America Remembers, in
association with the Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association, proudly
presents the Bozeman Trail Tribute Rifle. This Tribute is a handsomely
decorated working Henry rifle, honoring the heroes and the history of the
Bozeman Trail. Decorated in stunning 24-karat gold and nickel by craftsmen
commissioned specifically by America Remembers, the rifle features artwork
honoring the American soldiers as well as the legendary Native Americans
who fought to preserve their heritage.
The struggle for power along the Bozeman Trail remains one of the most
important chapters in the history and lore of the American West. The
epic clash between settlers, soldiers, and Sioux is a story of sacrifice
and courage that should never be forgotten.
After gold was
discovered in 1863, treasure hunters turned their attention to Montana,
but heading into hostile country was already a gamble, so settlers and
miners from the east needed the fastest, most direct route. John Bozeman
and John Jacobs found one, and by 1864 they were guiding prospectors to
boomtowns like Virginia City.The Bozeman Trail snaked across the
Northern Plains like a gold rush expressway, but the wagon road had one
fatal flaw: it ran straight through Sioux hunting grounds. Steady
traffic and poaching disrupted the buffalo herds that were essential to
the tribe’s survival. To the Indian chiefs, the migrating settlers were
invaders pushing their way through sacred land, so the Sioux pushed
back.
Chief Red Cloud was not about to give up sacred land
without a fight. To him, the land belonged to the Sioux and had for
centuries. He continued harassing attacks on wagon trains along the trail
until the U.S. government asked for peace negotiations. Chief Red Cloud and
others gathered at Fort Laramie to consider an agreement that would allow
free travel along the trail as long as the buffalo herds were left alone,
but before any terms could be finalized, Colonel Henry Carrington arrived
with hundreds of troops and orders to restore Fort Reno. Enraged and
insulted, Red Cloud walked out of the negotiations and vowed to defend his
land and destroy the trail.
Chief Red Cloud launched attacks on
the trail and the raids escalated until the route earned the nickname
“The Bloody Bozeman.” The U.S. Army arrived to establish forts and offer
protection, but their presence acted like a spark, igniting a powder keg
of violence and bloodshed. The fierce fighting resulted in huge losses
for both sides. At the peak, America would suffer a brutal defeat, a
military tragedy that would go unmatched for a decade.
During two years of conflict, both sides had their
victories, but the persistence of Red Cloud's attacks finally led the U.S.
government to agree to the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, which called for
the abandonment of the forts along the Bozeman Trail and recognition of
Lakota rightful possession of much of the land surrounding it. History
would show that peace wouldn't last long and promises would ultimately be
broken, but at the time, Red Cloud had earned a remarkable and
unprecedented victory for his people.
The Henry Rifle
The Bozeman Trail Tribute Rifle is a
handsome recreation of the legendary Henry rifle. It has been made by
the world-renowned master craftsmen of A. Uberti, who have expertly
created this classic firearm just as they have created so many of the
western classics. During the turbulent years of the frontier the Henry
rifle would play a significant role in the settling of the American West
and Henry rifles were in use during fighting along the Bozeman Trail.
An Exclusive Limited
Edition
Only 300 Bozeman Trail Tribute Rifles will be
issued in this limited edition available exclusively through America
Remembers. We will arrange delivery of your working Tribute through a
licensed firearms dealer of your choice. If you are not completely
satisfied with your rifle after
personal inspection, you may return it in original, unfired
condition within 30 days for a complete and courteous refund.
The Bozeman Trail Tribute Rifle is
truly a fitting remembrance of the courage and sacrifice of those who
forged an unforgettable chapter in American history. The triumph and the
tragedy of the struggle for the Northern Plains helped create heroes,
legends, and ultimately, the United States as it is known today. Don't
hesitate
to secure your own unique piece of history from the American West. |
| The left side of the receiver
of this Bozeman Trail Rifle features a
portrait of the ill-fated Captain William Fetterman. Though his bravado
may have contributed to his downfall, he died fighting in service to his
country. Also, on the left of the receiver is a detailed illustration of
Fort Phil Kearny. The compound contained more than 30 buildings, with a
giant American flag flapping proudly from its pole. Above the trigger is
a portrait of Colonel Henry Beebee Carrington. Following the tragic
events of December 21, 1866, many blamed Carrington for the disaster.
The handsomely blued, 24-1/4 inch tapered octagonal barrel is
complemented by handsomely polished walnut stocks on this Bozeman Trail
Rifle. All artwork is
featured in stunning 24-karat gold and nickel with a blackened patinaed
background to highlight the details of the artwork, with the lever,
hammer, butt plate, and forearm end cap also polished and decorated in
elegant 24-karat gold. |
