Sitting Bull was a fearless leader of the Hunkpapa Lakota people. He boldly fought for his tribe’s lands and rights in face of U.S. government policies that threatened their way of life.
His vision triggered one of history’s greatest Native American victories known as “The Battle Of The Little Bighorn,” where Sitting Bull outmaneuvered US troops under Lieutenant Colonel Custer – leading to an improbable victory with no survivors among the enemy forces!
Childhood and Youth
Sitting Bull was born in 1831 to the Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux Tribe. His parents and elders taught him traditional Native American ways, giving him the name Sitting Bull in recognition of his bravery and assurance.
Sitting Bull grew up a hunter and warrior, participating in tribal wars at a young age. Sitting Bull’s first major battle was against the Crow Tribe in 1854 when he was in his early twenties. He was able to take scalps from the enemy tribe despite their attempts to kill him multiple times, leading his people to victory as chief of the hunting party.
To this day, people remember Sitting Bull as a great leader who united various tribes to resist white colonialists, paving the way for victories at Little Big Horn and Rosebud Creek decades later.
Sioux Rebellion
Indians of the Sioux Nation engaged in a series of conflicts with the United States Government between 1876 and 1890. This uprising, known as the Sioux Rebellion, was sparked by US interference in tribal affairs and a series of broken treaties.
Indians attempted to resist encroaching forces by attacking settlements and military posts to regain control over their territories. In response, the US—led by General George Crook—used a combination of diplomacy, military might, and scorched earth tactics to quell what it considered “hostile Indians”.
Despite their courageous and determined efforts, the Indians were ultimately unable to successfully resist government intrusion into their homelands. The US government’s policies led to the forced relocation of Indians to reservations across the western United States.
Battle of Little Bighorn: Defeating Custer
On June 25th, 1876, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Consequently, General George Armstrong Custer and 600 US soldiers of the 7th Cavalry found themselves face-to-face with a formidable force of Indians, comprising Sioux and Cheyenne warriors estimated to be approximately three thousand in number.
Moreover, this massive gathering of Native American fighters was a united front, brought together by a shared desire to protect their land and way of life. Meanwhile, General Custer’s regiment was vastly outnumbered, setting the stage for a fierce and fateful battle.
Custer’s last stand
Despite defending themselves as best they could with rapid-fire carbines against Indians attacking strategically on horseback, Custer’s troops were unable to withstand the Indians’ numbers and experienced 268 dead and 55 severely wounded (6 died later from their wounds) while the Indians suffered only around 31 casualties. This battle is famously known as ‘Custer’s last stand’.
It is also described as the Battle of Agusta Creek or Greasy Grass Creek, as it was referred to by the Indians due to a grass fire that had taken place prior to the battle.
His Impact on Native Americans
Sitting Bull, a Lakota holy man, and a warrior is arguably one of the most well-known Native American figures in history. During Sitting Bull’s lifetime, he helped to break the army at Peak Butte and stood as a leader for his people during a time of tremendous transition and change.
Sitting Bull’s legacy paved the way for other battles by native nations including Wounded Knee in 1890. Described by some as a massacre that left some 150 Native Americans dead.
The Treat from Colonization
Sitting Bull’s fanatical stance against colonization is still an inspiration today among many in Indian Country who have used Sitting Bull’s legacy to create their own ongoing strategies of resistance.
His legacy has become a central part of many Native American cultures and histories, ensuring that Sitting Bull will continue to be remembered long into the future.
Assassination: End of a Movement
For years, Sitting Bull led the Lakota Sioux with wisdom and courage, but on December 15th, 1890, Indian police officers tragically took his life. They fatally shot him in the head, and afterwards, he was laid to rest in Fort Yates, North Dakota.
Sitting Bull’s death marked the end of any Native American rights protests that Sitting Bull encouraged as no one else was qualified to take his place.
Change in the US Governments Tactics
From this point onwards, the US government forcibly relocated Native Americans to reservations, suppressing most forms of civil unrest through its policies and actions.
Sitting Bull’s death marked a pivotal turning point, signifying the practical end of any collective action against the unlawful disarmament and relocation acts implemented by European settlers and the US government at that time.
Consequently, this event had a profound impact on the Native American community. Moreover, it highlighted the extreme measures taken by the authorities to suppress indigenous resistance. In contrast, Sitting Bull’s legacy has endured.
Today, people remember him as a leader who dedicated his life to fiercely advocating for his beliefs, ultimately giving his life for the cause he passionately fought for. Furthermore, his sacrifice continues to inspire generations, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s rights and principles.
Honoring the Great Leader
Notably, Sitting Bull’s burial site has long been an important landmark among Native Americans.
Moreover, the site holds significant cultural and historical value because Native Americans have long revered it as sacred, honoring their ancestral heritage and spiritual traditions in North Dakota.
Additionally, its significance extends beyond its historical importance, serving as a poignant reminder of Sitting Bull’s enduring legacy.
Paying Respects
People who choose to visit the burial site must observe certain respectful behaviors such as refraining from taking pictures or talking loudly near Sitting Bull’s grave. Every December, Native Americans conduct an annual ceremony at Sitting Bull’s burial site to commemorate him and offer prayers in his honor.
Today, people continue to celebrate Sitting Bull’s remains as a symbol of courage and leadership, making this burial site an incredibly poignant reminder of his legacy.
Reflection on Sitting Bull’s Impact
Sitting Bull’s impact will endure for generations, as his courageous leadership and unwavering dedication to his beliefs continue to inspire and influence people to this day. He made a lasting mark on history, one that still shapes our understanding of the past and its relevance to our present.
The burial site at Fort Yates serves as a poignant reminder of his impact and it is here where people go each year to honor Sitting Bull’s memory with prayers and respect.
He has become a symbol of strength, resilience, and tenacity among Native Americans who draw inspiration from Sitting Bull’s example when facing their own challenges.
It is clear that the contributions made by this great leader are impossible to ignore or forget—his spirit lives on through our collective memories of him forevermore.
Sources: THX News, History.com & Wikipedia.
