Marias Massacre: U.S. soldiers attack Piegan Blackfeet camp on the Marias River

Background. Relations between the Niitsitapi Confederacy and white settlers in Montana Territory had been largely hostile for years due to encroachment on Native territory. By 1870, the Blackfeet had largely retreated north of the Marias River. The inciting incident was the murder of Malcolm Clarke on August 17, 1869. Owl Child fled north and joined Mountain Chief's band, which was known for hostility but did not conduct raids on settlements.

Military Campaign. Major Baker left Fort Ellis on January 6, 1870, and stopped at Fort Shaw to pick up two more companies, including scouts Joe Kipp and Joseph Cobell. These scouts were critical to distinguishing between unfriendly and friendly Piegan bands, as Baker was ordered to refrain from attacking friendly bands. Infantry moved north from Fort Shaw on January 19, looking for Mountain Chief's band in the Marias River country.

Attack and Justification. Baker's command located a camp of 32 lodges along the Marias River on January 22. Scout Joe Kipp recognized the camp belonged to Heavy Runner, who was considered peaceful. Baker ordered the attack anyway, stating all Piegans were targets. After the massacre, officials like de Trobriand and Hancock justified the attack by claiming the camp was hostile or that women were killed to prevent torture, despite Baker's claim that non-combatants were killed accidentally.