September 22 is the anniversary of The Massacre of Fort Fauntleroy in 1861. US soldiers responded to an accusation of cheating in a horse race with bullets and artillery.

According to their treaty rights, the Navajo were at the fort to collect their monthly food rations. The event became a bit of a celebration, and games and gambling were common. The main event was a horse race between the Navajo and the soldiers. Many bets were placed, and the race began.

It quickly became clear that something was wrong with the Navajo horse, and investigation revealed that the horse’s bridle had been cut. The soldiers refused a rematch or to return the wagers. The Navajo started protesting outside the fort. The soldiers began shooting, and didn’t stop.

One of the soldiers later said:

“I saw a soldier murdering two little children and a woman. I hallooed immediately for him to stop. He looked up but did not obey my order. I ran as quick as I could, but could not get there soon enough to prevent him from killing the two innocent children and wounding severely the squaw.”

They murdered dozens of men, women, and children, and wounded many more. The soldiers had a brief hearing, where the military grew very concerned that the soldiers were gambling with government property. But decided not to prosecute.