Ep 2. Forts, Trails and Battle Sites of the Indian Wars

Ghost Towns: America's Lost Worlds season 1 episode 2, titled "Forts, Trails and Battle Sites of the Indian Wars," delves into the forgotten history of the American West during the Indian Wars of the late 1800s. This episode takes audiences along the trail of the conflicts that took place between the US army and Native American tribes in the aftermath of the Civil War.

The episode features stunning footage of the ghost towns, forts, and battlefields that are scattered throughout the West. Viewers get a virtual tour of these forgotten sites, including the decaying buildings and ruins that are all that remain of once-thriving communities. The show also features interviews with scholars and historians who discuss the legacy of the Indian Wars and the impact they had on both US army soldiers and Native tribes.

The episode begins by exploring the history of the Indian Wars and the causes that led to the violent conflicts. The show explains how the expansion of the US into the West put them in direct conflict with the Native American tribes who already lived there. The episode focuses on the military's efforts to establish a system of forts and trails across the West to protect American settlers and facilitate travel and trade. However, these same forts and trails also served as staging grounds for US army campaigns against Native tribes that refused to be pushed off their land.

The episode takes viewers to some of the most iconic sites of the Indian Wars, such as the Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana and the Wounded Knee massacre site in South Dakota. The show explains how the battles at these sites were part of a larger strategy by US army commanders to subdue Native tribes and force them onto reservations. The episode also examines the cultural and social impact of these conflicts on both sides and how they shaped the course of American history.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to breathtaking views of the Western landscape, including the mountain ranges, deserts, and plains that served as the backdrop for these historic events. The show also highlights the diverse cultures and tribal traditions of the Native American tribes that fought in the Indian Wars, and how their unique perspectives shaped their interactions with the US army.

Overall, "Forts, Trails and Battle Sites of the Indian Wars" is an immersive and eye-opening exploration of a forgotten part of American history. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of one of the most significant conflicts in US history and how its legacy continues to influence the nation's cultural and social fabric to this day.