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454. Fall of the Sioux: Death of Crazy Horse (Part 1)

The Rest Is History

Sun May 26 2024



Fall of the Sioux - Death of Crazy Horse:

  • After the Battle of Little Bighorn, the Lakota and their allies split due to limited resources like buffalo, leading to a defeat against American forces.
  • Generals seized the opportunity post-defeat to push for increased military resources and control over Indian agencies, aiming to corral Native Americans on reservations or exterminate them if necessary.
  • General Sherman and Sheridan advocated for more power in product manufacturing under US government regulatory authority, resulting in high entry costs.

Crazy Horse's Surrender and Tragic End:

  • Crazy Horse surrendered at Fort Robinson in Nebraska after seeking divine guidance through fasting and prayer without receiving any direction.
  • An interpreter's mistranslation falsely accused Crazy Horse of intending to kill all white men, causing tensions and misunderstandings among American military officials.
  • Concerns arose about potential breakout attempts as Crazy Horse's actions were viewed as erratic and threatening by authorities.

Crazy Horse's Humiliation and Death:

  • Red Cloud views Crazy Horse as a rival, leading to the suggestion of killing him, prompting Crazy Horse to flee from Fort Robinson on September 4th.
  • At Camp Sheridan, Crazy Horse seeks refuge with his uncle Spotted Tail but faces public humiliation when denied shelter in front of many witnesses.
  • Lieutenant Jesse Lee describes Crazy Horse as appearing frightened and desperate during his plea for help.
  • Despite attempts by officers to calm him down, Crazy Horse expresses a desire to avoid trouble and be transferred due to misunderstandings at Red Cloud.
  • Before departing for Fort Robinson, Crazy Horse ensures the safety of his wife. He refuses to lie on a cot after being wounded and passes away while lying on the floor, expressing a wish to be left alone.

Sitting Bull's Surrender and Imprisonment:

  • Sitting Bull surrenders in July 1881 after facing challenges in Canada due to resource competition with native peoples there.
  • Upon surrendering, Sitting Bull relinquishes his rifle through his son and hopes for his son's education in American ways despite doubts about their treatment.
  • Instead of going to Standing Rock Agency as promised, Sitting Bull is taken prisoner aboard the General Sherman steamboat to Fort Randall where he remains desolate.
  • After two years at Fort Randall, Sitting Bull receives news of his release in 1883 without knowing the reason behind it. He becomes a celebrity during his journey back home on the W.J. Behan steamboat.

Celebrity Status of Sitting Bull:

  • People eagerly anticipate Seeing Sitting Bull at every stop during his return journey, treating him like a celebrity who signs autographs for money.
  • Arriving at Standing Rock Reservation in May 1883 marks an uncertain new beginning for Sitting Bull after enduring imprisonment and hardship.