The Marias Massacre, a tragic and often-overlooked incident, unfolded in Montana on January 23, 1870, marking one of the darkest chapters in the history of U.S. military actions against Native Americans. This devastating event, also known as the Baker Massacre, resulted in the slaughter of approximately 200 Piegan Indians, predominantly women, children, and the elderly, an act described by one commanding officer as “the greatest slaughter of Indians ever made by U.S. troops.”
The Tensions Leading to Tragedy
Relations between the Blackfeet Confederacy—comprising the Blackfeet, Blood, and Piegan tribes—and white settlers in Montana had been severely strained for several years prior to the Marias Massacre. A pivotal event that ignited the escalating hostilities occurred in 1869. A young Piegan warrior named Owl Child committed an act of horse theft against Malcolm Clarke, a prominent white trader. In response, Clarke tracked down Owl Child and publicly humiliated him by beating him in front of his own camp. This profound affront to Owl Child’s honor spurred him and a band of rogue Piegan warriors to seek vengeance, culminating in the killing of Malcolm Clarke.
The murder of a white trader sent shockwaves through the settler community and ignited public outrage. This anger quickly reached the highest levels of military command, prompting General Philip Sheridan to dispatch a cavalry force. The objective was clear: track down Owl Child and his group, and deliver a decisive punishment to quell the perceived Native American aggression.
Major Baker’s Ill-Fated Expedition
Command of this punitive expedition fell to Major Eugene Baker. On January 23, 1870, Baker’s cavalry received a crucial scouting report indicating that a Piegan camp, believed to be led by Mountain Chief—the primary target and known accomplice of Owl Child—was situated along the Marias River. Under the cloak of early morning darkness, 200 dismounted U.S. cavalrymen strategically positioned themselves in ambush along the snowy bluffs overlooking the unsuspecting encampment.
As the soldiers awaited the signal to attack, a figure emerged from a lodge, walking towards the bluffs and waving a safe-conduct paper. This was not Mountain Chief, who had been forewarned and had already evacuated his band from the area. Instead, it was Heavy Runner, a Piegan leader known for his friendly relations and cooperative stance with white settlers and the U.S. Army. An Army scout named Joe Kipp immediately recognized the error and shouted that this was the wrong camp. However, his warning was met with threats of silence from superior officers. Tragically, another scout, Joe Cobell, fired the first shot, killing Heavy Runner and initiating the devastating Marias Massacre.
The Carnage on the Marias River
The dawn assault on Heavy Runner’s camp was swift and brutal. The Piegan encampment was largely unprotected, as most of its men were out hunting, leaving behind primarily women, children, and the elderly. Bullets rained down on the lodges, tearing through the flimsy structures and causing some to collapse into smoking fire pits, suffocating many of the half-awake victims. The scene was one of unimaginable chaos and terror, a desperate struggle for survival against an overwhelming and merciless attack.
By the time the carnage subsided, 173 Piegan Indians lay dead. The vast majority of the deceased were non-combatants: women, children, and the elderly. In addition, 140 others were captured. These survivors were later released, but without horses, adequate food, or sufficient clothing to endure the harsh Montana winter. Many of these desperate refugees attempted to make the arduous 90-mile journey to Fort Benton, but the severe conditions led to many freezing to death along the way, adding further to the tragic death toll associated with the Marias Massacre.
Meanwhile, Major Eugene Baker, having mistakenly attacked Heavy Runner’s peaceful camp, led his troops further downstream in search of Mountain Chief’s band, the actual target designated in his orders. However, by the time they reached the intended location, Mountain Chief and his people had successfully fled to safety across the Canadian border, escaping any reprisal.
The military losses during the “battle” were minimal; only one cavalryman died, reportedly after falling off his horse and breaking his leg. Lieutenant Gus Doane, commander of F Company, who witnessed the horrific events, famously described the incident as “the greatest slaughter of Indians ever made by U.S. troops,” a chilling testament to the one-sided nature of the conflict.
Official Silence and Historical Neglect
News of the Marias Massacre initially sparked a brief wave of outrage and protest in Congress and the eastern press. However, this nascent public inquiry was quickly and effectively suppressed by high-ranking military officials. General William Tecumseh Sherman, in particular, played a key role in deflecting criticism and silencing dissenting voices, including protests from General Alfred Sully, the Bureau of Indian Affairs superintendent for Montana Indians, and Lieutenant William Pease, the Piegan Indian Agent who had bravely reported the damning body count.
Sherman responded to the outcry by issuing a press release that denied military guilt and falsely asserted that most of the deceased Piegans were warriors from Mountain Chief’s aggressive camp, rather than innocent civilians from Heavy Runner’s peaceful band. While many attributed blame to Major Baker, who was known to be an alcoholic, General Philip Sheridan publicly expressed his full confidence in Baker’s leadership amidst the controversy. Between Sheridan’s steadfast support and Sherman’s determined efforts to control the narrative, no official investigation into the brutal incident ever took place, ensuring that the truth remained largely buried.
Despite its profound impact and the sheer number of lives lost, the Marias Massacre has largely been overlooked by mainstream history. Unlike other significant events such as the Bear River, Sand Creek, or Washita Massacres, it receives scant mention in historical books and journals. This tragic neglect is further underscored by the complete absence of any sign or monument marking the site of the mass grave where the Piegan victims were interred, leaving a crucial piece of American history unacknowledged and unremembered.
Conclusion: A Call for Remembrance
The Marias Massacre stands as a stark reminder of the often-brutal realities of westward expansion and the devastating consequences for Native American communities. What began as a pursuit for justice against a rogue warrior tragically devolved into the indiscriminate slaughter of a peaceful camp, largely comprised of innocent women and children. The subsequent official cover-up and the historical neglect of this event further amplify its tragedy, denying both the victims and their descendants the recognition and remembrance they deserve.
As we reflect on such moments in history, it becomes imperative to ensure that the stories of events like the Marias Massacre are brought to light. Understanding these complex and painful episodes is essential not only for historical accuracy but also for fostering a more complete and empathetic understanding of the American past. Only by confronting these difficult truths can we truly learn from them and honor the memory of those whose lives were so senselessly lost.
