In 1863, the Winnebago Indians were moved from their home in Minnesota to a barren reservation in Dakota Territory. Groups of Winnebago soon moved down the Missouri River to the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska. In March, 1865, the Winnebago used their own funds to purchase land from the Omaha, and that land is now the Winnebago Reservation. In early 1865, about 75 members of the Winnebago Tribe enlisted in the Nebraska Volunteers as Company “A”, Omaha Scouts, and the unit took an active part in quelling the Indian uprisings of 1865 and 1866. This army service exemplified the Winnebago’s desire for peace and good relationships between the Indians and the white settlers. In the summer of 1866, when the Winnebago veterans returned, a homecoming festival was held. Shortly thereafter, Chief Little Priest died of wounds received in army service. An annual memorial celebration is held in remembrance of his sacrifice, and the year following his death, Little Priest’s service flag was raised as a symbol of the tribe’s allegiance to their country. This ceremony remains an important part of each celebration, and later the gatherings became known as the Annual Pow-wow.