American Horse (1840-1908) was a Sioux war chief, a performer in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, and a celebrated sire of Thoroughbred racehorses. Born in the northern plains of the United States, American Horse was trained as a warhorse and rode in numerous battles against white settlers and the U.S. Army. After surviving the Battle of Little Bighorn, he became a symbol of Native American resistance and was captured and shipped to Fort Robinson, Nebraska, where he spent the rest of his life. In this article, we will explore the life of American Horse, from his early years with the Sioux Nation to his enduring legacy in American history and horse breeding.
Early Life and Tribal Connections
Birth and Early Years
American Horse was born in 1840 in the Lakota Sioux tribe. He was originally named "Wasechun-tashunka" which means "White Horse." He was a purebred Appaloosa horse, known for their unique spotted coat and excellent stamina.
Training and Handling
American Horse underwent rigorous training as a young colt to become a skilled and agile riding horse. He was handled expertly by the Sioux, who were known for their expert horse training techniques. American Horse grew up to be a strong, fast, and intelligent horse.
Relationship with Sioux Nation
American Horse became a treasured member of the Sioux nation due to his skill in battle and his loyalty to the tribe. The Sioux people believed that horses were sacred animals, and so American Horse was treated with great respect and care.
Participation in Native American Conflicts
Battle of Rosebud Creek
American Horse participated in many native American conflicts throughout his life. One of his most notable battles was the Battle of Rosebud Creek in 1876. American Horse was ridden by Sioux chief Crazy Horse and played a key role in the battle, helping the Sioux defeat the US army.
Battle of Little Bighorn
American Horse was also present at the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. He was ridden by a Sioux warrior and played a key role in the battle, helping to defeat General George Custer and his troops.
Other Battles and Skirmishes
American Horse was involved in various other battles and skirmishes throughout his life, including the Battle of the Wolf Mountains and the Battle of the Rosebud. He proved to be a valuable asset to the Sioux in their struggles against the US Army.
Life as a Show Horse
Acquisition by Buffalo Bill Cody
After the Sioux surrendered, many of their horses were sold at auction. American Horse was purchased by Buffalo Bill Cody, who recognized his potential as a show horse.
Performances with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show
American Horse quickly became a popular performer with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, where he would reenact battles and perform daring stunts. He became known for his bravery and skill, and his performances enthralled audiences across the US and Europe.
Popularity and Fame
American Horse became a celebrity in his own right and was even featured in a book titled "Famous American Horses" by William Harding Carter. He remained a star performer until his death in 1908.
Involvement in the Battle of Little Bighorn
Role in the Battle
American Horse played a crucial role in the Battle of Little Bighorn. He was ridden by a Sioux warrior and helped to flank General Custer's troops, contributing to their defeat.
Survival and Capture
Despite the chaos of the battle, American Horse survived and was captured by the US Army. He was eventually purchased by Buffalo Bill Cody and became a show horse.
Life after the Battle
American Horse lived out the rest of his life as a beloved performer with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. He continued to be a popular attraction until his death in 1908, leaving behind a legacy as a skilled and loyal horse.
Retirement and Legacy
After a long and successful life, American Horse was retired to Fort Robinson in Nebraska. There, he continued to live comfortably until his passing in 1908. American Horse's legacy lived on through his descendants and his impact on both Native American and American culture.
Years at Fort Robinson and Burial
American Horse spent his later years at Fort Robinson where he was well cared for by the military personnel. After his passing, he was buried with full military honors, a fitting tribute to his status as a legendary warhorse.
Impact on Native American and American Culture
American Horse played a significant role in Native American culture and was considered a symbol of strength, courage, and power. His reputation as a fierce warrior inspired and motivated many Native American tribes during times of conflict. In American culture, American Horse's legacy lives on through his influence on the horse breeding industry and racing.
Impact on the American Horse Breeding Industry
American Horse's impact on the horse breeding industry was immeasurable. His strength, speed, and stamina were highly sought after traits and he was considered a premier sire. His breeding line is still highly valued to this day.
