The ultimate result of the prolonged and intense conflicts along the Bozeman Trail was its official closure in 1868, culminating in a significant victory for the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes.
The Treaty of 1868 and Trail Closure
The persistent resistance by Native American forces, particularly under the leadership of Red Cloud, made the Bozeman Trail untenable for the U.S. government. After years of skirmishes and what became known as "Red Cloud's War," negotiations led to a formal agreement:
- Treaty Signing: On November 6, 1868, Red Cloud signed a treaty with the U.S. government.
- Guaranteed Closure: This treaty explicitly guaranteed the closure of the forts that had been established along the Bozeman Trail to protect travelers.
Aftermath: Departure and Destruction
Following the signing of the treaty, the U.S. Army fulfilled its part of the agreement:
- Army Departure: The Army ultimately departed from the forts along the trail.
- Forts Burned: Once the soldiers had left, the Indians set fire to the abandoned forts, symbolizing the complete reclamation of the territory and the end of the trail's active use.
- Official Closure: With the forts destroyed and military presence withdrawn, the Bozeman Trail was officially closed to white emigration.
A Temporary Victory
While the closure was a definitive outcome of the fights, it's important to note that this victory for the Native American tribes was not entirely permanent. The route was briefly used again in 1876, primarily by troops under General George Crook during later conflicts. However, the immediate and ultimate result of the fights specifically aimed at closing the trail was its successful closure and the destruction of its protective forts in 1868.
