Historical Events tagged with "frontier"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Brigham Young's Conflict with Timpanogos

February 2nd, 1850 175 years ago

Brigham Young, leader of the Mormon settlers in Utah, declared war on the Timpanogos tribe in a bid to expand settlement and secure safety for the burgeoning community. The declaration led to a skirmish at Fort Utah, highlighting the growing tensions between settlers and Native Americans in the region. The conflict was fueled by land disputes and differing ways of life, as the Mormon settlers sought to establish a permanent foothold in the area, while the Timpanogos aimed to protect their territory.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

First Major Wagon Train Leaves for Oregon

May 16th, 1842 182 years ago

A wagon train of 100 pioneers departed from Elm Grove, Missouri, embarking on a journey along the Oregon Trail to settle in the Pacific Northwest. The group, composed of families seeking new opportunities, was motivated by the promise of fertile lands and economic prospects in Oregon. Each wagon was filled with essential supplies needed for the long trek across diverse terrains, including rivers, mountains, and plains. This significant departure marked the beginning of large-scale emigration to the west, setting a precedent for future wagon trains.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Killough Massacre in East Texas

October 5th, 1838 186 years ago

The Killough massacre involved a group of Texian settlers attacked by Native Americans in East Texas. Eighteen settlers were either killed or kidnapped during this violent encounter. The incident highlighted the tensions between settlers and Native American tribes during a period of expansion and conflict in the region.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Narcissa Whitman's Arrival in Walla Walla

September 1st, 1836 188 years ago

Narcissa Whitman, along with her husband Marcus, reached Walla Walla as one of the first English-speaking white women to settle in the region west of the Rocky Mountains. Their journey was part of the larger migration of settlers seeking new opportunities in the American West. As a missionary couple, they aimed to establish a mission and provide education and Christianity to the indigenous populations they encountered.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Creation of the Texas Rangers Authorized

November 24th, 1835 189 years ago

The Texas Provincial Government took decisive action to form a horse-mounted police force known as the Texas Rangers in response to rising conflicts and disorder in the region. The Rangers were tasked with maintaining law and order and protecting the interests of settlers and settlers' properties. Their inception was part of broader efforts to improve security in Texas during a tumultuous period. The formation reflects both the immediate need for law enforcement and the drive for organized governance in Texas, showcasing the evolving infrastructure of the burgeoning republic.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Siege of Fort Wayne Begins with Attack

September 5th, 1812 212 years ago

Chief Winamac's forces launched an assault on two soldiers that were returning from the outhouses at Fort Wayne. This marked the beginning of a more extensive conflict as tensions escalated in the region, with Native American forces actively resisting U.S. expansion into their territories. The attack highlighted the precarious situation for U.S. military personnel stationed in Fort Wayne, who were increasingly vulnerable as the conflict unfolded.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Siege of Fort Harrison Ignites Conflict

September 4th, 1812 212 years ago

The Siege of Fort Harrison commenced when British forces ignited the fort, triggering a confrontation between American and Native American troops. This event marked a critical period in the War of 1812, reflecting the larger tensions between the United States and British-aligned Native Americans in the region. The fort, located near present-day Terre Haute, Indiana, was strategically important for defending the western frontier against British incursions.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Pigeon Roost Massacre Claims Twenty-four Settlers

September 3rd, 1812 212 years ago

Tension between settlers and Native Americans escalated, resulting in the Pigeon Roost Massacre in Indiana. A band of Native Americans attacked the settlement while settlers were in the area during a corn harvest. While many managed to escape, the attack led to the death of twenty-four settlers and profoundly affected the community’s sense of security.

Continue Reading
Economics & Industry

John Jacob Astor Founds American Fur Company

April 6th, 1808 216 years ago

John Jacob Astor incorporated the American Fur Company in 1808, laying the foundation for the U.S. fur trade. Capitalizing on previous ventures, Astor aimed to control the supply of fur and expand his wealth through strategic operations in areas like the Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes. His enterprise marked a significant moment in American business and led to his eventual rise as America's first millionaire.

Continue Reading