Breeding and Descendants
American Horse sired many successful offspring, including many famous racehorses. His bloodline can be traced through many of the most successful American racing horses, including Secretariat and Seattle Slew.
Influence on Horse Racing
American Horse's influence on horse racing was significant. His breeding line contributed to the development of the thoroughbred racing industry and helped to create some of the most successful and beloved racehorses. His reputation as a strong and powerful horse also inspired many jockeys and trainers.
Recognition and Awards
Although American Horse passed away before awards were given in the horse breeding industry, his impact has not gone unrecognized. His legacy has been celebrated through various awards and honors, including induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. American Horse's influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.In conclusion, the life of American Horse was a remarkable journey from a tribal warhorse to a performer in one of the most famous shows in the world. His impact on the American horse breeding industry and on Native American and American culture continues to this day. The legacy of American Horse is a testament to the power and beauty of the horse, as well as the enduring spirit of those who have fought for their freedom and way of life.
FAQs
Was American Horse a famous horse during his lifetime?
Yes, American Horse was a well-known horse in his time. He gained popularity for his role in the Battle of Little Bighorn and later as a performer in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show.
What impact did American Horse have on horse breeding?
American Horse was a celebrated sire of Thoroughbred racehorses, and his bloodline continues to influence the horse breeding industry to this day. His descendants have won numerous races, including the Kentucky Derby.
What happened to American Horse after he was captured and shipped to Fort Robinson?
American Horse spent the rest of his life at Fort Robinson, where he was used as a workhorse and eventually became a beloved symbol of Native American resistance. He died in 1908 and was buried with full military honors.
How did American Horse become a symbol of Native American resistance?
After surviving the Battle of Little Bighorn, American Horse was seen as a powerful symbol of Native American resistance to white settlers and the U.S. Army. His capture and imprisonment at Fort Robinson only added to his legend, as he continued to inspire his people even in captivity.
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One of the wittiest and shrewdest of the Sioux chiefs was American Horse, who succeeded to the name and position of an uncle, killed in the battle of Slim Buttes in 1876. The younger American Horse was born a little before the encroachments of the whites upon the Sioux country became serious and their methods aggressive, and his early manhood brought him into that most trying and critical period of our history.
He had been tutored by his uncle, since his own father was killed in battle while he was still very young. The American Horse band was closely attached to a trading post, and its members in consequence were inclined to be friendly with the whites, a policy closely adhered to by their leader.
When he was born, his old grandfather said: "Put him out in the sun! Let him ask his great-grandfather, the Sun, for the warm blood of a warrior!"
And he had warm blood. He was a genial man, liking notoriety and excitement. He always seized an opportunity to leap into the center of the arena. In early life he was a clownish sort of boy among the boys -- an expert mimic and impersonator. This talent made him popular and in his way a leader. He was a natural actor, and early showed marked ability as a speaker.
American Horse was about ten years old when he was attacked by three Crow warriors, while driving a herd of ponies to water. Here he displayed native cunning and initiative. It seemed he had scarcely a chance to escape, for the enemy was near. He yelled frantically at the ponies to start them toward home, while he dropped off into a thicket of willows and hid there. A part of the herd was caught in sight of the camp and there was a counter chase, but the Crows got away with the ponies.
Of course his mother was frantic, believing her boy had been killed or captured; but after the excitement was over, he appeared in camp unhurt. When questioned about his escape, he remarked: "I knew they would not take the time to hunt for small game when there was so much bigger close by." When he was quite a big boy, he joined in a buffalo hunt, and on the way back with the rest of the hunters his mule became unmanageable.
American Horse had insisted on riding him in addition to a heavy load of meat and skins, and the animal evidently resented this, for he suddenly began to run and kick, scattering fresh meat along the road, to the merriment of the crowd.
But the boy turned actor, and made it appear that it was at his wish the mule had given this diverting performance. He clung to the back of his plunging and braying mount like a circus rider, singing a Brave Heart song, and finally brought up amid the laughter and cheers of his companions.
