Little Robe
Little Robe was a prominent Cheyenne leader and warrior who played a significant role in the history of the Southern Cheyenne during the 19th century. Initially distinguished as a warrior against traditional adversaries such as the Utes and Pawnees, he became a chief in 1863. Following the tragic Sand Creek Massacre, Little Robe actively participated in the Cheyenne-Arapaho War but later shifted his focus towards advocating for peace. He worked alongside other leaders like Black Kettle and George Bent to mediate peace with the militant Dog Soldiers, contributing to the signing of the Medicine Lodge Treaty in 1867.
After Black Kettle's death in 1868 at the Battle of Washita River, Little Robe succeeded him as the principal peace chief. He led a delegation of Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho chiefs to Washington in 1873 to negotiate with U.S. officials, emphasizing his commitment to peace despite ongoing conflicts like the Red River War. Ultimately, Little Robe settled along the North Canadian River in Indian Territory, where he maintained his desire for peace while resisting full adaptation to white culture, notably by refusing to send his children to white schools and defending his people's land rights. His legacy reflects the complexities of indigenous leadership during a period of significant upheaval.
Little Robe
- Born: 1828
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: 1886
- Place of death: Unknown
Category: Peace chief
Tribal affiliation: Southern Cheyenne
Significance: Succeeded Black Kettle as leading peace chief of the Southern Cheyenne
As a young man, Little Robe distinguished himself as a warrior against traditional Cheyenne foes including Utes and Pawnees; in 1863 he became a chief. Briefly, following the Sand Creek Massacre, he fought against whites in the Cheyenne-Arapaho War. Thereafter he advocated peace, joining with Black Kettle and George Bent to bring the militant Dog Soldiers to the signing of the Medicine Lodge Treaty of 1867. After Black Kettle’s death in 1868 at the Battle of Washita River, Little Robe succeeded him as principal peace chief and surrendered to General Philip Sheridan at Fort Cobb in the Indian Territory. In 1873 he headed the delegation of Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho chiefs who traveled to Washington to negotiate with the commissioner of Indian affairs. During the Red River War of 1874-1875, Little Robe continued to counsel peace.
Following the war, Little Robe lived on the North Canadian River in Indian Territory. Although he desired peace, he did not readily adapt to “white ways,” as evidenced by his refusal to send children from his band to white schools and his work to keep white-owned cattle off reservation lands.