White Man Runs Him
White Man Runs Him is a notable figure in Native American history, particularly among the Crow tribe. His name originates from an incident involving his father, who was pursued by a white man with a rifle. As a young warrior, White Man Runs Him gained recognition for his prowess in battle, particularly during raids against their traditional rivals, the Sioux. In the 1870s, he served as a chief Indian scout for General George Armstrong Custer's Seventh Cavalry. His scouting efforts were instrumental in locating Sioux encampments along the Little Bighorn River, which led to the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Despite his contributions, the nuances of the Indian scouts' roles during the battle remain a topic of debate among historians. Over the years, White Man Runs Him faced mixed perceptions, including derogatory references from some of his enemies. He passed away in 1925 and was later reburied at the Little Bighorn Battlefield Cemetery in 1929. His legacy reflects the complexities of Native American experiences during a tumultuous period in U.S. history.
White Man Runs Him
- Born: c. 1855
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: c. 1925
- Place of death: Crow Agency, Montana
Category: Warrior, U.S. Army scout
Tribal affiliation: Crow
Significance: White Man Runs Him was Custer’s chief scout during the Sioux Wars
Beshayeschayecoosis’ father was chased by a rifle-firing white man, thus acquiring the name White Man Runs Him; the young warrior inherited his adult name from his father. Traditionally, the Crow and Sioux were enemies, and White Man Runs Him, in his youth, was a successful warrior who participated in numerous horse-stealing raids against the Sioux. In the 1870’s, White Man Runs Him was chief Indian scout in Custer’s Seventh Cavalry. While on a scouting foray, White Man Runs Him and four other scouts, in search of Sioux who had left the reservation, spotted them encamped on the banks of the Little Bighorn River. The sighting was reported to George A. Custer, and the stage was set for the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Years later, some of White Man Runs Him’s enemies, remembering his scouting activities, used his name derisively. He was often interviewed about his role in the Little Bighorn, but historians are not clear on what function the Indian scouts played during the actual battle. White Man Runs Him died in 1925; he was reburied in the Little Bighorn Battlefield Cemetery in 1929.
