News release
On Aug. 1, 1867, a crew of railroad workers were killed by Cheyenne, at Campbell’s Camp, near what is now called Victoria.
Word of the attack was received at Fort Hays, and 30 troopers from Co. F, 10th Cavalry were sent to the site.
After arriving at the site, troopers led by Capt. Armes followed the north branch of Big Creek in pursuit.
When no signs of the Cheyenne could be found, they returned on the opposite side of the creek to Campbell’s Camp.
Word was sent back to the fort to send additional troops. Armes waited until after daylight, and after there was no sign of additional troops coming, he and his men headed directly north to the Saline River.
They followed the Saline River west, about 15 miles, where they were then surrounded and ambushed by 75 Cheyenne. After battling the Cheyenne in two different areas, they retreated back to Fort Hays. This was the first ever engagement for the “Buffalo Soldiers," as they would come to be known.
The actual site of the battle had never been determined. C2T Ranch is excited to announce that the location has been identified and certified by archeologists from the Kansas Historical Society.
Ranch historian and battle site archivist Michael Cox, along with members of his crew Ryan Ruth and Josh Balman, have discovered and identified more than 100 period artifacts spread out across over 40 acres.
This information was confirmed by KHS archeologist Nikki Klarmann during a tour of the site in May 2021.
During this battle, six Native Americans and one trooper were killed. Srgt. William Christy of Pennsylvania was shot in the head and killed. He was the first casualty from the Buffalo Soldier troops. Mike Cox, who has spent four years combing the area with a metal detector, believes he has found the saber handle that belonged to Christy when he fell.
These and other artifacts, the story of the battle, and first hand account of Nicodemus trooper Samuel Garland will be shared with the public on Saturday, Nov. 20. Registration for the History Tour is required.
Barrie Tompkins, president of the Nicodemus Buffalo Soldiers, will be at the site to perform a characterization of “The Life and Times of the Buffalo Soldiers," and share the general history of the soldiers.
Angela Bates, descendant and executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society, will present the story of her great uncle Samuel Garland, who was present at the battle.
This history tour is just the beginning of future plans for other events at the site, depicting the history of the Cheyenne and Buffalo Soldiers in the area. Everyone involved looks forward to working with interested parties, such as Fort Hays State University and Historic Fort Hays, to ensure the site, artifacts and information is preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
For further information, contact Chad Tuttle at 785-303-0298 or Angela Bates 785-839-8200.