“They made us many promises, more than I can remember, but they kept only one; they promised to take our land, and they did.” – Chief Red Cloud
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.
The right side of this Henry rifle features a portrait of the legendary Oglala Sioux warrior Crazy Horse; since no known photos of Crazy Horse exist, this is an artist’s impression compiled from various descriptions. Featured in the center, a group of buffalo graze on the open plains. Tribes such as the Sioux depended on these magnificent creatures for their necessities of life, and the fact that the Bozeman Trail threatened to disturb the buffalo migration was one of the major reasons for the Indian aggression. The banner above reads “Bozeman Trail Tribute” and the banners below read “Red Cloud’s War, 1866-1868.” Also featured is a portrait of the great Sioux War Chief Red Cloud. History will always remember him as the bold leader and a strong-willed champion of his people, their way of life and the Native American spirit.
Order your limited edition, Bozeman Trail Tribute Rifle today to commemorate the American soldiers as well as the Native Americans who fought to preserve their heritage on the Bozeman Trail.
Shipping Procedures
Since the “Bozeman Trail Tribute Rifle” is a working Henry Repeating Rifle, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.
Order
I wish to reserve the “Bozeman Trail Tribute Rifle,” a working Henry Repeating Rifle, at the price of $2,395*. Each rifle is numbered and registered within the limited edition of 300, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty day return privilege.
Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per rifle. I will pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.
* All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Sales tax is required in certain states and will be added. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.
