Blood, Guts, Gold and Tears!

The late 1860's, Wyoming saw another "get rich quick" rush to the West. Masses seeking their fortunes, free land and religious freedom began trekking northward-right through the Northern Indian tribes' best winter hunting ground. The courageous red men fought back and the results were confrontations to such a degree that the U. S. Government constructed a series of forts to protect trail-weary travelers along what would come to be known as the Bloody Bozeman.

Now, for the first time women and children accompanied their husbands and fathers to a new land in the Rocky Mountain West. Those grueling years are remembered annually with Living History, sponsored by the Jim Gatchell Museum in Buffalo and Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Days at the fort by the same name a few miles north of Buffalo off I-90. Fort Phil Kearny was the site of many of the bloodiest battles in the early Plains Indians war years.

The date for 2001's three-day long Living History Days is June 27-29. The event will begin with the early afternoon arrival in Buffalo of the Bozeman Trail wagon train. The wagon master and crew will begin their long trek in Douglas, Wyoming with Virginia City, Montana being their final destination. Thursday morning activities include a chuck wagon breakfast at crazy Woman Square from 7-10 a.m., followed by a simulated old west shootout by Buffalo's Powder River Justice Committee.

The role of women on such trails will come to life in a portrayal taken from actual diaries of wives and daughters who traveled along the equally famous Oregon Trail. Other events include a demonstration on flint knapping and making Native American replicas, dancing, buffalo bar-b-que and a chance to visit with the wagon train participants.

Friday begins with another chuck wagon breakfast in Buffalo. The wagon trail will come down the town's winding main street on its journey to Fort Phil Kearny. Clear Creek runs through the middle of town and the river's crossing in those tumultuous years was often the site of confrontation between white men and red.

In keeping with history, a military escort will meet the wagon train as it passes through the downtown area. Remaining Friday activities will take place at the Fort Phil Kearny site. Anyone intending to attend any or all of the events should make motel, hotel or campground reservations early.