TASUŊKA WITKO CRAZY HORSE
1840–1877
One of the most famous North American indigenous chiefs, Tasuŋka Witko, or “Crazy Horse,” had trancelike visions that foretold that he would be a successful warrior. He resisted US government forces on Lakota lands from 1860 to 1877, making him a lasting icon of defiance in American history.
Born in the Black Hills, now the border between South Dakota and Wyoming, Crazy Horse was a member of the Oglala sub-tribe of the Lakota and the son of a healer. His mother died when he was 4 years old. From an early age, Crazy Horse showed promise as a fierce warrior and often fought rival tribes.
During the mid-1860s, however, he fought alongside fellow Oglala chief, Red Cloud, against the US Army, which had invaded their lands. Even after Red Cloud brokered a peace deal in 1868, Crazy Horse continued to resist, leading several tribes to fight against US intrusion during the Great Sioux War (1876–1877).
In 1876, Crazy Horse fought in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, killing General George Custer and annihilating the US 7th Cavalry. The army’s counterattack forced Crazy Horse to become a fugitive. Pursued by US troops for months, he finally surrendered to protect his people. Four months later, during a struggle against US troops, he was bayoneted and died.
“Today is a good day to die.”
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse led, along with fellow chief Sitting Bull, up to 2,000 warriors to victory against 600 US troops at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.
MILESTONES
prophetic trances
Has visions aged 15, 1854. Sees a warrior struck by lightning, who says he would not be hurt in battle.
successful ambush
Lures US troops into an ambush and massacres them outside Fort Phil Kearny, Wyoming, 1866.
Leads alliance
Commands several tribes during the Great Sioux War, 1876–77; famously wins Battle of Rosebud, 1876.
admits defeat
Surrenders to the US Army at Camp Robinson, Nebraska, in May 1877. Dies four months later.