Military archaeologist uncovers hidden truths of 1866 Peno Creek Skirmish

A recent talk on military archaeology drew around 25 people to hear from expert Kevin O’Dell. The event, hosted by the FPK/BTA, focused on the 1866 Skirmish on Peno Creek—a key moment before the Fetterman Battle. O’Dell, an industrial archaeologist with decades of fieldwork experience, shared insights from his research.

Dave McKee, President of the FPK/BTA, opened the session by welcoming attendees and introducing the speaker. O’Dell, who runs a contract archaeology firm in Sheridan, has worked in Wyoming since 1999. His specialities include military archaeology and geophysical survey techniques.

The Skirmish on Peno Creek took place on December 6th, 1866, near Fort Phil Kearny. Colonel Henry Carrington led the army forces, while Lakota warriors such as Yellow Eagle, High Back Bone, Red Cloud, and Crazy Horse fought against them. This clash set the stage for the larger Fetterman Battle just two weeks later. O’Dell has spent years digitising and indexing over 100,000 pages of 19th-century U.S. Army records related to the Bozeman Trail. His work provides new perspectives on historical conflicts like the one at Peno Creek.

The event highlighted O’Dell’s extensive research and its role in preserving military history. His digitised records and fieldwork offer detailed accounts of battles along the Bozeman Trail. Attendees gained a clearer understanding of the skirmish and its significance in the lead-up to the Fetterman Battle.