Crazy Horse & Fetterman Massacre

Crazy Horse (aka Tȟašúŋke Witkó) literally meant “His-Horse-is-Crazy.” He was a highly respected leader of the Oglala Lakota, who fought against the United States Government to preserve the Lakota way of life, including their traditions and values. The exact date of his birth is unknown, but it was agreed that he was born sometime between 1840 and 1845. His name at birth was ‘In the Wilderness’ or ‘Among the Trees.’ His mother called him ‘Curly’ or ‘Light Hair,’ due to his light curly hair he inherited from his mother. Crazy Horse’s father was named Crazy Horse as well, and passed his name down to his son. On December 21, 1886, Crazy Horse and a few other warriors developed a plan to trick the 53 infantrymen and 27 cavalry troopers under the command of Captain William Fetterman and Lt. Grummond into an ambush. Crazy Horse led Fetterman’s troops up (what is now called) Massacre Hill, while Grummond’s troops followed the other decoys beside the Peno Head Ridge, and down towards Peno Creek where many women of the tribe were taunting the soldiers. In the meantime, Cheyenne leader called Little Wolf and his warriors were hiding on the opposite side of the ridge, and blocked the infantry’s escape route to their fort. Soon after, the Lakota warriors attacked the soldiers and traveled over the hill. The American soldiers were surrounded, and wiped out. This (at the time) was the worst defeat the Americans had suffered on the Great Plains.