Who was Spotted Tail?

Spotted Tail was a Lakota Sioux chief and war chief in the 19th century, who came to value diplomacy over armed conflict in dealing with the US government.

What is Spotted Tail best known for?

Sioux Chief Spotted Tail is best known for choosing the path of diplomacy over military conflict in defense of Sioux lands and rights.

How did the Sioux Chief Spotted Tail get his name?

Spotted Tail got his name from a raccoon tail given to him by a white trader.

How did Spotted Tail die?

Spotted Tail was shot and killed by the Lakota warrior Crow Dog in 1881. The reasons for the murder are debated but, most likely, had to do with Spotted Tail's friendly policies toward the US government.

Sioux Chief Spotted Tail (Eastman's Biography)

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Definition

Spotted Tail (Sinte Galeska, l. 1823-1881) was a Brule Lakota Sioux chief best known for choosing diplomacy over military conflict in dealing with the US government's policy of expansion in the 19th century. Although he became a respected warrior in his youth, he came to see military resistance to Euro-American expansion across Native lands as futile.

More about: Sioux Chief Spotted Tail (Eastman's Biography)

Timeline

1823 - 1881
Life of Sioux chief Spotted Tail.
c. 1854 - c. 1856
Spotted Tail surrenders himself to US authorities and is imprisoned; learns to speak and write English.
1868
Spotted Tail signs the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868.
c. 1870 - c. 1881
Spotted Tail works for peace between the Plains Indians and the US government.
1881
Spotted Tail is killed by Lakota warrior Crow Dog, possibly for his policies with the US government.