Hollow Horn Bear
Hollow Horn Bear was a prominent Brule Sioux leader known for his role in the resistance against U.S. expansion during the 19th century. Born in Sheridan County, Nebraska, he was the son of Chief Iron Shell and initially gained notoriety as a warrior who conducted raids against the Pawnee and participated in conflicts along the Bozeman Trail. His most notable achievement was defeating Lieutenant William Fetterman during the Bozeman Trail wars, a significant victory that contributed to his reputation as a formidable chief.
Following a period of conflict, Hollow Horn Bear shifted towards advocating for peace in the 1870s and became a celebrated figure in the East, even appearing on a fourteen-cent stamp and a five-dollar bill. He participated in notable events, such as the inaugurations of President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905 and President Woodrow Wilson in 1913. Unfortunately, during the latter event, he contracted pneumonia and passed away. Hollow Horn Bear's legacy reflects the complex history of Native American leadership and their responses to colonization and cultural exchange.
Subject Terms
Hollow Horn Bear
- Born: 1850
- Birthplace: Sheridan County, Nebraska
- Died: March 15, 1913
- Place of death: Washington, D.C.
Tribal affiliation: Brule Sioux
Significance: Hollow Horn Bear favored peace with whites, and he became something of a celebrity; he appeared on a U.S. postage stamp and on a five-dollar bill
Hollow Horn Bear fought with the leading chiefs of the Plains against subjugation until the 1870’s; after that, he favored peace with the whites and became something of a celebrity along the East Coast. His likeness appeared on a fourteen-cent stamp as well as on a United States five-dollar bill.
Born in Sheridan County, Nebraska, a son of the chief Iron Shell, Hollow Horn Bear earned his early fame as a warrior. He raided the Pawnees at first, then aided other Sioux leaders in harassing forts along the Bozeman Trail between 1866 and 1868, when the Treaty of Fort Laramie was signed. During this time, he gained fame as the chief who defeated Lieutenant William Fetterman (who had bragged that he would cut through Sioux country with a handful of troops). Hollow Horn Bear also led raids on Union Pacific railroad workers’ camps.
In 1905, Hollow Horn Bear was invited to take part in the inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt. In 1913, he led a group of Indians in the presidential inauguration parade for Woodrow Wilson. On that visit, Hollow Horn Bear caught pneumonia and died.