The Beaver Creek War, 1869

A recorded conflict in which US troops had to fend off incoming Canadian troops on the midwest border of Montana. The campaign lasted two months until representatives order a ceasefire and secession of the war.
Beaver Creek War (also known as The Beaver Eater War) was named after the foothold and primary focus of the campaign Beaver Creek in Montana. Additionally, the main spark of this war was the illegal killing of a Beaver Eater on US soil by Canadian Trappers.

Prelude

The conflict first sparked when trappers from the opposing borders of the United States and Canada had a feud in regards to illegal hunting within their territory.
The neighboring countries both have strong relations with each other. However, trespassing into territories has been going out of hand as smugglers and traders would often use towns nearby to sell or buy goods with no taxes applied, as a citizen will not have to pay for taxes when no longer in a juristic area such as Canada.
Meaning millions of dollars every year were lost from this trading loophole. Both the US and Canadian governments were upset at this manner and found their best solution to this problem is ordering troops to scout the northern borders for any illicit tax dodging; fining and arresting anyone caught.
This decision lead to a headless-chicken situation as only around 700 US troops and 500 Canadian troops had to cover over 1800 miles of the border, leading to many leaks and narrow escapes for trappers and traders.

-The Martyr

The martyr of this conflict started when US troops stopped Canadian trappers from re-entering their country after successfully hunting a Beaver Eater on the northmost of Montana. The Canadian hunters did not have a permit and no legal documentation to allow a cross-over into the country. The trappers were detained yet not returned to their country, leading to outrage in the Canadian government. During the arrest of these trappers, one of them was resisting troops to the point of gaining an advantage on his captor. The other troops in defense shot the trapper dead on the spot.
What made the situation worse was the trappers were facing American legal reprecautions, after all they were found within US soil and were captured by US official troops. Yet the Canadians demand they returned them back so they can face charges themselves as they are still considered citizens of their country.
Ambassadors and Senators within the range of conflict started to intervene, staying true to their values of capital punishment would be. The American government no longer responded on the matter, hoping the tensions will cool down eventually. That was not the case.

- The Rallying of Canadian Border Troops

Canadian troops rallied to Maple Creek, Saskatchewan with a force of 800 men, aiming to retrieve their citizens back. Canadian Prime Minister John A. Macdonald personally wrote to the general of the Montana brigade to release the prisoners into the custody of the Canadian military or else face consequences. American troops in Fort Benton, Montana gained reinforcements on short notice, totaling 520 men. When no demands were met, the Canadians moved south of the border...

Conflict

- Gentlemen's Terms

Though a minor war has broken out, President Ulysses S. Grant and Prime Minister Macdonald still wanted to mend a healthy relationship between the two countries. They agreed as a compromise that all fighting must be reserved within Montana's northern border. Any assaults outside the precinct will result in a full-fledged national war.
President Grant did not want to risk a war. Most state troops were still occupying southern regions of the US until the resurgence of confederate soldiers was defeated completely. If Grant called all his troops out, there was a higher chance confederate states will rise again and take down the free states occupied by a border war.

-The Invasion

The Canadian forces were led on a two-day march towards Beaver Creek, Montana; hoping to get a foothold from someone within the region. Noticing the large occupation of soldiers, the small pocket of US troops' only option at the time was to hold ground until reinforcements arrived.
The land was wild and forested. Most Canadian troops lived in the regions of the Rockies so had advantages in traversing the landscape. Setting up scouting parties to locate and gain any intel on the enemy. While the US troops stationed at Fort Benton were outnumbered but had a well-structured defense and settlement, fitted with walls, watchtowers, and artillery.

- Fort Benton Siege

On November 27th, 1869, A band of 600 Canadian troops began marching down to Fort Benton, aiming to siege and snuff out the company quickly and easily. If the army can capture Fort Benton, the war will be ultimately won. The siege lasted 5 weeks with skirmishes surrounding all sides of the fort. The Americans held their ground valiantly. Using their watchtowers to their advantage and minimalized cannon fire until having an upper hand in the siege. The cold hit both sides of the troops severely. The fort was running out of food and supplies, and most supply carts were captured by Canadians. The sieging Canadians also started to feel the impact of the weather as they had to rely on capturing enemy supplies to keep the siege going.

- The New Years Charge

On January 1st, 1870, 800 US reinforcements arrived and began assault outside the walls of Fort Benton. Calvary charges decimated Canadian siege weapons and troops, forcing a complete retreat back to Beaver Creek. General Julius Tenpenny, the arriving general of the cavalry divisions, began commandeering the campaign and helped give aid to his fellow troops in Fort Benton. tenpenny did not chase the fleeing Canadians as he saw it 'unfair to spoil the celebration of a new year'. Both armies recouped in their main fortifications and did their best to catch up to their holiday celebrations.

- Battle of Big Sandy

This time, the United States was on the offensive and proceeded with an attack on Beaver Creek, hoping to capture and drive the Canadians out of the country for good. Canadian scouting parties caught wind of the assault and caught the marching army at Big Sandy, Montana. Finally, in 6 weeks of warfare, both armies are able to show their true potential on the battlefield. The US had an advantage on numbers as 1200 men charged at the Canadian forces. However, during their march to Fort Benton 6 weeks prior, Canadians were able to build up small fortified bunkers along the route south. Using these bunkers to thin numbers of the enemy and be able to retreat back to another bunker; repeating the tactic until their army is small enough to face head-on.

Tenpenny's Charge

The notorious command of General Julius Tenpenny secured victory in the war as a 600 men cavalry charged through Canadian reinforced spots, decimating artillery and ground troops alike. The aftermath of the charge led many Canadian troops disorientated and alert, forcing them to retreat to Beaver Creek. Knowing they don't have a strong foothold compared to Fort Benton, the army had to officially surrender. With a meeting of terms being held at a farmhouse in Big Sandy.

Aftermath

The Canadians faced defeat but no large precautions were demanded by the US, as promised by President Grant. The US was able to convict the Canadian Trappers and sentenced them to five years in a penitentiary for illegal poaching and trespassing.
Canadian and US Trapper relations soured as imports no longer came tax-free, losing many jobs due to sustainability. However, the Canadian and Us border was still open. Canadians could enter the country with the right documentation and declaration of any goods arriving in or out of the country, and vice versa for US citizens.
Overall, the war was not profitable or strongly historical. But it did show to the world the under-dog mentality US generals and troops have when faced with the enemy. No matter the odds, the Americans will fight viciously and victoriously.

"Heed not, as we all deserve to celebrate the New Year without the fear of bloodshed."
- General Julius Tenpenny, January 1st, 1870

Duration

November 22nd, 1869 - January 9th, 1870

Casualties

USA: 400~
Canada: 500~