Wyoming Territory & Johnson County War Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What immediate action did local residents take after the invasion?

They ignored the incident.

They fortified their homes in preparation.

They joined Sheriff Angus in pursuit of the invaders. (correct)

They reported the incident to the governor.

What role did the U.S. Sixth Cavalry play in the situation at T.A.Ranch?

They were sent to arrest the invaders.

They assisted the local residents in their pursuit.

They intervened to help the invaders escape. (correct)

They provided food and shelter to the invaders.

Which powerful support did the invaders rely on during their trial?

Public opinion and media coverage.

The governor, judge, and U.S. senators. (correct)

Sheriff Angus and local law enforcement.

Local ranchers and farmers.

What action did the governor take concerning the situation at T.A.Ranch?

He requested troops to prevent further bloodshed. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the invaders' trial?

The prosecution ran out of funds and dropped the charges. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the end of the Johnson County War?

Farmers began fencing their land. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Johnson County War illustrate about justice in the 19th century American West?

It highlights the prevalence of vigilante justice. Signup and view all the answers

What economic development was significantly influenced by the Union Pacific Railroad in southern Wyoming during the 1870s?

Cattle ranching Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the animosity between large ranchers and smaller ranchers in the late 1880s?

The harsh winter of 1886-1887 Signup and view all the answers

What was the Wyoming Stock Growers Association's (WSGA) response to suspicions of cattle rustling?

They banned small ranchers suspected of rustling from the spring roundup. Signup and view all the answers

What violent event occurred in 1889 that escalated tensions between ranchers?

The lynching of Jim Averill and Ella Watson Signup and view all the answers

What did small ranchers and homesteaders plan in response to the WSGA’s dominance?

A roundup to claim unbranded calves Signup and view all the answers

How much funding did the WSGA raise to support their plans for the invasion of Johnson County?

$100,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was the WSGA's primary objective during the invasion of Johnson County?

To eliminate 70 men viewed as a threat to their interests Signup and view all the answers

What was a key outcome of the invasion of Johnson County?

Resistance from Nate Champion and Nick Ray at the KC Ranch Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wyoming Territory in the 1870s

In 1870, only 9,000 U.S. citizens lived in the Wyoming Territory, with most land owned by the government.
The Union Pacific Railroad crossed southern Wyoming in the late 1860s, leading to the development of massive cattle ranches throughout the 1870s.
These ranches were financed by wealthy investors, many of whom were British.
As the population grew, "cattlemen deemed worthy and respectable" were appointed to key government positions, including the judiciary.

The Johnson County War (1892)

The harsh winter of 1886-1887 caused significant losses for large ranchers, weakening their influence and power.
Smaller ranchers, who fared better during the winter, were accused by large ranchers of stealing cattle (rustling).
This suspicion arose because of the longstanding problem of rustling on the open range, but intensified due to the large ranchers’ struggles.
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) banned small ranchers suspected of rustling from the spring roundup.
Ordinary people resented the large ranchers' dominance and often refused to convict accused rustlers, leading the large ranchers to consider taking the law into their own hands.
The conflict over land and resources led to a violent struggle between large ranchers and small ranchers/homesteaders.

The Escalation of Conflict

In 1889, small ranchers Jim Averill and Ella Watson were lynched after a dispute with a cattleman named Albert Bothwell.
Bothwell took over their homestead and Ella's cattle.
Other killings and murder attempts followed, leaving three small ranchers dead.

The Homesteaders' Response

In 1892, homesteaders and small ranchers formed their own association, planning a roundup a month before the WSGA to claim unbranded calves.
This move enraged the WSGA.

The WSGA's Plan for Revenge

The WSGA, inspired by a vigilante campaign in Montana in 1884, planned a full-scale invasion of Johnson County.
They aimed to kill 70 men whom they deemed a threat to the ranching industry.
The governor of Wyoming was aware of the plan and supported it.
The WSGA raised $100,000 to fund the invasion, primarily for legal fees after the killings.

The Invasion of Johnson County

They hired 22 Texan gunmen at $5 per day plus expenses and a bonus of $50 per rustler killed.
The gunmen were transported to Wyoming by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Despite being well-armed and supplied, the invaders failed to carry out their original plan to kill 70 men.
Instead, they attacked the KC Ranch, where they were met with resistance from Nate Champion and Nick Ray.
After setting the ranch's cabin on fire, the invaders killed Champion.
The invasion sparked outrage among local residents, who joined Sheriff Angus in pursuit of the invaders.

The Siege at T.A. Ranch

The invaders fortified themselves at the T.A. Ranch, surrounded by 300 angry residents.
They were only able to escape when the U.S. Sixth Cavalry arrived and intervened.

The Trial and Aftermath

The invaders benefited from powerful connections, including support from the governor, judge, U.S. Marshal, and two U.S. senators.
The governor requested troops be sent to the T.A. Ranch to prevent further bloodshed.
The troops escorted the invaders to Fort Fetterman to prevent lynching.
Despite the WSGA's $100,000 fund, they hired top Chicago lawyers who stalled the trial until the prosecution ran out of money and dropped the charges.

The Significance of the Johnson County War

The war illustrates the use of vigilante justice in the American West during the 19th century.
The conflict over land and resources led to a violent struggle between large ranchers and small ranchers/homesteaders.
The war ultimately ended when farmers began fencing their land, bringing an end to the open range and reducing tensions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the Wyoming Territory of the 1870s and the events surrounding the Johnson County War of 1892. Explore the impact of cattle ranching, the influence of wealthy investors, and the tensions between large and small ranchers. This quiz highlights key historical developments in this captivating period.