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.

  • A view of Fort Riley, KS, about 1866. The Regimental HQ, Band, and Companies A, C & H served at Fort Riley from June 1877 to November 1880.

  • Another view of Fort Riley circa 1895.

  • 16th Infantry Regimental Band at Fort Riley, Kansas, circa 1877.

  • Here, the 16th Infantry Band performs at Cavalry Parade, Fort Riley.

  • B & D Companies were stationed at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, 1877-1880.

  • Fort Concho, Texas, served as the regimental headquarters of the regiment from July 1882 to January 1887.

  • Company I, 16th Infantry called Fort Davis, TX, home for 16 months in 1887-88.

  • K Company was selected as the guard to escort Geronimo from Fort Sam Houson, TX, to Fort Pickens, FL, in 1886. Geronimo is the sitting man in the dark vest on the left.

  • The regiment was stationed at Fort Douglas for over 8 years, May 1888 to October 1896.

  • A view of the infantry barracks, Fort Douglas, UT

  • Fort Duchesne, UT, was home to Companies A, C, F, & K, 1888-1891.

  • The US Army experimented with manning companies with Indians in the early 1890s. Company I was manned by Brule Sioux from 1890 to 1892.

  • Company I (Sioux) in winter garb, commanded by Lt. Lewis S. Sorley. The experiment failed due to the Sioux being unable to adapt to the regimentation of army life.

  • An eager young soldier of the 16th Infantry stands ready to take to the field, circa 1895.

  • The 16th Infantry, less, A, B, & E Companies was stationed at Fort Sherman, ID, from October 1896 to April 1898.

  • The entrance to Fort Sherman, ID.

  • Colonel Hugh A. Theaker commanded the regiment during its tour at Fort Sherman, ID. Courtesy of Marcy Gravatt.

  • The commanding officer’s quarters at Fort Sherman. Colonel Theaker’s family members can be seen on the porch. Courtesy of Marcy Gravatt.

  • Fort Sherman in the wintertime.

  • Company Barracks, Fort Sherman, ID.

  • B & E Companies were posted to Fort Spokane, WA, from 1896 to 1898.

  • Fort Spokane, WA.

  • Fort Spokane, WA.

  • A typical sleeping bay in one of the barracks at Fort Spokane.

  • Boise Barracks served as the home of A Company 1896-1898.

  • Major William B. McLaughlin, 16th Infantry, served as the post commander at Boise Barracks.

  • The front entrance to Boise Barracks, ID.

  • Inside the A Company barracks at Boise Barracks.