Far from admitting defeat, he boasted of his horsemanship and declared that his
"brother" the donkey would put any enemy to flight, and that they should be called upon to lead a charge. It was several years later that he went to sleep early one night and slept soundly, having been scouting for two nights previous. It happened that there was a raid by the Crows, and when he awoke in the midst of the yelling and confusion, he sprang up and attempted to join in the fighting.
Everybody knew his voice in all the din, so when he fired his gun and announced a coup, as was the custom, others rushed to the spot, to find that he had shot a hobbled pony belonging to their own camp. The laugh was on him, and he never recovered from his chagrin at this mistake. In fact, although he was undoubtedly fearless and tried hard to distinguish himself in warfare, he did not succeed.
It is told of him that he once went with a war party of young men to the Wind River country against the Shoshones. At last they discovered a large camp, but there were only a dozen or so of the Sioux, therefore they hid themselves and watched for their opportunity to attack an isolated party of hunters. While waiting thus, they ran short of food. One day a small party of Shoshones was seen near at hand, and in the midst of the excitement and preparations for the attack, young
American Horse caught sight of a fat black-tail deer close by.
Unable to resist the temptation, he pulled an arrow from his quiver and sent it through the deer's heart, then with several of his half-starved companions sprang upon the yet quivering body of the animal to cut out the liver, which was sometimes eaten raw. One of the men was knocked down, it is said, by the last kick of the dying buck, but having swallowed a few mouthfuls the warriors rushed upon and routed their enemies. It is still told of American Horse how he killed game and feasted between the ambush and the attack. At another time he was drying his sacred war bonnet and other gear over a small fire.
These articles were held in great veneration by the Indians and handled accordingly. Suddenly the fire blazed up, and our hero so far forgot himself as to begin energetically beating out the flames with the war bonnet, breaking off one of the sacred buffalo horns in the act. One could almost fill a book with his mishaps and exploits. I will give one of them in his own words as well as I can remember them. "We were as promising a party of young warriors as our tribe ever sent against any of its ancestral enemies.
It was midsummer, and after going two days' journey from home we began to send two scouts ahead daily while the main body kept a half day behind. The scouts set out every evening and traveled all night. One night the great war pipe was held out to me and to Young-Man-Afraid-of- His-Horses. At daybreak, having met no one, we hid our horses and climbed to the top of the nearest butte to take an observation. It was a very hot day. We lay flat on our blankets, facing the west where the cliff fell off in a sheer descent, and with our backs toward the more gradual slope dotted with scrub pines and cedars.
We stuck some tall grass on our heads and proceeded to study the landscape spread before us for any sign of man. "The sweeping valleys were dotted with herds, both large and small, of buffalo and elk, and now and then we caught a glimpse of a coyote slinking into the gulches, returning from night hunting to sleep. While intently watching some moving body at a distance, we could not yet tell whether of men or animals, I heard a faint noise behind me and slowly turned my head. Behold! a grizzly bear sneaking up on all fours and almost ready to spring!
"'Run!' I yelled into the ear of my companion, and we both leaped to our feet in a second. 'Separate! separate!' he shouted, and as we did so, the bear chose me for his meat. I ran downhill as fast as I could, but he was gaining. 'Dodge around a tree!' screamed Young-Man-Afraid. I took a deep breath and made a last spurt, desperately circling the first tree I came to. As the ground was steep just there, I turned a somersault one way and the bear the other. I picked myself up in time to climb the tree, and was fairly out of reach when he gathered himself together and came at me more furiously than ever, holding in one paw the shreds of my breechcloth, for in the fall he had just scratched my back and cut my belt in two, and carried off my only garment for a trophy!
"My friend was well up another tree and laughing heartily at my predicament, and when the bear saw that he could not get at either of us he reluctantly departed, after I had politely addressed him and promised to make an offering to his spirit on my safe return. I don't think I ever had a narrower escape," he concluded.
