American Horse
American Horse, the Younger, was a notable Sioux leader whose life was marked by a commitment to peace amidst the conflicts between Native Americans and white settlers. Likely the son of Sitting Bear and the nephew of American Horse, the Elder, he was also related to prominent figures like Red Cloud. Young American Horse fought against white encroachment during the Bozeman Trail War of 1866, showcasing his warrior spirit early in life. However, he later became a key advocate for peace, engaging in negotiations with military leaders like General George Crook.
In the late 1880s, he signed a treaty that resulted in the Sioux ceding a significant portion of their land in Dakota territory, demonstrating the complex realities faced by Native American leaders. As tensions rose, especially leading up to the Ghost Dance uprising in 1890, American Horse played a vital role in urging his people towards non-violent solutions, including convincing Big Foot's band to return to the Pine Ridge Reservation prior to the Wounded Knee Massacre. After these tragic events, he continued his advocacy, even participating in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show, which allowed him to raise awareness about Sioux issues. Overall, American Horse exemplifies the struggle for peace and negotiation during a challenging period of American history.
Subject Terms
American Horse
- Born: c. 1840
- Birthplace: Black Hills area (now in South Dakota)
- Died: December 16, 1908
- Place of death: Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Tribal affiliation: Oglala Sioux
Significance: A skilled orator and negotiator, American Horse advocated peace between whites and Sioux during the Sioux Wars of the late nineteenth century
American Horse, the Younger, was probably Sitting Bear’s son; American Horse, the Elder’s nephew; and Red Cloud’s son-in-law. As a young warrior, he fought white encroachment on Sioux hunting grounds during the Bozeman Trail War of 1866. For the remainder of his life, American Horse advocated peace with whites. In 1888-1889, after an extended and exhaustive negotiation with General George Crook, American Horse signed a treaty by which the Sioux ceded approximately half of their land in Dakota territory.
As tensions between whites and Sioux escalated, culminating in the Ghost Dance uprising of 1890, American Horse continued to advocate peace. Prior to the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890, American Horse persuaded Big Foot’s band to return to the Pine Ridge Reservation. In 1891, he led the first of several Sioux delegations to Washington, D.C., to negotiate for better Sioux-white relations. After Wounded Knee, American Horse was one of several Indian leaders who toured with Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West show.