Chief Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse was known among his people as a great warrior and an incredibly influential person. He dedicated his life to defending his people and protecting his people's way of life.

Overview

Chief Crazy Horse was a Lakota Sioux warrior, remembered for his bravery and skill in battle. He led the Lakota through many skirmishes and wars before his life was tragically ended while in the hands of the US army. During his brief life, Crazy Horse exhibited a gentleness and loyalty to his tribe and dedicated himself to the preservation of his people’s culture.

Early Years

• ca. 1840 – 1845: Crazy Horse was born Cha-O-Ha (In the Wilderness), to Oglala Lakota parents, Crazy Horse and Rattling Blanket Woman.
• Cha-O-Ha’s birthplace was near present-day Rapid City, SD.
• Around the age of 12, Cha-O-Ha witnessed the Grattan Massacre on a Brule camp in which the tribe’s chief, Conquering Bear, was killed.
• Following the death of Conquering Bear, Cha-O-Ha’s father took him on his vision quest, near Sylvan Lake, SD.
• Cha-O-Ha’s vision quest involved dreams of himself with a lightning bolt on his cheek, hailstones on his forehead, and a small stone in his ear, while riding a horse.
• After his vision quest, Cha-O-Ha received his father’s name, Crazy Horse.

Warrior and Leader

• At age 16, Crazy Horse rode as an adult warrior in a raid on the Crows.
• Crazy Horse displayed his courage during further battles between enemy tribes, including the Shoshone, Pawnee and Blackfeet.
• 1866: Crazy Horse and other warriors defeated the US army near Fort Kearny in a battle known as the Fetterman Massacre.
• 1867: Crazy horse participated in The Wagon Box Fight.
• Crazy Horse became chief of the Oglala Lakota.
• Crazy Horse married three women: Black Buffalo Woman, Black Shawl Woman, and Helen “Nellie” Laravie.

Great Sioux War of 1876-77:  Crazy Horse played an instrumental role in attacks against the US army including:

• the surprise attack against George Crook’s men at the Battle of Rosebud.
• the defeat of Custer’s 7th Cavalry at Little Big Horn.

Surrender and Death

• 1877: Crazy Horse surrendered at Camp Robinson, in exchange for the promise of a reservation for his people near Powder River.
• Rumors soon circulated that Crazy Horse was planning a rebellion which led the government to order his arrest.
• On September 5, 1877, Crazy Horse resisted arrest and was stabbed by the bayonet of a US guard. He died later that night.
• Crazy Horse’s final resting place unknown, however some believe it is near Wounded Knee.

Influence and Memorial

• Crazy Horse’s life and legacy is commemorated at the Crazy Horse Memorial, where visitors can learn more about Native American history and culture and view the enormous sculpture-in-progress of Crazy Horse.
• The United States Postal Service also honored Crazy Horse as part of their Great Americans series of stamps.