The 1865 Treaty With The Apache, Cheyenne, And Arapaho represents a significant, albeit complex, chapter in the history of the American West, particularly in the relations between the United States government and the Indigenous tribes inhabiting the Great Plains. This agreement, formally documented as treaty 14 Stat., 713, was initially negotiated on October 14, 1865, presented three days later on October 17, 1865, and subsequently ratified by the U.S. Senate on May 22, 1866. It officially went into effect on May 26, 1866, marking a pivotal moment in the government’s attempts to manage and control the movements and interactions of these powerful tribes.
The context surrounding the treaty’s creation is crucial to understanding its implications. The mid-19th century was a period of intense westward expansion by the United States, driven by the ideology of Manifest Destiny and the allure of resources like land, gold, and minerals. This expansion brought settlers, miners, and railroad workers into direct conflict with the Native American tribes who had long called the Great Plains home. The U.S. government, seeking to mitigate conflict and secure its territorial claims, pursued a policy of negotiating treaties with various tribes, often with the aim of confining them to specific reservations.
The treaty’s preamble explicitly states its purpose: to formalize an alliance between the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Apache tribes and to solidify the United States’ relationship with this newly formed confederation. The document acknowledges that the Apache Indians, previously associated with the Kiowa and Comanche tribes, desired to dissolve this earlier alliance and align themselves with the Cheyenne and Arapaho. Furthermore, the treaty indicates that the Cheyenne and Arapaho were receptive to incorporating the Apache into their fold, treating them as equals within their tribal structure. This intertribal dynamic is a key element in understanding the treaty’s significance. The United States, through its commissioners, gave their assent to this union, paving the way for a formal agreement.
The treaty itself is structured around two primary articles.
Article 1 directly addresses the unification of the three tribes. It unequivocally states that the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Apache tribes are to be united, and that the United States will henceforth recognize them as the "confederated bands or tribes of Cheyenne, Arrapahoe, and Apache Indians." This article establishes the legal basis for the newly formed alliance in the eyes of the U.S. government. It signifies a shift in federal policy, acknowledging a single entity where previously there were distinct tribal nations. This consolidation, while seemingly promoting unity, also served to streamline negotiations and administration for the U.S. government.
Article 2 builds upon the foundation laid in Article 1, extending the provisions of a previous treaty to the newly confederated tribes. It stipulates that all terms, stipulations, and agreements outlined in the earlier treaty of October 14, 1865, made with the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, would now apply equally to the confederated Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Apache Indians. This meant that the benefits and obligations stipulated in the original treaty, such as land rights, annuity payments, and requirements for peaceful conduct, were now extended to include the Apache. The wording emphasizes that the United States would fulfill its obligations to the confederated tribes in the same manner, to the same extent, and for the same purposes as if the original treaty had been made directly with them. This article ensured that the newly formed alliance was integrated into the existing framework of U.S.-tribal relations, at least on paper.
The signing of the 1865 Treaty With The Apache, Cheyenne, And Arapaho was a formal affair, witnessed by a number of individuals representing both the United States and the Native American tribes. The document lists the names of the commissioners representing the United States: John B. Sanborn, Wm. S. Harney, James Steele, Wm. W. Bent, Kit Carson, Thos. Murphy, and J. H. Leavenworth. These individuals were prominent figures in government, military, and Indian affairs, reflecting the importance the U.S. government placed on the treaty.
Representing the Native American tribes were numerous chiefs and headmen, each signing with their mark, typically an "x," signifying their agreement to the terms of the treaty. Among the Apache signatories were Kou-zhon-ta-co (Poor Bear), Ba-zhe-ech (Iron Shirt), Az-che-om-a-te-ne (the Old Fool Man), Karn-tin-ta (the Crow), Mah-vip-pah (The Wolf Sleeve), and Nahn-tan (The Chief). The Cheyenne signatories included Moke-ta-ve-to (Black Kettle), Oh-to-ah-ne-so-to-wheo (Seven Bulls), Hark-kah-o-me (Little Robe), Moke-tah-vo-ve-ho (Black White Man), Mun-a-men-ek (Eagle’s Head), and O-to-ah-nis-to (Bull that Hears). The Arapaho were represented by Oh-has-tee (Little Raven), Oh-hah-mah-hah (Storm), Pah-uf-pah-top (Big Mouth), Ah-cra-ka-tau-nah (Spotted Wolf), Ah-nah-wat-tan (Black Man), Nah-a-nah-cha (Chief in Everything), and Chi-e-nuk (Haversack).
The presence of these leaders underscores the gravity of the occasion. While the "x" marks might suggest a lack of understanding, it is important to recognize that these leaders were making decisions on behalf of their people, often under duress and with limited options. The act of signing, regardless of literacy, represented a commitment to the terms of the treaty, even if the power dynamics were heavily skewed in favor of the United States.
The signatures were witnessed by W. R. Irwin, Secretary, and D. C. McNeil, further authenticating the document. The inclusion of seals after each name adds a layer of formality, reinforcing the legal weight of the agreement.
However, the 1865 Treaty With The Apache, Cheyenne, And Arapaho, like many treaties between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, was fraught with complexities and ultimately failed to prevent further conflict and injustice. The historical record reveals that the promises made in the treaty were often broken by the U.S. government, leading to resentment and distrust among the tribes. The westward expansion continued unabated, encroaching on Native American lands and disrupting their traditional way of life.
Furthermore, the treaty’s assumption of a unified front among the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Apache may have been an oversimplification of tribal relations. While the treaty aimed to create a cohesive alliance, historical accounts suggest that intertribal dynamics remained complex and nuanced. The treaty may have inadvertently overlooked existing tensions or cultural differences between the tribes, hindering its long-term effectiveness.
In conclusion, the 1865 Treaty With The Apache, Cheyenne, And Arapaho stands as a testament to the turbulent history of U.S.-Native American relations. While it represents an attempt to establish peace and order on the Great Plains, it also highlights the inherent inequalities and broken promises that characterized this era. The treaty’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the historical context and the perspectives of all parties involved when examining these complex agreements. It underscores the need for a more just and equitable approach to addressing the historical injustices faced by Native American tribes.