Who was Sitting Bull?

Sitting Bull was a Sioux holy man, leader, war chief, and inspirational figure of the 19th century, best remembered for helping to orchestrate the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the decisive victory of the Great Sioux War.

Why was he called Sitting Bull?

When Sitting Bull was young, he was called "Slow" but, after he had defeated his first enemy in battle, he received his father's name, "Sitting Bull" in accordance with Sioux tradition.

Did Sitting Bull fight at the Battle of the Little Bighorn?

There is no evidence that Sitting Bull fought at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He is said to have orchestrated the battle through a dream vision he had experienced and inspired others to fight.

How did Sitting Bull die?

Sitting Bull was killed by Native American police officers sent to arrest him on 15 December 1890.

Sitting Bull Timeline

Definition

Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotanka, l. c. 1837-1890) was a Hunkpapa Sioux holy man, warrior, leader, and symbol of traditional Sioux values and resistance to the United States' expansionist policies. He is among the best-known Native American chiefs of the 19th century and remains as famous today as he was when he led his people.

More about: Sitting Bull

Timeline

c. 1837 - 15 Dec 1890
Life of Hunkpapa Sioux leader Sitting Bull.
c. 1855
Sitting Bull begins raids against white settlers entering Sioux lands.
1866 - 1868
Sitting Bull supports Red Cloud's War.
1868 - 1877
Sitting Bull continues to wage war to halt U.S. expansionist policies in the west.
c. 1868 - c. 1876
Rain-in-the-Face follows Sitting Bull and Sioux war chief Gall in continuing to resist US government's expansionist policies.
1876 - 1877
Sioux war chief Gall is a strategist for Sitting Bull during the Great Sioux War.
Jun 1876
Sitting Bull is the spiritual leader at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
1877 - 1881
Sitting Bull retreats into Canada and remains there for four years.
1877
Rain-in-the-Face retreats to Canada with Sitting Bull and Sioux War Chief Gall.
1877
Sioux war chief Gall follows Sitting Bull on his retreat into Canada.
1881
Sitting Bull returns from Canada and surrenders to US authorities.
1884 - 1885
Sitting Bull is a stage performer, gaining international recognition.
1889
Caroline Weldon becomes Sitting Bull's friend, confidante, and secretary; warns him against the Ghost Dance.
1889
The Ghost Dance movement gains adherents; Sitting Bull supports but does not participate.
15 Dec 1890
Sitting Bull is killed while allegedly resisting arrest at Standing Rock Agency Reservation.

Sitting Bull

Server Costs Fundraiser 2024

Definition

Timeline