Crazy Horse: Lakota Warrior and Leader
Crazy Horse, a legendary Oglala Lakota leader, fought to defend his people and the Black Hills, becoming a symbol of resistance and honor.
Crazy Horse (Tȟašúŋke Witkó) was born around 1840 near the Black Hills. Known for his courage, humility, and strategic brilliance, he became a respected leader among the Oglala Lakota. Crazy Horse played a key role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, where Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors defeated Custer's 7th Cavalry.
He fiercely resisted U.S. encroachment on Lakota lands, especially after the violation of the 1868 Treaty. Crazy Horse's leadership and vision inspired his people to defend their way of life, even as the odds grew overwhelming.
In 1877, Crazy Horse surrendered to U.S. forces under promises of peace, but was killed later that year under disputed circumstances. His legacy endures as a symbol of Native resistance, dignity, and the enduring spirit of the Lakota.
Learn More
More Stories
- Wild Bill Hickok's Last HandWild Bill arrived in Deadwood seeking fortune, but met his fate holding the infamous 'Dead Man's Hand' in a saloon poker game.
- Calamity Jane's RideCalamity Jane, famed for her daring spirit, once rode through a blizzard to deliver medicine to the sick miners of Deadwood.
- The Great Gold RushIn 1876, gold was discovered in Deadwood Gulch, drawing thousands of hopeful prospectors and changing the Black Hills forever.
- Lakota Legacy: The Black Hills and the Great Sioux NationLong before Deadwood, the Black Hills were sacred to the Lakota Sioux, whose history and culture remain central to the region.
- Deadwood's Chinatown: A Community of Hope and Hard WorkIn the late 1800s, Chinese immigrants built a vibrant community in Deadwood, contributing to the town's culture and economy.
- The 1868 Treaty of Fort LaramieA landmark agreement between the United States and the Lakota Sioux, the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie recognized the Black Hills as part of the Great Sioux Reservation, until gold was discovered.
- Lakota Life in the Black HillsFor generations, the Lakota people thrived in the Black Hills, guided by deep spiritual traditions, community, and respect for the land.