History Program on Platte River Raids Coming August 11 at Jo Co Library

The Johnson County Historical Society (JCHS) will be presenting a program on the Platte River Raids of 1864 on Sunday, August 11, at the Johnson County Library’s Twing Room.

Award-winning author & historian Janelle Molony will be presenting the program, talking about the experiences of the 370-plus families who were in the “Black Hills of the Idaho Territory” during the 3 days of events that occurred in July of 1864.

According to a release from Nancy Tabb, Research Librarian at the Johnson County Library, between the military outposts of Fort Laramie and the Deer Creek garrison, hundreds of Northern Plains Indians descended upon the Oregon and Overland Trails along the the Platte River to settle a score.

The emigrants passing through were unaware that they had to pay the price for someone else’s misdeeds.

Now famous emigrants affected include the family of Abolitionist & Underground Railroad Conductor John Brown, relatives of frontiersman Daniel Boone,
the families of legendary Western outlaw Johnny Ringo, and Marshal Wyatt Earp.

Those attending will learn about what led to these events, the Union Army’s scramble to respond, and why these Raids are so significant.

The presentation will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 11 at the Johnson County Library, and is free to attend.