Tall Bull
Tall Bull was a prominent Cheyenne leader during the tumultuous period of the late 19th century, particularly known for his participation in key events such as the Medicine Lodge Treaty Council in 1867. At this council, he advocated for peace, emphasizing that the Cheyenne people sought to avoid conflict and had not harmed settlers. Tall Bull played a significant role in various military engagements, including the Battle of Beecher Island in 1868, where he advised fellow leader Roman Nose on the importance of spiritual practices before battle. Following the destruction of Black Kettle's village in 1868, Tall Bull led a group of Dog Soldiers to establish a new settlement along the Republican River. Tragically, this village was attacked in 1869, resulting in losses for his warriors. Tall Bull ultimately met his end at the Battle of Summit Springs later that year, marking a significant decline in the power of the Dog Soldiers on the Great Plains. His legacy reflects the struggles and resistance of the Cheyenne people during a challenging historical period.
Tall Bull
- Born: c. 1830
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: July 11, 1869
- Place of death: Summit Springs Battlefield, Colorado
Category: Tribal leader
Tribal affiliation: Central Cheyenne
Significance: Tall Bull, the most noted Dog Soldier chief and leader, featured prominently in the Plains Wars of the late 1860’s
When the famous treaty council met at Medicine Lodge Creek (southern Kansas) in October, 1867, Tall Bull played a major role. He was one of the first Cheyenne leaders to visit the commission camp. Tall Bull declared at the council that the Cheyenne did not want war and had never done the whites harm.
In September of 1868, Tall Bull was with Roman Nose in the fateful Beecher Island battle. He is reportedly the one who warned Roman Nose of the need for a purification ritual. Roman Nose was killed in the battle.
When General George Armstong Custer and his troops destroyed Black Kettle’s village of so-called friendly Cheyennes on the Washita River the following year, Tall Bull led 165 lodges of Dog Soldiers and their families to establish a village on the Republican River. The village was attacked in the spring of 1869 by Major Eugene Carr, in which twenty-five of Tall Bull’s five hundred warriors were killed. During the retaliation that ensued, Tall Bull was killed by the commander of Carr’s Pawnee scouts, Major Frank North, near Summit Springs in northeastern Colorado. Tall Bull’s wife and six-year-old daughter were taken prisoner. The Battle of Summit Springs marked the end of the Dog Soldiers’ power on the Great Plains.