The Untold Story of American Legend Crazy Horse: A Warrior, Leader, and Symbol of Resistance

Native American history is filled with tales of bravery, resilience, and resistance. Among these legends stands out the name of Crazy Horse, an iconic figure known for his extraordinary leadership, military prowess, and unwavering dedication to his people's freedom and way of life.

The Early Years

Born around 1840 near the Black Hills of South Dakota, Crazy Horse, originally named Cha-O-Ha ("Among the Trees"), belonged to the Oglala Lakota tribe. From an early age, he displayed remarkable qualities that foreshadowed his future role as a legendary Native American warrior.

American Legends: The Life of Crazy Horse

by Charles River Editors (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
File size	:	1723 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	42 pages

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Crazy Horse's childhood was marked by the Sioux tribe's fierce resistance against the westward expansion of white settlers, culminating in the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. As a young boy, Crazy Horse witnessed the increasing encroachment upon Native American lands, fueling his determination to protect his people's ancestral territories.

The Rise of a Leader

As he grew older, Crazy Horse's reputation as a skilled warrior and respected leader began to solidify. He became an integral part of the Sioux's fight for survival, standing as a symbol of resistance against the U.S. government's attempts to displace and assimilate Native American tribes.

Crazy Horse's military strategies were characterized by his expert knowledge of the land, employing guerrilla warfare tactics that often left his adversaries bewildered and defeated. His ability to think critically and adapt to changing circumstances made him a formidable force on the battlefield, gaining the admiration and loyalty of his fellow warriors.

The Battle of Little Bighorn

Crazy Horse's most well-known moment in history came during the Battle of Little Bighorn, a confrontation that pitted Native American tribes, including the Sioux and the Cheyenne, against General George Custer and his U.S. cavalry. In a stunning display of bravery and military brilliance, Crazy Horse played a pivotal role in the Native American victory.

His tactical skills, combined with the leadership of Sitting Bull, led to the defeat of Custer's forces, marking one of the most significant triumphs for Native Americans against the U.S. Army. However, the Battle of Little Bighorn also increased tensions with the federal government, leading to intensified efforts to suppress Native American resistance movements.

The Final Days

Following the battle, Crazy Horse and his people faced mounting pressure from the U.S. government. In 1877, after years of evading capture and remaining steadfast in his beliefs, Crazy Horse and his followers surrendered at Fort Robinson, Nebraska.

Tragically, this heroic leader's life was cut short. While in captivity, Crazy Horse was fatally wounded during a scuffle with soldiers, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, determination, and a symbol of Native American resistance.

The Legacy of Crazy Horse

Today, Crazy Horse remains an inspiration for Native Americans across the country. His name serves as a symbol of pride, strength, and cultural identity, reminding future generations of the struggles endured by their ancestors in the pursuit of freedom and justice.

Efforts to honor Crazy Horse's memory are ongoing. The Crazy Horse Memorial, the world's largest mountain carving in progress, is being constructed in South Dakota. This monumental tribute will stand as a reminder of a man who fought tirelessly for his people, ensuring his legacy endures through time.

In

Crazy Horse's life is an epitome of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. His unwavering commitment to preserving his people's way of life and his extraordinary military achievements cement his place among America's most revered legends.

As we reflect on the story of Crazy Horse, we must remember that his legacy is not only a Native American tale but also an integral part of American history, reminding us of the diversity and richness of our nation's heritage.

American Legends: The Life of Crazy Horse

by Charles River Editors (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
File size	:	1723 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	42 pages

FREE

*Includes pictures of important people and places in Crazy Horse's life.
*Explains the Battle of the Little Bighorn and several Lakota oral legends, including the origins of Crazy Horse's name.
*Includes a Table of Contents

"Upon suffering beyond suffering: the Red Nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for a sick world. A world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations. A world longing for light again. I see a time of Seven Generations when all the colors of mankind will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life and the whole Earth will become one circle again.” – Crazy Horse
A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history’s most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors’ American Legends series, readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of America’s most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.

As he lay dying, Tashunke Witco, whose name is literally translated as “His Horse is Spirited” or “His Horse is Crazy,” refused to be placed on an army cot, and he insisted upon being placed on the floor. He had spent his life avoiding white people whenever possible, and after he died, his cousin Touch the Clouds pointed to the blanket covering the dead Chief’s body and said, “This is the lodge of Crazy Horse.”

Throughout his life, Tashunke Witco tried to live the life his people had enjoyed for centuries. He never signed a treaty with the U.S. government and was never photographed, largely because he wanted to avoid contact with the settlers encroaching further west upon Native American lands. By staying away from white settlements and military forts, he thus avoided the places where a photographer might be lurking. As the great Lakota leaders surrendered to the U.S. military or were killed, they became symbols of the qualities and character of their people. Red Cloud is often referred to as a symbol of Lakota concession. Sitting Bull is considered symbolic of Lakota spirituality. Crazy Horse, because he delayed surrender and never entered into treaty agreements with the U.S. military, became a symbol of Lakota resistance.

Crazy Horse may have fervently wished to avoid white settlers, but he’s a Native American icon today because of the inability to do so. Like Geronimo in the Southwest and Sitting Bull on the Plains, Crazy Horse was a chief who fought in several skirmishes against settlers and U.S. forces during the 1860s, and he became one of the most famous Native Americans in American history because of one fateful confrontation with whites: the legendary Battle of the Little Bighorn, during which an estimated 2,000 Lakota and Cheyenne warriors routed and then annihilated the 7th U.S. Cavalry led by George Custer. That disaster led the American government to double down on its efforts to “pacify” the Plains, and by the end of the decade many of them had surrendered and been moved onto a reservation. Like Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse tried to avoid surrendering for as long as he could, and both suffered a controversial death.

American Legends: The Life of Crazy Horse chronicles the amazing life of the Lakota leader who defiantly fought to save his people’s homeland, but it also humanizes the man who became one of the most famous Native Americans in American history. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about Crazy Horse like you never have before, in no time at all.