Bull Bear
Bull Bear was a prominent figure among the Cheyenne people, serving as a leader of the Dog Soldiers, a society of warriors that acted as both an internal police force and a military group during conflicts with the U.S. Army in the 19th century. His leadership became particularly significant after the murder of his brother, Lean Bear, which propelled him towards a more militant stance. Although Bull Bear engaged in negotiations, such as with Colorado governor John Evans in 1864, he continued to lead raids against white settlers. He played a role in various military campaigns, including the Hancock Campaign aimed at removing Native Americans from non-reservation lands, and the Sheridan Campaign, where he was involved in the Battle at Summit Springs in 1868, a conflict that resulted in the death of fellow warrior Tall Bull. After a period of relocation to Indian Territory in 1869 and a return in 1871, Bull Bear supported allied tribes during the Red River War from 1874 to 1875 before retiring to the Cheyenne Reservation. His legacy reflects the complex interactions and resistance of Native American tribes during a tumultuous period of American expansion.
Bull Bear
- Born: c. 1840
- Birthplace: Kansas
- Died: After 1875
- Place of death: Cheyenne Reservation, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Category: Military leader
Tribal affiliation: Cheyenne
Significance: One of the principal leaders of the elite Cheyenne Dog Soldiers, Bull Bear participated in numerous battles during the Cheyenne Wars for the Great Plains
With Tall Bull and White Horse, Bull Bear led the society of warriors known as the Dog Soldiers. Functioning partially as an internal Cheyenne police force, the Dog Soldiers were also known for their battles against the U.S. Army during the wars for domination of the Plains. After his brother, peace chief Lean Bear, was murdered in 1864, Bull Bear became increasingly militant and thereafter was arguably the most powerful Dog Soldier.
Although he negotiated with Colorado governor John Evans at Camp Weld in 1864, Bull Bear nevertheless continued raiding whites. He participated in the Hancock Campaign of 1867, which sought to eliminate all non-reservation Indian presence in Kansas, and (although he signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty in 1867) he fought against the Sheridan Campaign, including the Battle at Summit Springs, Colorado, on July 11, 1868, during which Tall Bull was killed. In 1869, he led his people to Indian Territory, but returned in 1871. During the Red River War of 1874-1875, he aided the Comanches and Kiowas, thereafter retiring to the Cheyenne Reservation.