The vibrant tapestry of American history is profoundly enriched by the narratives of its original inhabitants. Across vast lands, from dense forests to expansive plains, the Native American people have shaped cultures, fought for their lands, and contributed immeasurably to the continent’s heritage. This article explores the lives of significant Native American people, highlighting their roles as chiefs, warriors, healers, and cultural ambassadors who played pivotal roles in the unfolding story of the American West and beyond.
As Luther Standing Bear, an Oglala, eloquently stated: “The American Indian is of the soil, whether it be the region of forests, plains, pueblos, or mesas. He fits into the landscape, for the hand that fashioned the continent also fashioned the man for his surroundings. He once grew as naturally as the wild sunflowers; he belongs just as the buffalo belonged.” The figures presented here exemplify this profound connection and resilience.
Notable Native American Figures Throughout History
A – G
Adoeette, aka Big Tree (1845?-1871) – Known to his Kiowa tribe as Adoette, he was a prominent Kiowa chief recognized by settlers as “Big Tree.” His life intersected with a period of intense westward expansion and conflict, marking him as a significant figure in Kiowa history and their interactions with the United States government. He was a leader during a time of great upheaval for his people.
American Horse (1800-1876) – An Oglala Sioux chief, American Horse was one of the principal war leaders during the iconic Battle of the Little Bighorn. He was a formidable warrior and strategist, known for his bravery in defending his people’s lands and way of life. Tragically, he was killed in 1876 by General George Crook’s troops, a testament to the fierce resistance offered by the Sioux.
George Bent (1843-1918) – A unique figure of Cheyenne-American heritage, George Bent served as an interpreter, historian, and Civil War soldier. He was also a member of the elite Cheyenne Dog Soldiers. Living in Colorado, his bilingual and bicultural perspective allowed him to provide invaluable insights into the history and conflicts of the Great Plains, making him a crucial bridge between two worlds.
Big Bill – A Paiute chief, Big Bill led the Indigenous people who regrettably aided the notorious Mormon John D. Lee in the Mountain Meadows Massacre on September 11, 1857, in southwest Utah. This event remains a tragic and complex chapter in the history of pioneer settlement and Native American involvement.
Big Elk (1765-1846) – Known as Ongpatonga to the Omaha tribe, Big Elk earned an early reputation as a formidable warrior through skirmishes against the Pawnee. Upon the death of the tyrannical Chief Washinggusaba in 1800, Big Elk’s reputation for fairness and wisdom led him to become the principal chief. He skillfully navigated the increasing presence of Euro-Americans, traveling to Washington, D.C., in 1821 and 1837 to negotiate treaties, where he was celebrated as a spellbinding orator. He guided the Omaha until his passing from fever in 1846 and was laid to rest in Bellevue, Nebraska, at Elk Hill, a place revered by the Omaha as Onpontonga Xiathon, meaning “the Place Where Big Elk Is Buried.”
Big Foot, aka Sithanka, Spotted Elk (1826?-1890) – A Hunkpapa Sioux chief, Big Foot led his people from the Cheyenne River Reservation. His life tragically ended on December 29, 1890, along with almost 300 other members of his tribe, during the horrific Wounded Knee Massacre. He remains a poignant symbol of the devastating conflicts between Native Americans and the U.S. government.
Big Mush (??-1839) – Known to his people as Gatun-wa-’li, Big Mush was a Cherokee chief who exercised significant authority in civil matters for Cherokee bands residing in northeast Texas. He was closely associated with Chief Bowles and signed a treaty with General Sam Houston, which the Texas Senate refused to ratify, ultimately leading to the Cherokee War. Big Mush was killed in the Battle of the Neches on July 16, 1839, alongside Chief Bowles.
Black Elk (1863-1950) – Known as Hehaka Sapa to his people, Black Elk was a renowned Lakota holy man whose life spanned many pivotal moments in Native American history. He participated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn at the tender age of 12 and later toured with Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show in both eastern cities and Europe. In 1890, he was wounded during the Wounded Knee Massacre. Later, living on the reservation, he embraced Catholicism, taking the name Nicholas Black Elk, and served as a spiritual leader, seeing no contradiction between his tribal traditions and Christianity. He traveled extensively, converting various Native American groups to Christianity, and combined his missionary work with showmanship at South Dakota tourist attractions, drawing visitors with his reputation as a Lakota holy man until his passing in August 1950.
Black Kettle (1803-68) – A peaceful leader of the Southern Cheyenne tribe, Black Kettle dedicated his efforts to fostering peace amidst rising tensions. Despite flying an American flag as a symbol of peace, he and many of his people were tragically killed by General George Armstrong Custer and his troops at the Battle of Washita, an event that remains a dark stain on American military history.
