conquering Bear), the Sichangu Lakotas returned fire and killed 29 soldiers, Lieutenant John Grattan, and a civilian interpreter.

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