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The Tragic Killing of Crazy Horse, a Lakota War Leader

Lawrence Bell

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A Portrait Of Crazy Horse, A Lakota War Leader The Killing Of Crazy Horse Crazy Horse, circa 1877

Crazy Horse, a revered Lakota war leader, met a tragic end on September 5, 1877, under controversial circumstances. His death remains a significant event in American history, and the events leading up to it and its aftermath continue to be debated today.

The Killing of Crazy Horse

by Thomas Powers

4.6 out of 5

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Early Life and Leadership

Crazy Horse was born around 1840 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He belonged to the Oglala Lakota tribe and was given the name Tashunke Witko, which means "His Crazy Horse." As a young man, Crazy Horse became known for his bravery and skill as a warrior. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Lakota, and by the mid-1860s, he had become a respected war leader.

Crazy Horse played a pivotal role in the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, where the Lakota and their allies defeated General George Custer and the 7th Cavalry. Crazy Horse's leadership and tactics were instrumental in the Lakota victory.

Surrender and Imprisonment

After the Battle of Little Bighorn, Crazy Horse and his followers continued to resist the U.S. Army. However, they were eventually forced to surrender in 1877. Crazy Horse was taken prisoner and sent to Fort Robinson in Nebraska.

While in prison, Crazy Horse refused to sign a treaty that would cede the Black Hills to the United States. He believed that the Black Hills were sacred to the Lakota and that they should not be given up.

The Killing of Crazy Horse

On September 5, 1877, Crazy Horse, who was unarmed and being held prisoner at Fort Robinson, was killed by a U.S. Army soldier named Private William Gentles. The circumstances surrounding his death are still disputed, but it is generally believed that Crazy Horse was resisting arrest when he was stabbed in the back.

Crazy Horse's death sparked outrage among the Lakota and other Native American tribes. It also led to a wave of violence and unrest on the Great Plains. The killing of Crazy Horse is considered one of the darkest chapters in American history.

Legacy and Impact

Crazy Horse is remembered as one of the greatest Lakota war leaders. He was a fearless warrior who fought to defend his people and their way of life. His death was a major blow to the Lakota and other Native American tribes.

Today, Crazy Horse is commemorated in many ways. A massive sculpture of him on horseback is being carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Crazy Horse Memorial is still under construction but is expected to be completed in the future.

Crazy Horse's legacy is also kept alive through the work of Native American activists and educators. They continue to fight for the rights of Native American people and to ensure that Crazy Horse's story is not forgotten.

The Killing of Crazy Horse

by Thomas Powers

4.6 out of 5