Army on the Frontier

The U.S. Bureau of the Census (1894) provided an estimate of deaths: The Indian wars under the government of the United States have been more than 40 in number.

These wars were fought by the regular infantry and cavalry regiments, occasionally aided by state militia and volunteers.

The frontier soldiers were usually stationed in posts at strategic points defending the routes of communications, settlements and Indian reservations.

The soldiers built their shelter, escorted travelers, emigrants, and wagon trains on the trails, aided and protected surveying parties, constructed thousands of miles of trails and roads, supplied needy emigrants, patrolled trails and railroad lines, guarded river navigation, protected government and private property from hostile Indians and outlaws, assisted and fed friendly Indians, fought hostile Indians and gave police assistance to the weak civil authorities on the frontier.

The hardships of the soldiers, the miserable quarters, inferior food and the lonely life encouraged many desertions.