The Second Fort Laramie Treaty 1868

The Second Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 was a direct consequence of Red Cloud’s War and Fetterman’s Trap. The US government realised they could not defeat the Dakota Sioux without sending in huge numbers of men. Additionally, another trail to the gold-mining areas of Montana had been discovered. The government therefore agreed to close the Bozeman Trail and the forts along it. In return, Red Cloud agreed to move his people to a reservation in Dakota that became known as the Great Sioux Reservation. No whites were allowed to enter this land.

The Second Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 was a direct consequence of Red Cloud’s War and Fetterman’s Trap. The US government realised they could not defeat the Dakota Sioux without sending in huge numbers of men. Additionally, another trail to the gold-mining areas of Montana had been discovered. The government therefore agreed to close the Bozeman Trail and the forts along it. In return, Red Cloud agreed to move his people to a reservation in Dakota that became known as the Great Sioux Reservation. No whites were allowed to enter this land.

Not all Sioux agreed with this treaty and some left Red Cloud to join more militant bands led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. However, the Second Fort Laramie Treaty marked the end of fighting for Red Cloud and he spent the rest of his life living in peace.