The Fateful Decision
Old U.S. Highway 87 just north of I-90 Exit 44

Fetterman relieved the wood train and chased its attackers to the limit prescribed in orders. His return was all that was necessary to complete a successful mission.

But he continued the chase. He did not return and his decision remains unexplained. The brash young Captain’s decision to disobey orders and the resulting annihilation of his command has created a problem for generations of historians. Why did he continue pursuit? What “estimate of the situation” did he make? What thoughts influenced his decision? “None” appears to be a most charitable answer to the questions.

The mixed command of infantry and cavalry had no hope of catching the fleet Indian horseman. Fetterman knew he would be punished for disobeying orders unless he successfully engaged the warriors.

He gave little regard to the broken terrain, laced with pockets, ravines and ridges ideal fo concealment. He paid no heed to the fact that Indians did to fight according to the “rules of war” he learned in the Civil War. He descended the ridge and his comand stretched out—a tantalizing target for the attack. with little thought of the consequences, he charged blindly on, leading his command to its final engagement.