Rustling Up Some Courage
The Old West didn’t reward hesitation—it honored those who acted with purpose.
The Navajo Long Walk, a harrowing expedition that took place in the mid-19th century, significantly shaped the history of the American West, particularly during the era of railroad expansion from 1865 to 1890. This episode not only marked the culmination of tensions between the Navajo Nation and the U.S. government but also had lasting implications on law, order, and the socio-economic landscape of the region.
Understanding the Long Walk
From 1864 to 1866, thousands of Navajo were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in a military campaign led by Colonel Christopher Kit Carson. Long Walk spanned an estimated 300 miles from their homeland in the Four Corners region to a desolate internment camp at Bosque Redondo in eastern New Mexico.
The further we walked, the smaller the world became, as if we were losing all connection to the lands and the skies that had raised us. – Anonymous Navajo participant
Impact on the Navajo People
The consequences of the Long Walk were devastating. Also to the physical toll of the grueling trek, disease, malnutrition, and despair claimed the lives of many. At Bosque Redondo, conditions were harsh, leading to significant suffering. Of the approximately 8,000 Navajo that were interned, around 2,500 died due to inadequate food, housing, and medical care.
The Long Walk fundamentally altered the traditional lifestyle of the Navajo. The policy of forced relocation stifled their agricultural practices, disrupted familial structures, and severed their spiritual ties to the land. This historical trauma resonates within the Navajo community to this day.
Railroad Expansion and its Consequences
Following the end of the Civil War, the expansion of the railway system across the American West dramatically altered the region™s landscape, economy, and demographics. Pacific Railway Act of 1862 initiated the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, which was completed in 1869. This project facilitated travel, trade, and ultimately the settlement of what was considered remote areas, including regions traditionally occupied by Native Americans.
Interaction with Law and Order
The expansion of railroads presented numerous challenges regarding law enforcement and order. As settlers moved westward, they often viewed Native Americans as obstacles to progress, which led to increased tensions and conflicts. presence of the railway not only encouraged migration into Navajo and other tribal territories but also facilitated military access to enforce colonial governance.
For example, the establishment of railway lines in 1879 allowed the U.S. Army to swiftly respond to uprisings and conflicts, such as the Navajo resistance against land encroachment. This military oversight created an environment where traditional Native American governance structures were continually undermined, resulting in a shift from their customary laws to those dictated by U.S. policies.
Key Events in the Era of Railroad Expansion (1865-1890)
- 1868: The Treaty of Bosque Redondo officially ended the United States governments campaign against the Navajo, allowing their return to a portion of their homeland.
- 1879: The establishment of the railroad to New Mexico led to intensified military presence and surveillance over the Navajo Nation.
- 1887: The Dawes Act began the process of breaking up tribal lands into individual allotments, further undermining tribal sovereignty.
- 1890: The completion of the rail network solidified U.S. control over western territories, contributing to ongoing tensions with Native American populations.
The Enduring Legacy
The legacy of the Long Walk is not only a story of loss but also one of resilience. As the railroads transformed the West, the Navajo emerged from their hardships to adapt and reclaim their cultural identity. Today, the Navajo Nation operates as a sovereign entity, asserting its rights and advocating for legal recognition and protection of tribal lands.
Modern Implications
Contemporary discussions around Native American rights often hark back to events like the Long Walk and the transformations brought about by railroad expansion. The impacts of these historical actions serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-governance among Indigenous populations in America.
As a case in point, legal battles over land use, sovereignty, and environmental protections are hot topics among the Navajo Nation today, demonstrating the long shadows cast by earlier U.S. policies.
Actionable Takeaways
Through understanding the legacy of the Navajo Long Walk and the accompanying railroad expansion, we can glean important lessons regarding the significance of cultural respect and the consequences of displacing communities. To foster better relations with Indigenous populations, it is vital to recognize historical traumas, promote education about Native history, and engage in meaningful dialogue that honors their sovereignty.
