General Alfred Gibbs

    Commander First New York Dragoons

    Frontier Duty

    After the Civil War, the U.S. Army was tasked with maintaining order and protecting the western frontier. This involved patrolling the frontier, negotiating treaties with Native American tribes, and establishing military forts and outposts to support the expansion of the U.S. into the western territories.

    One of the main responsibilities of the U.S. Army during this time was to protect settlers and pioneers who were moving westward in search of new land and opportunities. This often involved clashes with Native American tribes, who saw the expansion of the U.S. as a threat to their way of life.

    To support these efforts, the U.S. Army established a number of military forts and outposts along the western frontier. These forts served as a base of operations for the Army and provided a place for soldiers to rest and resupply. They also served as a deterrent to Native American attacks and helped to establish U.S. control over the western territories.

    The U.S. Army also played a role in negotiating treaties with Native American tribes in an effort to establish peaceful relations and ensure the safety of settlers. These treaties often involved the U.S. government making land concessions to the tribes in exchange for their cooperation. In addition to its duties related to Native Americans, the Army was also responsible for enforcing federal laws on the western frontier. This included preventing the illegal trade of alcohol and firearms to Native American tribes, as well as cracking down on outlaws and criminals operating in the region.

    Overall, the post-Civil War frontier duty of the U.S. Army was an important aspect of the expansion of the U.S. into the western territories. It involved protecting settlers and maintaining order on the frontier, and it played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. as a nation.

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