3D Armored Cavalry Regiment (United States) - Indian Wars

Indian Wars

In April 1866, the 3d Cavalry was once again ordered to the New Mexico territory to campaign against the Indians. Beginning in February 1870, most of the companies of the 3d Cavalry Regiment began moving individually to the Arizona Territory, but the Regimental Headquarters and Company I moved to Camp Halleck, and Company D to Camp McDermitt, both in northern Nevada. Late in 1871, the Regiment was transferred north to the Department of the Platte, which included what are now the states of Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas and Nebraska. The 3d Cavalry became the main cavalry force for Department operations in the Black Hills region.

During the summer of 1876, the Regiment participated in the Little Big Horn Campaign against the Sioux and Cheyenne. On 17 June 1876, ten companies of the 3d Cavalry fought in the Battle of Rosebud Creek. This was the largest battle between the Army and the Indians in the history of the American West, with 1,400 friendly Indians and Troopers opposing more than 1,500 hostile Indians.

Four 3d Cavalry Troopers received the Medal of Honor for bravery in this battle. Their names were: Trumpeter Elmer A. Snow of Company M and First Sergeants Joseph Robinson of Company D, Michael A. McGann of Company F, and John H. Shingle of Company I. With the Apache uprising in the spring of 1882, the Regiment was ordered to return to Arizona, and on 17 July, the 3d and 6th Cavalry Regiments defeated renegade Apaches in the Battle of Big Dry Wash. This battle quelled the last Apache uprising in Arizona and also marked the end of the Regiment‘s participation in the Indian Wars. This action resulted in the award of two more Medals of Honor, to First Sergeant Charles Taylor of Company D and Lieu-tenant George H. Morgan of Company K.

The year 1883 would see the term company changed to troop in the mounted service and in 1885 the red and white guidon replaced the 1863 stars and stripes pattern adopted at the beginning of the Civil War.

In 1885, the 3d U.S. Cavalry was ordered back to Texas, where it remained until 1893. Between 1893 and 1897, the Regiment was engaged in garrison, training and ceremonial activities throughout the East and Mid-West. By July 1897, the Regimental Headquarters and four troops were stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, while the remainder of the Regiment returned to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.

• Fort Sumner New Mexico-Companies G & I of 3rd Cavalry-battle with Navajos; 5 Privates killed and 4 wounded.
• See Battle of Powder River
• See Battle of the Rosebud
• See Battle of Slim Buttes
• See Dull Knife Fight