
1875, the Allison Commission
The Allison Commission was named after its chairman, William B. Allison, sent by President Grant in order to attempt to negotiate with the Sioux for the sale or lease of the Black Hills. The Allison Commission offers the Sioux either $400,000 a year for mining rights or else outright sale of the land for $6 million. The Sioux reject both offers, and the commission returns to Washington empty handed, recommending that Congress set forth an offer of any amount they consider fair, and if the Sioux reject it then the rations and provisions given under the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty should be ceased.
President Grant instructs federal troops to stop enforcing the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty, unofficially allowing prospectors onto the Sioux territories.