Lost 1866 Lakota-U.S. Army clash resurfaces through archaeologist's groundbreaking research

A recent talk by industrial archaeologist Kevin O’Dell explored the Skirmish on Peno Creek, a little-known conflict from 1866. The event, hosted by the FPK/BTA, drew attention to O’Dell’s extensive research on 19th-century U.S. Army records and military archaeology. His work has uncovered new details about clashes between army forces and Lakota warriors near Fort Phil Kearny. The Skirmish on Peno Creek took place on December 6th, 1866, involving Colonel Henry Carrington’s troops. Among them were Lieutenant Bingham and Sergeant Baer, the latter of whom was killed while Bingham suffered severe injuries. Lakota fighters, including Yellow Eagle, High Back Bone, Red Cloud, and Crazy Horse, engaged the soldiers in a fierce confrontation.

O’Dell, who runs a contract archaeology firm in Sheridan, Wyoming, has spent years digitising military records. Since 2012, he has indexed over 100,000 pages of documents related to the U.S. Army and the Bozeman Trail. His expertise in geophysical surveys and fieldwork—active since 1999—has helped piece together historical events like the Peno Creek skirmish. At the event, FPK/BTA President Dave McKee introduced O’Dell to the audience. The talk highlighted how archaeological methods can uncover forgotten military history, offering fresh perspectives on conflicts that shaped the American West.

O’Dell’s research provides a clearer picture of the Skirmish on Peno Creek and its participants. By combining archival records with fieldwork, he continues to expand knowledge of 19th-century military engagements. His findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the Bozeman Trail and its impact on both soldiers and Indigenous warriors.