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Scorched earth policy used against hostile Indians in 1864
Report by Colonel Robert R. Livingston of the First Nebraska Cavalry details a Nebraska Territory operation in autumn 1864. He describes firing a 200 mile prairie line from west of Julesburg to Fort Kearny to deprive Indians of hay and drive game south, while sparing the Platte Valley for wagon trains and Pawnee goodwill. The aim was to deter hostilities and warn future actions, with some fires limited to creeks to protect allies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nebraska State Historical Society
Robert R. Livingston
First Nebraska Cavalry
Nebraska
Platte River
Fort Kearny
Nebraska Territory
Livingston
Julesburg
Republican River
Little Blue Station
Little Blue
Republican
Bort
Laramiere