This book includes a chronological listing of every significant fight between Indians and the United States Army, as well as better-known Indian battles with civilians. In addition, the author interprets the data to reveal patterns and draw conclusions, some of which challenge the current orthodoxy among historians, such as the revisionist contention that the "wild" West is a myth. This detailed study is an illuminating portrayal of a violent era and a compelling examination of the machinations of frontier welfare.

Maps of Battle Sites -- Introduction -- Chronological Listings of Battles and Skirmishes -- Conclustions -- Appendix: Data and Commentary -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Acknowledgments -- Inded of Battles by Place -- Indedx of Indian Tribes -- General Index.