The First Fort Laramie Treaty

What was the Fort Laramie Treaty?

The Fort Laramie Treaty gave land and money to each Plains tribe if they let settlers, travellers, and government agents cross the Plains in safety.

Why was the Fort Laramie Treaty signed?

The US Government was under pressure to protect people migrating west, as the migrants were worried about conflict with the Native Americans. The Government's solution was to make an agreement with a council of different tribe leaders.

Why was the Fort Laramie Treaty difficult to achieve?

There were 5 main issues in arranging an agreement.

• ❖ The Council of Tribal Leaders. Gathering the leaders of each tribe was very problematic. Few tribes had an overall leader who could speak for all the bands within a tribe. Often the government chose them, which did not please the tribes.
• ❖ Inclusion. Many tribes were unrepresented. Some of those who attended the council only came for the food and gifts, and therefore did not take part in the discussions, to give their tribe's point of view.
• ❖ Boundaries. The US government wanted agreements made on borders and boundaries. However, Native Americans did not view land in this way. They saw land as there for everyone, and could not see why their movements needed to be limited.
• ❖ Language. Not all tribes spoke the same language, and there were not enough translators to make sure everyone understood the proceedings. Not all the tribes could engage properly with the negotiations.
• ❖ Attitudes. Some white Americans were exterminators, and did not believe a peaceful agreement could or should be reached. Some Native Americans, such as the Crow nation, felt the same.

When was the Fort Laramie Treaty signed?

The Fort Laramie Treaty was signed on 17th September 1851.

Who were the signatories to the Fort Laramie Treaty?

The Fort Laramie Treaty was agreed between the US Government and Native American tribal chiefs.

What was agreed in the Fort Laramie Treaty?

There were 7 main points agreed in the Fort Laramie Treaty.

• ❖ Fighting would end between Native Americans and white Americans.
• ❖ Migrants could travel safely through Native American lands.
• ❖ Railroad surveyors would be allowed to enter Native American lands in safety.
• ❖ Road and army posts could be set up in the Native American lands.
• ❖ Native American tribes would have to pay compensation if they broke any of the agreement.
• ❖ The US Government agreed to protect Native Americans from white Americans, and to stop white Americans from settling on Native American lands.
• ❖ Native Americans were to receive a fixed sum of money each year, as long as they kept to the terms of the treaty.

How much did the tribes receive as part of the Fort Laramie Treaty?

The Native American tribes received $50,000 a year, as long as the treaty was unbroken. However some tribes never received payment.

What were the consequences of the Fort Laramie Treaty?

The Fort Laramie Treaty had 3 major consequences for the Plains Indians.

• ❖ It encouraged them to rely on the US government for food and money. This dependency also meant obedience.
• ❖ It gave each tribe their own land, rather than giving them the freedom to be truly nomadic. This resulted in the creation of reservations.
• ❖ It ended the principle of the Permanent Indian Frontier, as white Americans later settled in Native American lands, even though this broke the Fort Laramie Treaty.