Marias River

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Other Names:  Marias Massacre

Date of Battle: January 23, 1870

Location of Battle: Shelby, MT

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Participants: Major Baker with companies from the 2nd Cavalry and 13th Infantry surrounded an encampment of Blackfoot Indians

The troops were after Mountain Chief and his camp but the Indians found out the soldiers were coming and left.   A peaceful group of Blackfoot Indians took over the camp site but Baker attacked and burned the camp anyway.  173 Blackfoot were killed and 1 soldier lost his life.

For more information see:

Encyclopedia of Indian Wars

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