James Bear's Heart
James Bear's Heart was a prominent Native American warrior known for his involvement in conflicts against various groups, including the Utes, Texans, Mexicans, and U.S. Rangers. His life took a significant turn during the Red River War of 1875 when he was accused of involvement in the deaths of white settlers and subsequently imprisoned as a prisoner of war at Fort Marion in St. Augustine, Florida, for three years. During his incarceration, he engaged in educational and vocational programs initiated by U.S. Army Lieutenant Richard Henry Pratt, gaining valuable skills in art and carpentry. Alongside fellow warriors, he became part of an artistic collective known as the Florida Boys, where he found a market for his artwork. After his release in 1878, he attended Hampton Institute in Virginia, converted to Christianity, and adopted the name James. He later returned to Indian Territory, where he practiced carpentry until his untimely death from tuberculosis in 1882. Bear's Heart's life reflects the complex intersections of culture, conflict, and transformation in Native American history during the late 19th century.
James Bear's Heart
- Born: 1851
- Birthplace: Place unknown
- Died: January 25, 1882
- Place of death: Darlington, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Category: Warrior, artist
Tribal affiliation: Cheyenne
Significance: A prolific artist, James Bear’s Heart combined Indian symbolism with formal Western techniques
Young James Bear’s Heart was a noted warrior, having fought against the Utes, Texans, Mexicans, and U.S. Rangers. During the Red River War of 1875, he was accused of complicity in the murder of white settlers in Indian Territory and sent to the Fort Marion military prison in St. Augustine, Florida. He was confined for three years as a prisoner of war. While imprisoned, he participated in an educational and vocational program designed by U.S. Army Lieutenant Richard Henry Pratt. For their artistic pursuits, American Horse and fellow warriors Cohoe, Howling Wolf, and Zotom became known as the Florida Boys. Bear’s Heart discovered a substantial market for his artwork.
After release from prison in 1878, Bear’s Heart attended Virginia’s Hampton Institute, where he converted to Christianity and adopted the name James. In 1881, Bear’s Heart returned to Indian Territory, where he practiced carpentry, another skill learned under Pratt’s tutelage while imprisoned. Bear’s Heart died of tuberculosis in 1882.