Remembering Crazy Horse

This month marks the anniversary of the death of the visionary Lakota leader, Crazy Horse (Tashunkewitko). Known for his bravery, his legendary battles, and his struggle to preserve the Lakota culture, he lived a very private life and was known as a soft spoken man of few words.

He was killed September 5, 1877...and to this day, his death is shrouded in controversy.

Crazy Horse is remembered as one of the greatest leaders of the Lakota people and the enemy most feared by his tribal adversaries - it has been said that just his presence on the battlefield was enough to rouse his fellow warriors to persevere against unthinkable odds and intimidate even the strongest opposition.

To protect his culture and preserve the Lakota way of life, he lead the resistance against the US Army and their reservation system. Under his tactical leadership, his war party precipitated the two greatest defeats of US Military actions during the Plains wars - Fetterman's Fight and the Battle of Little Bighorn.

In contrast to all the war honors he achieved during his short life (it is said he counted over 200 coups), off the battlefield he was known to be very humble, philosophical, and reserved. It is believed no images or photographs of him were ever taken and he often refused to recount and tell of his battle exploits.

He was also a Shirt Wearer and was said to be ever conscious of his responsibility to look after the needs of the People.

More about the life and death of Crazy Horse