This is an incomplete list of military and other armed confrontations that have occurred within the boundaries of the modern US State of North Dakota since European contact. The region was part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain from 1535 to 1679, New France from 1679 to 1803, and part of the United States of America 1803–present.
The Plains Indian Wars directly affected the region during westward expansion. The Dakota War of 1862 (also known as the Sioux Uprising) involved eastern Dakota Native Americans, the armed conflicts of this war were fought in Minnesota, their former lands. The aftermath of that war was the pursuit of several eastern Dakota tribes in both South Dakota and North Dakota.
Battles
NameDateLocationWarCampaignDeadBelligerentsBattle of Grand Coteau–14, 1851near modern MinotThe exact location is disputed; possible locations include modern Ward, McLean, or McHenry Counties.16-81Métis bison huntersFrom the Red River Colony. vs Yanktonai SiouxBattle of Big Mound–25, 1863modern Kidder CountySioux WarsSibley's Expedition12+United States of America vs Santee, Yankton, Yanktonai, & Teton SiouxBattle of Dead Buffalo Lakemodern Kidder CountySioux WarsSibley's Expedition16 (est.)United States of America vs Teton & Santee SiouxBattle of Stony Lakemodern Burleigh CountySioux WarsSibley's Expedition5+United States of America vs Santee, Teton, Yankton & Yanktonai SiouxBattle of Whitestone Hill–5, 1863modern Dickey CountySioux Wars222+United States of America vs Yanktonai, Santee, & Teton SiouxBattle of Killdeer Mountain–29, 1864modern Dunn CountySioux WarsSully's Expedition (1863–1864)ca. 155Native American's history states 31 killed. Sully estimated that 100-150 were killed.United States of America vs Teton, Yanktonai, & Santee SiouxBattle of the Badlands–9, 1864between modern Medora & Sentinel ButteSioux WarsSully's Expedition (1863–1864)ca. 100This is Sully's estimate, which is believed to be an exaggeration. Native Americans were wounded, but positive information about those killed in action has not been confirmed.United States of America vs Hunkpapa, Sans Arc, Miniconjou, & YanktonaiSitting Bull noted these and other Native Americans were present during the battle. See Micheal D. Clodfelter, The Dakota War: The United States Army Versus the Sioux, 1862-1865 (McFarland, 2006), p. 186.
Notes
See also History of North Dakota Plains Indians Wars