Red Cloud, Chief of the Oglala Lakota Sioux, was one of the most capable Native American opponents the United States Army ever faced.  He led a successful campaign in 1866 – 1868, known as Red Cloud’s War, which drove the US Army from the Powder River Country in northeastern Wyoming and Southern Montana.

​

After the Army abandoned their posts, Red Cloud’s warriors destroyed the established forts and out-buildings to reclaim their land and restore them as they were before the incursion of the white man.

​

Red Cloud gave the honor of destroying Fort Kearny to Little Wolf, Chief of the Cheyenne, shortly after the Army’s departure.  The smoke from the fires could be seen by the retreating US Army personnel as the fled the area.