News – Sheridan Media
On the second day of August in 1867, twenty-six soldiers and six civilians who were sent from Fort Phil Kearny to cut wood, were attacked by several hundred Sioux warriors. The engagement was later known as The Wagon Box Fight, or, as the Indians called it, They Surrounded the White Tents.
Today, 158 years ago, on Saturday, August 2nd at 6:00 p.m., Fort Phil Kearny will hold the annual Wagon Box Anniversary Program at the Wagon Box Fight Site, which is not far from the Fort. There is a stone monument at the site and several information signs about the battle.
New T-Shirt at Fort Phil Kearny
Sharie Shada, site superintendent, will introduce the program. Donovin Sprague, Miniconjou Lakota historian and author, will talk about the battle, and the Fort Phil Kearny Regulars will demonstrate the period weapons that were used in the fight.
Sprague’s ancestor, Hump, or High Backbone, was one of the warriors who fought in the battle, and later, Hump’s son was one of the Sioux warriors at the Custer Battle.
The program is free and open to the public. The day may be warm, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the program.
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Last modified: July 30, 2025