Grattan Fight

On August 19, 1854, Plains Indians had shot a Mormon's cow after it had run amok in their encampment and was eaten. Lieutenant Grattan led thirty men on an expedition against the encampment of Miniconjou and Brule Sioux that was located about ten miles east of Fort Laramie. One of Grattan's soldiers killed the chief Conquering Bear while they were negotiating. This lead to the Sioux retaliating and killing the remaining soldiers, including the lieutenant. The event is usually, though incorrectly, referred to as the Grattan Massacre. James Bordeaux of the American Fur Company was a witness to the Grattan Fight, which heavily influenced the warrior Crazy Horse.