Crazy Horse, known in his native Lakota as Tȟašúŋke Witkó (pronounced [tχaˈʃʊ̃kɛ witˈkɔ]), a name powerfully translating to "His-Horse-Is-Crazy" or "His Horse is Mad," was a revered war leader of the Oglala band of the Lakota people. Born around 1840, his life, tragically cut short on September 5, 1877, remains a profound testament to a fierce protector of his people's ancestral lands and traditional way of life. He rose to prominence during a period of intense upheaval in the 19th century, courageously taking up arms against the United States federal government to resist the relentless encroachment of white American settlers onto Native American territories and to preserve the cherished cultural heritage of the Lakota.

His strategic brilliance and unwavering bravery were legendary, earning him deep respect from both his allies and his adversaries. Crazy Horse played a pivotal role in several significant conflicts during the Black Hills War, a series of clashes on the northern Great Plains ignited by the discovery of gold and the subsequent violation of treaties by the U.S. government. Notably, in 1866, he masterfully acted as a decoy during the Fetterman Fight, luring U.S. troops into a deadly ambush near Fort Phil Kearny, which resulted in a crushing defeat for the army. A decade later, in 1876, his leadership was instrumental at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, often remembered as "Custer's Last Stand," where he led a substantial war party of Lakota and Cheyenne warriors to a decisive victory against Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer's 7th Cavalry.

The Tragic Demise of Crazy Horse

The spring of 1877 saw Crazy Horse, facing immense pressure from relentless military campaigns, dwindling resources, and the severe winter conditions that threatened his people, make the difficult decision to surrender to U.S. troops under General George Crook at Fort Robinson. However, his freedom was tragically short-lived. Just four months later, in September 1877, under highly controversial and disputed circumstances, he was fatally wounded by a bayonet-wielding military guard. This occurred while he was allegedly resisting imprisonment at Camp Robinson, located in what is now present-day Nebraska. The precise details surrounding his death remain a subject of historical debate, with accounts varying, but it unequivocally marked the end of a pivotal era of Native American resistance on the Plains.

Crazy Horse's Enduring Legacy

Today, Crazy Horse stands as one of the most revered and iconic figures among Native American warriors, a powerful and enduring symbol of courage, integrity, and the tenacious fight for freedom and cultural preservation. His immense historical significance was formally acknowledged by the U.S. Postal Service in 1982, when he was honored with a 13¢ postage stamp as part of their "Great Americans" series, a testament to his lasting impact on American history and his people's heritage. Beyond this, a massive mountain carving in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Crazy Horse Memorial, continues to be under construction, serving as a powerful tribute to his legacy.

Understanding the Oglala Lakota

The Oglala, whose traditional name [olala] translates to "to scatter one's own" in the rich Lakota language, are one of the seven distinct subtribes that collectively form the broader Lakota people. The Lakota, along with their linguistic cousins, the Dakota, constitute the larger Oceti Sakowin, or the "Seven Council Fires," a powerful and historically significant confederacy of Plains tribes that once dominated vast stretches of the Great Plains. The vast majority of the Oglala community currently resides on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, a land of deep cultural and historical significance, which stands as the eighth-largest Native American reservation within the United States.

As a federally recognized tribe, their official designation is the Oglala Sioux Tribe, though they were previously known as the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. It is important to note, however, that many Oglala individuals and the tribe itself express a strong preference for "Lakota" over "Sioux." This preference stems from the widely held hypothesis (among other possible theories) that "Sioux" may be derived from a derogatory term, possibly meaning "snake" or "little snake," in the language of the Ojibwe, who were historically among the Lakota's adversaries. Consequently, many Oglala respectfully prefer to be identified by their traditional self-designation, such as Oglla Lakhta Oyate, underscoring their profound cultural pride and linguistic heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crazy Horse and the Oglala Lakota

Who was Crazy Horse?

Crazy Horse, or Tȟašúŋke Witkó, was a revered Oglala Lakota war leader who actively resisted the encroachment of white American settlers on Native American lands and sought to preserve his people's traditional way of life in the 19th century.

What was Crazy Horse known for?

He was renowned for his exceptional military leadership, strategic brilliance, and bravery, particularly his key roles in the Fetterman Fight (1866) and the Battle of the Little Bighorn (1876), where he led Lakota and Cheyenne forces to significant victories against U.S. troops.

How did Crazy Horse die?

Crazy Horse was fatally wounded by a U.S. military guard with a bayonet in September 1877, just months after his surrender, while allegedly resisting imprisonment at Camp Robinson in present-day Nebraska. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain debated.

What is the Oglala Lakota tribe?

The Oglala are one of the seven distinct subtribes of the Lakota people, forming part of the larger Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires). They are a federally recognized tribe, with most members currently residing on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Why do some Oglala reject the name "Sioux"?

Many Oglala reject the term "Sioux" because it is believed to be a derogatory term, possibly meaning "snake" or "little snake," originating from the language of the Ojibwe, who were historical enemies of the Lakota. They prefer to use their traditional self-designations like Lakota or Oglla Lakhta Oyate.

Where do the Oglala Lakota live today?

The majority of the Oglala Lakota reside on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, which is the eighth-largest Native American reservation in the United States, a land of deep cultural and historical significance.