The siege became a pivotal moment in the war, and was depicted in a number of books, films, and documentaries over the years.

A harsh winter in 1886-1887 ravaged the state, prompting the cattle barons, many of whom had formed companies headquartered in the Cheyenne Club, to try to monopolize the limited resources and livestock for their outfits.

[4] This, however, was challenged by homesteaders consisting of smaller, more independent farmers and ranchers, who had also settled in the area and were using the resources on the range.

The dispute became a conflict when the cattle barons began persecuting many homesteaders, whom they believed were stealing from their outfits (known as "rustling").

To protect themselves and their livelihood, the homesteaders united limitedly under the leadership of cowboy and rancher Nate Champion, and sheriff and former Indian War veteran William "Red" Angus.

[5] The gunmen, nicknamed the "Invaders", were led by Wolcott, Canton, and allegedly by infamous hitman Tom Horn.

[10] The New York Times reported that twenty Invaders tried to escape behind a fusillade, but the posse beat them back and killed three to five.

Nonetheless, he made a large bullet resistant wagon called the "Ark of Safety", which would hopefully allow a select group of homesteaders to get close and chuck dynamite at the ranch.

Ranch, thirteen miles from Fort McKinney, and are besieged by Sheriff and posse and by rustlers from that section of the country, said to be two or three hundred in number.

[13]Governor Barber and President Benjamin Harrison sent the 6th Cavalry from Fort McKinney, led by Colonel J.J. Van Horn, to stop the siege.