The Buffalo War: The History of the Red River Indian Uprising of 1874

by James L. Haley

Gen. Phil Sheridan called the Red River War of 1874 the most successful Indian campaign ever waged. Many of its incidents havebecome frontier legends, but only here is the extraordinary episode chronicled in full in all of its intricate and amazing detail. Author/historian James L. Haley has carefully analyzed the causes of the Indian unrest, centering upon the great buffalo slaughter which threatened to destroy forever the foundation of Indian life. The competing factions which shaped the course of events during the conflicts—war and peace factions' competing for control within the Indian tribes, officers' competing for commands and promotions within the U.S. Army, and the army and the Indian Bureau's competing for policy control within the government bureaucracies-are brilliantly researched and described, as are the battle strategies and engagements that made the Buffalo War such a curious blend of savagery, heroics, accidents and confusion on both sides. Mr. Haley's extensive research draws heavily on contemporary letters and reports, and his many new findings overturned a number of myths and prejudices which had surfaced during the hundred years since the Red River uprising. The result is an exciting, authentic narrative filled with the colorful events and personalities of a crucial time in the history of the American frontier. Included are fifty-eight rare photographs of the Indian leaders, buffalo hunters, army officer and Indian agents who played roles in the history of the Buffalo War. contradictory elements of the Red River War of 1874, but only Haley has succeeded. . . . At least a half-dozen professional historians may honestly remark upon reading Haley's book that they wish they had written it."(Journal of American History) illustrated and presented in a lively narrative style." (Civil War History)

Author Biography: JAMES L. HALEY is a professional writer living in Austin, Texas. His other non-fiction books include Apaches; Texas: An Album of History; and Texas: From Spindletop through World War II. Mr. Haley has also written three novels: The Kings of San Carlos, The Lions of Tsavo, and Final Refuge.

Genres: History, American History

312 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Jackson Burnett]

There appears to be a later edition of this book that might be easier to obtain.

Anyway, this is a superb history of the last effort of the Southern Plains Indians to retain their homeland and ways.

[Nate Hendrix]

This is a deep delve into the details of one year of the Indian Wars. Some of these events I had read about before and some I hadn't, but it was interesting to see how they were linked together. Like always, I know when I start, that any book about American Indians is going to end badly.

[Rick B.]

Exceptionally well researched and written. The only downside is the awful way we have treated Native Americans throughout history, never following through on treaties or promises.

[Robert Temple]

Excellent history of the last major war of the Southern Plains tribes.