Which event marked the tragic conclusion to the Indian Wars?

The Wounded Knee Massacre, which occurred in December 1890, is widely considered the tragic conclusion to the Indian Wars. This event involved the U.S. Army's killing of around 150 Lakota Sioux men, women, and children at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. The massacre was the result of escalating tensions between Native Americans and the U.S. government, particularly following the Ghost Dance movement, which was seen as a threat by authorities.

The event symbolizes the end of armed conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government, marking a significant moment in the history of U.S.-Native American relations. It highlights the broader context of oppression and attempts at cultural eradication faced by Native American tribes. After Wounded Knee, it became evident that the military confrontations of the Indian Wars had concluded, paving the way for the assimilation policies that dominated U.S. policy towards Native Americans in the years that followed.

The other events listed, such as the Sand Creek Massacre and the Battle of Little Bighorn, were significant in their own rights but occurred earlier in the timeline of the Indian Wars, whereas Wounded Knee represents the culmination of years of conflict and the finality of military engagement. The Battle of the Washita