Sibley Defeats Sioux Forces at the Battle of Dead Buffalo Lake

Description: Following the Battle of Big Mound on July 24, 1863, Brig.

Gen. Henry Hastings Sibley and his men moved their camp about four miles and then rested till the next day. The morning of the 26th they set out and after marching about 14 miles, found the Sioux ready for battle. At first, the fighting was long range because the Native Americans refrained from closing with the soldiers. The Native Americans did attempt to flank the left side of the camp and run off the mules. The Mounted Rangers and infantry, though, after heavy fighting, compelled the Native Americans to abandon their intentions. Following this setback, the Sioux retreated, ending the battle. Sibley resumed his march after the Native Americans the next day. The Sioux were on the run.

The battle of Dead Buffalo Lake was fought between United States forces and Sioux Indians of the Dakota Territory.

A combined force of Santee and Teton Sioux forces had been defeated at the battle of Big Mound. They fled that battlefield and were chased endlessly by U.S. cavalry. General Henry Hastings Sibley, the cavalry leader, and the cavalry traveled 14 miles before catching up to the Natives the next day, July 26.

The Sioux were ready for battle, but neither side made any initial attacks. The heaviest fighting occurred when the warriors attempted to flank the U.S. camp, but their attack was called off after encountering resistance from U.S. infantry and mounted forces. The Indians withdrew from the field and were again in retreat with Sibley's forces close behind.