By 1864, Indian depredations on white settlers across the western plains reached a fever pitch. In response, the War Department, already struggling through our nation's bloodiest war, sent more troops to man posts in the contested areas. Into this cauldron marched the 11th Kansas Cavalry.

During the summer of 1865, a coalition of Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne joined forces in order to drive the "blue coats" from Wyoming Territory. They focused their efforts on a bridge spanning the Platte River. This bridge, and the military post associated with it, came to be known as Platte Bridge Station. Originally designed to protect a portion of the Oregon Trail, the soldiers stationed there steeled themselves against this new Indian threat.

The present day cities of Casper, Wyoming, and Fort Collins, Colorado, are named for a veteran of the conflict that ensued.