Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851

(Horse Creek Treaty)

Articles

Explore every article on the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie — its purpose, history, legal significance, and ongoing relevance.

What Was the Purpose of the 1851 Treaty?
The 1851 Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Fort Laramie, was a pivotal agreement between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes.…
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Documenting the history, legal significance, and ongoing relevance of the 1851 Fort Laramie Treaty (Horse Creek Treaty).

Toward Understanding and Reconciliation

The history of the Fort Laramie treaties and the broader story of relations between Native nations and the United States include much hardship and injustice. Yet engaging with this history is not only about acknowledging past wrongs. It is also about the possibility of understanding, healing, and building better relationships in the present and future.…
What Broken Treaties Teach About Law and Promises

The history of treaties between the United States and Native nations is, too often, a history of promises made and promises broken. Reflecting on this record offers important lessons about the nature of law, the meaning of promises, and the responsibilities that come with power. These lessons reach beyond any single treaty to touch on…
The Lasting Legacy of the Fort Laramie Treaties

The treaties negotiated at Fort Laramie in 1851 and 1868 were among the most significant agreements between the United States and the nations of the Northern Plains. More than a century and a half later, their legacy endures in law, in ongoing disputes, and in the collective memory of the peoples they touched. Understanding this…