On March 28 as news that several Indian bands including Poundmaker's were on their way to Battleford settlers began moving into the nearby North-West Mounted Police post, Fort Battleford which was under the command of Colonel Morris and 25 police.
Over the next several days 500 civilians would take refuge within the palisades.
Many crossed over an unstable ice bridge on the Battle River leaving most of their possessions behind in the Old Town.
During the night of March 29 nearby homesteads were raided their horses and cattle rounded up by the bands.

Also on the trail to join Poundmaker in Battleford were the Assiniboine from the Eagle Hills approximately 30 km south of Battleford.
On March 29 they killed their farm instructor John Payne and raided homesteads on the way killing a farmer by the name of Fremont.

On March 30, Poundmaker asked for a meeting with the Indian agent J. M. Rae.
After Rae refused to meet with him, the combined Battleford bands took food and supplies from the abandoned stores and houses.
The next day, the bands camped a few miles away bringing with them their looted provisions including cattle and horses then eventually returned to Poundmaker's reserve.

The New Town was protected by its proximity to the Fort and its cannon, but the Old Town was not.
Every day until the arrival of Colonel Otter's column on April 24, the occupants of the Fort watched as the Old Town, about a mile away, was plundered.
Stolen vehicles and horses carried away the supplies of the Hudson's Bay Company and the other merchants.
All the public buildings were sacked, including the Battleford Industrial School (located in the Old Government House).
Most homes were burned, including the imposing home of Judge Charles Rouleau.
Just half a dozen were left standing.
On March 28 as news that several Indian bands including Poundmaker's were on their way to Battleford settlers began moving into the nearby North-West Mounted Police post, Fort Battleford which was under the command of Colonel Morris and 25 police. Over the next several days 500 civilians would take refuge within the palisades. Many crossed over an unstable ice bridge on the Battle River leaving most of their possessions behind in the Old Town. During the night of March 29 nearby homesteads were raided their horses and cattle rounded up by the bands.
Also on the trail to join Poundmaker in Battleford were the Assiniboine from the Eagle Hills approximately 30 km south of Battleford. On March 29 they killed their farm instructor John Payne and raided homesteads on the way killing a farmer by the name of Fremont.
On March 30, Poundmaker asked for a meeting with the Indian agent J. M. Rae. After Rae refused to meet with him, the combined Battleford bands took food and supplies from the abandoned stores and houses. The next day, the bands camped a few miles away bringing with them their looted provisions including cattle and horses then eventually returned to Poundmaker's reserve.
The New Town was protected by its proximity to the Fort and its cannon, but the Old Town was not. Every day until the arrival of Colonel Otter's column on April 24, the occupants of the Fort watched as the Old Town, about a mile away, was plundered. Stolen vehicles and horses carried away the supplies of the Hudson's Bay Company and the other merchants. All the public buildings were sacked, including the Battleford Industrial School (located in the Old Government House). Most homes were burned, including the imposing home of Judge Charles Rouleau. Just half a dozen were left standing.
Looting of Battleford