Crazy Horse

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Crazy Horse was a Lakota war leader of the Oglala Lakota tribe who lived during the mid-1800s and died in 1877. His Lakota name was Tȟašúŋke Witkó, which translates to “His-Horse-Is-Crazy.” He is remembered for leading resistance against the United States government’s efforts to take Lakota lands in the Black Hills and for his role in several famous battles on the Great Plains.

Early life
- Crazy Horse was born sometime between 1840 and 1845, with many sources placing his birth around 1840 in the Black Hills region near Rapid Creek.
- His father, also named Crazy Horse (Tȟašúŋke Witkó), was Oglala, and his mother came from the Miniconjou band. He grew up within the Lakota culture and learned survival, leadership, and warfare from his people.

Vision and name
- As he grew older, Crazy Horse had a vision that shaped his life. In a vision quest, a warrior on a dancing horse appeared and told him to dress modestly and avoid taking scalps or war trophies. The vision helped him become a fearless fighter who preferred to protect his people rather than seek personal glory.
- He did not wear the tall war bonnet and often dressed simply, following the guidance from his vision.

War leadership and battles
- In the late 1850s and 1860s, Crazy Horse’s reputation as a warrior grew. He fought against enemies such as the Crow, Shoshone, Pawnee, Blackfeet, and Arikara, earning respect for his skill and leadership.
- In 1865, Crazy Horse was named Ogle Tanka Un, meaning “Shirt Wearer” or war leader, in recognition of his fighting ability and generosity to his people.
- Notable engagements during the Black Hills and Great Sioux War era include:
- Fetterman Fight (1866): He helped decoy and trap U.S. soldiers, leading to a major Lakota-Cheyenne victory.
- Wagon Box Fight (1867): He participated in a battle near Fort Phil Kearny.
- Great Sioux War battles (1876–77): He played a key role in the Rosebud and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where he led warriors in defense of Lakota lands.
- Slim Buttes and Wolf Mountain were other major actions in that period.
- There is some debate about his exact role in certain battles, but eyewitness accounts widely praise his courage and leadership.

Personal life
- Crazy Horse was married twice. His first wife was Black Shawl (Tȟašinásápawiŋ), with whom he had one daughter who died in early childhood.
- He later married Nellie Larrabee (also called Chi-Chi or Brown Eyes Woman), a mixed-heritage woman who some sources say was sent to him by Red Cloud. This marriage is controversial in some accounts.
- He had close kin and trusted relatives, including Touch the Clouds and Little Big Man, who stood with him in various moments.

Surrender and death
- In 1877, after years of resistance, Crazy Horse and his band surrendered to U.S. troops and went to Fort Robinson, Nebraska, to protect his people from starvation and the harsh winter.
- On September 5, 1877, Crazy Horse was arrested at Fort Robinson. During an attempted escape or struggle, he was fatally wounded by a bayonet-wielding guard and died that night. His death was a major blow to Lakota morale.
- His burial place is unknown; his family reportedly moved his remains to a secret location, and there are several sites claimed as his final resting place.

Legacy
- Crazy Horse is remembered as a fearless warrior who fought to defend Lakota lands and traditional ways of life. He is often celebrated for his humility, bravery, and dedication to his people.
- The Crazy Horse Memorial, a large sculptural project in the Black Hills of South Dakota, honors his memory. It was begun in 1948 by Korczak Ziółkowski and funded entirely by private donations. The plan envisions a monumental sculpture carved into Thunderhead Mountain, with the head of Crazy Horse projected to become one of the world’s largest sculptures.
- Crazy Horse’s legacy continues in Lakota culture, American history, and discussions about Native American rights and the history of the Great Plains.

In popular culture
- Crazy Horse has been portrayed in films and books and remains a symbol of Native American resistance and pride. His life has inspired documentaries, biographies, and works focusing on the complexities of U.S.-West relations with Native peoples.