Indian Wars
America’s westward expansion continued to cause friction and conflict with the Indians by the 1870s, so the 16th Infantry was initially sent to posts in Kansas and Oklahoma. The headquarters was established for the first time at Fort Riley, Kansas, with which the regiment was to later establish a long-term association. During this period several companies served in the campaigns against the Ute and Cheyenne Indians and but experienced little actual combat. The regiment then moved down to Texas in 1880. While in the Lone Star State, soldiers of the 16th Infantry served in the campaigns against Victorio’s Apaches in New Mexico and guarded various posts and patrol stations throughout west Texas. In 1886, Company K provided the guards to escort Geronimo into captivity at Fort Pickens, Florida. At Pine Ridge in 1890-91, the regiment participated in the “Wounded Knee” campaign and helped to bring to an end the Indian wars in the American West. The 16th Infantry’s participation in the Indian wars of the west garnered the regiment another 3 campaign streamers.