The Battle of the Belly River
Posted by: 
smartee
N 49° 41.737 W 112° 51.160
12U E 366392 N 5506436
Quick Description: The last major conflict between the Cree and the Blackfoot Confederacy, and the last major battle between First Nations on Canadian soil.
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 5/10/2009 9:26:27 PM
Waymark Code: WM6BXQ
Views: 3
Long Description:
The battle took place on the banks of Alberta's Belly River (now
the Oldman River), within the present limits of the city of
Lethbridge. A devastating outbreak of smallpox had reduced the
strength of the Blackfoot, and a Cree war party had come south in
late October, 1870 in order to take advantage of that weakness. An
advance party of Crees had stumbled upon a Peigan camp and decided
to attack instead of informing the main Cree body of their find.
Soon word passed to other Blackfoot, Blood and Peigan camps in the
immediate area, and warriors were sent to join battle. After
several hours of trading shots, a Blackfoot party gained the high
ground and made the Cree positions untenable. The retreat became a
rout, and up to 300 Cree warriors were killed trying to make their
escape.
Approximately a year after the battle, the Cree and Blackfoot made
a formal peace. Treaty No.7, between the Blackfoot Confederacy and
the Crown, was signed in 1877. In 1890, the town of Lethbridge was
founded near the battle site. The battle itself is commemorated in
Indian Battle Park.
Name of Battle:
Battle of the Belly River
Name of War: On-going tribal conflict
Date(s) of Battle (Beginning): 10/20/1870
Entrance Fee: Not Listed
Parking: Not Listed
Date of Battle (End): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:Post a photo of you and/or your GPS in front of a sign or marker
posted at the site of the battle.
In addition it is encouraged to take a few photos two of the
surrounding area and interesting features at the site.
Recent Visits/Logs:
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