Crow Creek massacre

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The Crow Creek massacre occurred in the early 14th century between Native American groups in the South Dakota area. It is thought that either Middle Missou or Initial Coalescent Indians moved into the area. The overcrowding grew to a point that both sides conducted raids on each other's camps and mass graves produced the Crow Creek massacre.

There is evidence that one group knew of the impending attacks on its village. The village, with around 50 houses, were on top of a bluff and were in the process of building a ditch and a new wall in order to try to prevent, or at least slow down, the attack from the other camp. They were far too late in building these structures.

The attacking group slaughtered the people on the bluff. From the attack, anthropologists, lead by Thomas Emerson, found the remains of 486 people. Many of these remains had signs of torture and mutilation. These included tongues being cut out, scalping, teeth broken, heads cut off, and other forms of dismemberment.