A look at Red Cloud

            Growing up, I learned of a handful of Native Americans in school.  These said Native Americans, were usually written as to be on friendly terms with our country.  One great influence in Native American history was Red Cloud, from the Lokata tribe.  For someone who did so much against the United States, he sure did elude my history books.

           

            Early in his life, Red Cloud gained experience in warfare.  During this time he battled with neighboring tribes, and even killed his uncle’s main rival.  This may not seem like much to anyone, but it did divide his nation, the Oglala for fifty years. 

            

            Red Cloud was also the mastermind in the most efficacious war ever fought against the United States by a Native American tribe.  While the United States army was building forts along the Bozeman Trail, Red Cloud was devising a plan to rid them of the area.  He attacked the Forts multiple times, including defeating an army of 80 men in December of 1866.  For the rest of the winter the forts were in constant fear that they would be next.

             

            Red Cloud’s success led to the United States issuing the Fort Laramie Treaty.  This treaty stated that the Lokata tribe was entitled to half of South Dakota and parts of South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.  However, this eventually came to an end after Custer brought troops into the area, which spelt the end of independent tribes. 

            

            Later in his life, Red Cloud would continue to butt heads with the United States government.  He fought over the dispersal of food and supplies as well as control of the Native American police force.  He wanted to not only fight to keep his lands, but also to keep the Chief’s authority and was opposed of the Dawes Act of 1877. 

            

            In school we tend to learn about only a few Native Americans in history class, as well as learn about some in popular television of movies.  Rarely, in my life have I read about a Native American who opposed the United States.  It baffles my mind that I have not learned of Red Cloud and his battles with the United States government until now.

http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/i_r/redcloud.htm

http://native-american-indian-facts.com/Images/Chief-Red-Cloud.jpg