The Army’s presence at Pine Ridge escalated tensions.

The killing of Sitting Bull in December 1890 caused some of his followers to flee toward Pine Ridge.

A group of Miniconjou Lakota led by Big Foot was intercepted by the 7th Cavalry — Custer’s regiment — near Wounded Knee Creek.

On December 29, during an attempted disarmament, a shot was fired and the Army opened fire on the encampment with rifles and Hotchkiss guns.

Approximately 250 to 300 Lakota men, women, and children were killed.