Two Part Series: Oregon Trail Tales - Part Two: Surviving the Platte River Raids

Award-winning author & historian Janelle Molony will be presenting on the Platte River Raids of 1864, as was experienced by the 370+ families who were in the “Black Hills of Idaho Territory” during the 3-day events of July 1864. Between the military outposts of Fort Laramie and Deer Creek garrison, hundreds of Northern Plains Indians descended upon the Oregon and Overland Trails (attacking on both the North and South side of the Platte River) to settle a score. Unfortunately, the emigrants passing through were unaware that they had to pay the price for someone else’s misdeeds. 

Now famous emigrants affected include the family of Abolitionist & Underground Railroad Conductor John Brown, relatives of the coonskin-cap-wearing frontiersman Daniel Boone, the families of legendary Western outlaw Johnny Ringo, and even Tombstone AZ’s Law Marshal Wyatt Earp. Learn about the proceeding factors, the Union Army’s scramble to respond, and why these Raids are so significant. 

After the talk, Molony will be available for questions and book signings for her new release, Emigrant Tales of the Platte River Raids. Learn more about the story at www.JanelleMolony.com/EmigrantTales

Registration requested but not required. Register at www.dfla.org or call the Library at 480-488-2286.

Cost: Free