In with the New, Out with the Old

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

This evening's full moon is called Magaksicha Agli Wi, Ducks Return. This full moon marks the beginning of a new month, a new season, and a new year. This year, it also happens to fall on the first day of the Gregorian month called April, and therefore on April Fool's Day. One hundred and fifty-eight years ago today, on April Fool's Day, the Indian Peace Commission met in an Omaha, Nebraska, hotel to discuss its upcoming treaty negotiations with Lakotans at Fort Laramie, in what wasn't yet Wyoming Territory. You can read our column, "In with the New, Out with the Old,” by clicking here. The image above is of the Cozzens Hotel, where the Peace Commission met. It was photographed by Jackson Bros. sometime between 1867, when it was built, and 1871 when it was closed. Though the photo clearly shows “Cozzens Hotel” on the facade, it is labelled “Coggins House.”