Little Raven
Little Raven was a prominent leader of the Arapaho tribe who succeeded his father as hereditary chief in 1855. Known for his intelligence, leadership abilities, and oratory skills, he earned respect from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Under his leadership, Little Raven signed the Treaty of Fort Wise in 1861, which created a reservation for the Arapaho in Arkansas. During the Civil War, he led retaliatory raids against white encroachments, demonstrating resistance to external pressures. Distrustful of Colorado officials and their promises of safety, he chose to relocate his people instead of staying in a vulnerable position. Throughout his leadership, he signed multiple treaties in the mid-to-late 1860s, which unfortunately further confined American Indians to reservations. In 1871, Little Raven gained recognition in eastern cities for his eloquent speeches and later opted for neutrality during the Red River War. He passed away in 1889, leaving a legacy that influenced the direction of the Arapaho people.
Little Raven
- Born: c. 1825
- Birthplace: On the Platte River, Nebraska
- Died: 1889
- Place of death: Cantonment, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Category: Chief
Tribal affiliation: Arapaho
Significance: As principal chief for the Arapaho, Little Raven supported accommodation and peace with whites
After earning his warrior’s reputation in battle against the Sauk and Fox, Little Raven succeeded his father as hereditary chief in 1855. Little Raven’s intelligence, leadership, and oratorical skills were admired by Indians and whites.
As chief, Little Raven signed the Treaty of Fort Wise (1861), establishing a reservation in Arkansas. Retaliating against white encroachment during the Civil War, he led several raids in Kansas and Colorado. Distrusting Colorado governor John Evans and militia commander John Chivington, Little Raven declined their false promises for protection at Sand Creek and led his people farther south.
In 1865 and 1867, Little Raven signed the treaty of Little Arkansas and treaty of Medicine Lodge by which American Indians were further relegated to reservations. During a trip in 1871 to several eastern cities, he earned a reputation among whites for oratory. Returning convinced of the president’s peaceful intentions, he remained neutral during the Red River War of 1874-1875. At his death in 1889, Little Raven was succeeded as chief by Left Hand the second.