During the troublous times from 1865 to 1877, American Horse advocated yielding to the government at any cost, being no doubt convinced of the uselessness of resistance. He was not a recognized leader until 1876, when he took the name and place of his uncle. Up to this time he bore the nickname of Manishnee (Can not walk, or Played out.) When the greater part of the
Ogallalas, to which band he belonged, came into the reservation, he at once allied himself with the peace element at the Red Cloud agency, near Fort Robinson, Nebraska, and took no small part in keeping the young braves quiet. Since the older and better-known chiefs, with the exception of Spotted Tail, were believed to be hostile at heart, the military made much use of him.
Many of his young men enlisted as scouts by his advice, and even he himself entered the service. In the early part of the year 1876, there was a rumor that certain bands were in danger of breaking away. Their leader was one Sioux Jim, so nicknamed by the soldiers. American Horse went to him as peacemaker, but was told he was a woman and no brave. He returned to his own camp and told his men that Sioux Jim meant mischief, and in order to prevent another calamity to the tribe, he must be chastised. He again approached the warlike Jim with several warriors at his back. The recalcitrant came out, gun in hand, but the wily chief was too quick for him. He shot and wounded the rebel, whereupon one of his men came forward and killed him.
This quelled the people for the time being and up to the killing of Crazy Horse. In the crisis precipitated by this event, American Horse was again influential and energetic in the cause of the government. From this time on he became an active participant in the affairs of the Teton Sioux.
He was noted for his eloquence, which was nearly always conciliatory, yet he could say very sharp things of the duplicity of the whites. He had much ease of manner and was a master of repartee. I recall his saying that if you have got to wear golden slippers to enter the white man's heaven no Indian will ever get there, as the whites have got the Black Hills and with them all the gold.
It was during the last struggle of his people, at the time of the Messiah craze in 1890-1891 that he demonstrated as never before the real greatness of the man.
While many of his friends were carried away by the new thought, he held aloof from it and cautioned his band to do the same.
When it developed into an extensive upheaval among the nations he took his positive stand against it. Presently all Indians who did not dance the Ghost Dance were ordered to come into camp at Pine Ridge agency.
American Horse was the first to bring in his people. I was there at the time and talked with him daily. When Little was arrested, it had been agreed among the disaffected to have him resist, which meant that he would be roughly handled. This was to be their excuse to attack the Indian police, which would probably lead to a general massacre or outbreak.
I know that this desperate move was opposed from the beginning by American Horse, and it was believed that his life was threatened.
On the day of the "Big Issue", when thousands of Indians were gathered at the agency, this man Little, who had been in hiding, walked boldly among them. Of course the police would arrest him at sight, and he was led toward the guardhouse. He struggled with them, but was overpowered. A crowd of warriors rushed to his rescue, and there was confusion and a general shout of "Hurry up with them! Kill them all!"
I saw American Horse walk out of the agent's office and calmly face the excited mob. "What are you going to do?" he asked. "Stop, men, stop and think before you act! Will you murder your children, your women, yes, destroy your nation to- day?" He stood before them like a statue and the men who held the two policemen helpless paused for an instant.
He went on: "You are brave to-day because you outnumber the white men, but what will you do to-morrow? There are railroads on all sides of you. The soldiers will pour in from every direction by thousands and surround you. You have little food or ammunition. It will be the end of your people. Stop, I say, stop now!"
Jack Red Cloud, son of the old chief rushed up to him and thrust a revolver almost in his face. "It is you and men like you," he shouted, "who have reduced our race to slavery and starvation!"
American Horse did not flinch but deliberately reentered the office, followed by Jack still flourishing the pistol. But his timely appearance and eloquence had saved the day.
Others of the police force had time to reach the spot, and with a large crowd of friendly Indians had taken command of the situation. When I went into the office I found him alone but apparently quite calm.
"Where are the agent and the clerks?" I asked.
"They fled by the back door," he replied, smiling. "I think they are in the cellar.
These fools outside had almost caught us asleep, but I think it is over now."
American Horse was one of the earliest advocates of education for the Indian, and his son Samuel and nephew Robert were among the first students at
Carlisle. I think one or two of his daughters were the handsomest Indian girls of full blood that I ever saw.
His record as a councilor of his people and his policy in the new situation that confronted them was manly and consistent.
Written by Charles Eastmen.