Chief Bowl (1756-1839) – Known to the Cherokee as Diwal’li, Bowl was a significant leader who guided his people to Texas. He was a central figure in Cherokee affairs during a tumultuous period and, like Big Mush, was killed at the Battle of the Neches while defending his people’s territory and rights.
Edward “Ned” Wilkerson Bushyhead (1832-1907) – A Cherokee of remarkable versatility, Bushyhead’s life journey saw him as a miner, publisher, and lawman. He endured the forced migration of the Cherokee Trail of Tears to Oklahoma and later achieved prominence as the Chief of Police in San Diego, California, demonstrating exceptional resilience and adaptability throughout his diverse career.
Cochise (18??-1874) – A legendary Apache Chief, Cochise became one of the last holdouts against white settlement in the Southwest. His fierce determination and strategic brilliance in guerrilla warfare allowed him to resist encroachment on his tribal lands for over 25 years, solidifying his reputation as an iconic figure of Indigenous resistance and a symbol of unwavering defense of ancestral territories.
Chief Levi Colbert (1759-1834) – Also known as Itawamba in the Chickasaw language, Colbert was a vital leader and chief of the Chickasaw in Alabama and Mississippi. He and his brother, George Colbert, were prominent interpreters and negotiators who worked closely with Andrew Jackson, serving as appointed representatives during the challenging era of Indian Removal. His diplomatic efforts were critical during a period of immense pressure on Native land rights.
Crazy Horse (1842-1877) – An exceptionally brave and skilled warrior, Crazy Horse is one of the most revered figures in Native American history. He continually resisted white encroachment into the sacred Black Hills, leading his people with unparalleled courage and tactical genius. His commitment to preserving the Lakota way of life made him a potent symbol of defiance against overwhelming odds.
Crow Dog (1833-1910) – A key figure among the Lakota, Crow Dog played a significant role in popularizing the Ghost Dance movement. This spiritual revival, which promised a return to traditional ways and the disappearance of settlers, offered hope and resistance to many Native Americans facing immense cultural and territorial losses during the late 19th century.
Natawista Culbertson (1825?-1895) – The daughter of a Blackfeet chief, Natawista married fur trader Alexander Culbertson and emerged as an influential diplomat, hostess, and interpreter. Her unique position allowed her to foster understanding and connections between her people and the growing presence of American traders and officials, playing a crucial role in frontier relations.
Dog Soldiers – Not an individual, but a renowned warrior society of the Cheyenne tribe, the Dog Soldiers were celebrated for their fierce bravery and commitment to protecting their people. They played a critical role in resisting U.S. expansion during the Plains Wars, acting as an elite military force and a significant cultural institution within Cheyenne society.
Dull Knife (18??-1879) – A Northern Cheyenne chief, Dull Knife exemplified extraordinary resilience. Placed on a reservation in Oklahoma, he defied authorities and courageously led his people on a desperate journey back to their northern homelands in September 1878, a testament to his determination and leadership in the face of immense adversity.
Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman, aka Ohiyesa (1858-1939) – A Santee Sioux of remarkable intellect and accomplishment, Dr. Eastman was a distinguished author, physician, and reformer. He was actively involved in politics and was instrumental in helping to found the Boy Scouts of America, bridging his Native heritage with significant contributions to American society and advocating for Indigenous rights.
Ehyophsta: Yellow Haired Warrior Woman of the Cheyenne – Born around 1826, Ehyophsta, the Yellow-Haired Woman of the Cheyenne, inherited a legacy of leadership and strength. As a Cheyenne Warrior Woman, she defied conventional gender roles, demonstrating prowess and courage in battle, and stood as a powerful example of female strength and agency within her culture.
Chief Gall (1840-1895) – A brilliant Lakota battle leader, Chief Gall was one of the key commanders who took part in the decisive Battle of the Little Bighorn. His strategic insights and battlefield leadership were instrumental in the Native American victory against General Custer, earning him immense respect as a military tactician among his people.
Ganado Mucho (1809-1893) – A prominent Navajo Leader, whose name means “many cattle,” Ganado Mucho was born into the Tótsohnii (Big Water) Clan and became a successful cattle grower and sheepman. He diligently worked with other Navajo leaders, such as Manuelito, to maintain peace with white settlers, though he did not participate in peace negotiations following attacks on Fort Defiance in 1859. He attended council meetings with Colonel Canby in 1861 but no settlement was reached. He reluctantly led his people on the devastating
