Hero's: Red Cloud

RED CLOUD - Mahpiya Luta (Lakota)

Born 1822, died Dec 10, 1909

Nationality—Oglala Lakota

Parents — Walks As She Thinks and Lone Man 

RC’s name refers to the unusual crimson cloud formation overhead when he was born.

His father died when he was young. Raised by his uncle Smoke.

RC was known for his bravery in raids against the Pawnee and Crow tribes. He was the first and last American Indian to win a war against the United States.The Oglala were at peace with the US until gold was discovered in Montana. The Bozeman Trail was established—miners, immigrants and wagon trains made their way into and through the Indian hunting grounds endangering the the food resources of the plains tribes. The US built forts across the land.

Because of the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864 Red Cloud and Man Afraid of His Horses refused to sign a non-aggression treaty with the US. Forts were burned down along the Bozeman Trail. 

Led by Red Cloud the Sioux using guerrilla tactics laid siege to Ft Kearney for two years.

Finally Red Cloud agreed with Washington to maintain peace, much to the disgruntlement of the young Oglala. But he was accused by the govt in aiding the Sioux and Cheyenne in defeating Custer at the Little Big Horn.

Women in Red Cloud’s Life.

There were two, Pine Leaf and Pretty Owl. His intention was to marry Pretty Owl first, then later Pine Leaf. He gave ponies to Pretty Owl’s family and married her. There were days of fasting then celebration. On the second night of the festivities Pine Leaf hung herself. Red cloud could have taken many other wives but he never did. He remained married to Pretty Owl for the rest of his life.

Colonel Henry Beebee Carrington.

Assigned to protect the Bozeman Trail. Built and named Fort Phil Kearney. Lost the respect of his troops.

In 1868 under Carrington’s command, Capt William Fetterman took troops into the Sioux nation and were completely annihilated. General Grant wanted to court-martial Carrington but a Court of Inquiry exonerated him. He always insisted Fetterman disobeyed his orders, was not supposed to pursue the Sioux. Was promoted to general. Retired. Became a lawyer, author and professor at Wabash College.

Sitting Bull

A Hunkpapa Lakota chief who led his people during the years of resistance  against the whites. 

Parents - Jumping Bull and Her Holy Door  Born in 1831   Died in 1890 of a gunshot wound at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. His brother and his son were shot and killed too. The incident is called The Battle In The Dark.

He was a medicine man and a holy man.

Teemed up with Crazy Horse and defeated George Custer and US troops at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

Many times Red Cloud communicated with Sitting Bull but as often as  not he was unresponsive. But it is thought that Red Cloud backed SB and Crazy Horse at Little Big Horn.

Crazy Horse

He was a renowned warrior. A Lakota chief of the Oglala band, a spiritual division of the Sioux. He took up arms against the US. 

Born in 1841-1845. Was a protege of Red Cloud. Annihilated Fetterman and his troops at Fort Phil Kearny.

Ultimately taken captive and stabbed to death.

The Crazy Horse Memorial, honoring American Indians,  is the world’s largest mountain carving- in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Sculptor is Korczak Ziolkowski.

Construction began in 1948 on Thunderhead Mountain. 563 feet high. 641 feet long.  Still under construction. 

Nelson Gile Story 

Panned gold in the Montana gold fields.

Went south to Texas, rustled cattle in Mexico

Purchased 1000 longhorns in Ft Worth, drove them north. Survived Indian attacks and arrived at Ft Phil Kearny. Was warned to go no farther by Col Carrington but proceeded, fought Indian attacks and ultimately arrived in Virginia City Montana. Became a cattle baron. His herd of 1000 grew to 15,000. He was a scoundrel, but legitimate bank and built a string of flour mills, endowed a hospital and was Bozeman’s largest real estate holder. Story’s exploits were the inspiration for great book Lonesome Dove and the character Gus McCrae.  

Felix Jim Bridger

A legendary mountain man, trapper, Army scout and explorer.

1801-1884. Had three native American wives. Known as Old Gabe. Was illiterate but spoke Spanish, French, English and several indigenous languages. Explored the Yellowstone and Great Salt Lake areas.