Buffalo Hump
Buffalo Hump was a prominent leader of the Penateka band of Comanches, recognized for his military prowess during the early Comanche Wars. He rose to prominence around 1849 after engaging in various battles against Mexicans, Texans, and other Native American tribes, such as the Cheyennes and Arapahos. In the 1830s, Buffalo Hump led large-scale raids into Mexico, targeting both horses and enslaved individuals. His involvement in intertribal diplomacy included efforts to establish peace among the Cheyennes, Kiowas, and Comanches in 1840.
Despite his leadership and participation in significant treaties, such as the Little Arkansas Treaty in 1856, which aimed to create a reservation for the tribes, Buffalo Hump faced challenges as promises for land were ultimately unfulfilled. His military career was notably marked by a significant defeat at Rush Springs in the 1850s, although he managed to escape. Buffalo Hump's legacy is also linked to his son, who fought alongside the influential war chief Quanah Parker. Overall, Buffalo Hump's life reflects the complexities of Native American resistance during a tumultuous period in history.
Buffalo Hump
- Born: c. 1800
- Birthplace: Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
- Died: 1870
- Place of death: Kiowa-Comanche Reservation, near Fort Cobb, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Category: War chief
Tribal affiliation: Comanche
Significance: A leader in the early Comanche Wars, Buffalo Hump was most active from the 1830’s through the 1850’s
With the exception of his exploits as a leader during the early Comanche Wars, little is known of Buffalo Hump’s life. After proving himself in battle against Mexicans, Texans, Cheyennes, and Arapahos, Buffalo Hump became principal chief of the Penateka band of Comanches in 1849.
In the 1830’s, he led more than one thousand men on raids for horses and slaves in Chihuahua, Mexico. During the same period, he also raided other Indians, particularly the Southern Cheyenne under Yellow Wolf. In 1840, Buffalo Hump participated in establishing peace between the Cheyennes, Kiowas, and Comanches.
After an incident in 1838 known as the Council House Affair, in which Texas Rangers attempted to force the Comanche to release of several white hostages by seizing chiefs who had gathered under truce at San Antonio, Buffalo Hump led his forces to the Gulf of Mexico. After raiding several villages and coming under attack by Rangers, Buffalo Hump returned north.
Texas Rangers led a coordinated campaign against the Comanches in the 1850’s. Although his band was badly defeated at Rush Springs, Oklahoma, Buffalo Hump escaped. With representatives from other Southern Plains tribes, including the Kiowas, Comanches, Cheyennes, and Arapahos, Buffalo Hump, in October, 1856, signed the Little Arkansas Treaty, by which a reservation was established in Kansas and Indian Territory. The resulting peace was short-lived, however, as the promised reservation was never established. Buffalo Hump’s son, also named Buffalo Hump, fought with war chief Quanah Parker.