Trail to Medicine Lodge: A Vivid Journey along the Santa Fe Trail and the Unveiling of the Indian Wars

Wild West Podcast

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In part two of Trail to Medicine Lodge provides a first-hand experience of a young freighter named Billy Dixon. Dixon describes his journey southward from Fort Harker to Fort Larned and across the Arkansas River to Medicine Lodge. During the trip, Dixon describes the sights along the Santa Fe Trail while traveling with the peace commission and a caravan of one hundred and sixty wagons, carrying food and clothing for the Indians.
Prepare to be transported across the historic Santa Fe Trail, witnessing the remarkable buffalo herds, confronting the daunting politics of the era, and meeting legendary Indian chiefs like Satanta and Black Kettle. Our journey is further enriched by meeting key figures like Colonel Leavenworth and Major Windcoupe. We're issued an order from General Sherman that puts us in a tight spot, but that's just the start of our challenges. We feel the tension of an embargo on trading with the Indians, and the thrill of escaping a wildfire, as we camp near the Medicine Lodge Treaty council grounds.
Next, we traverse the early Kansas Trails and delve into the Indian Wars, guided by Michael King's illuminating book. Hear firsthand accounts from bullwackers, Indian fighters, and freighters who journeyed the Santa Fe Trail. Get to know the Cheyenne Indians, understand the Kansas expansion and explore legendary events like the Battle of Beecher Island. All this and more, as we navigate through the riveting tales of the Wild West. Don't miss out on this engrossing adventure and the chance to reassess the history as we know. Click here to purchase the book Trails, Forts Treaties & Indian Wars.

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Chapters

1. Trail to Medicine Lodge: A Vivid Journey along the Santa Fe Trail and the Unveiling of the Indian Wars (00:00:00)

2. Journey to Medicine Lodge Treaty (00:00:23)

3. Plains Trade, Travel, and Wildfires (00:15:21)

4. Early Kansas Trails and Indian Wars (00:21:42)