Stumbling Bear
Stumbling Bear was a significant war chief of the Kiowa tribe, known for his leadership during various conflicts against other Native American tribes and settlers in the mid-19th century. He played a prominent role in the first Battle of Adobe Walls in 1864, where he served as the principal war chief. Stumbling Bear was also a key figure during the negotiations for the Medicine Lodge Treaty in 1867, which aimed to establish reservations for Native Americans in Kansas. As the primary spokesperson for the Kiowa during these discussions, he ultimately signed the treaty and shifted his stance from warfare to advocating for peaceful coexistence with white settlers.
Throughout the Red River War from 1874 to 1875, Stumbling Bear promoted peace, contrasting with the more militant approach of fellow Kiowa leader Lone Wolf. His contributions to diplomatic efforts were recognized by the U.S. government, which built him a home in Indian Territory in 1878. His legacy reflects a complex interplay of conflict and diplomacy during a turbulent period in Native American history, emphasizing the challenges of navigating relationships with both his tribe and external forces.
Stumbling Bear
- Born: c. 1832
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: 1903
- Place of death: Fort Sill, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Category: Tribal chief
Tribal affiliation: Kiowa
Significance: Initially a fierce warrior, Stumbling Bear embraced peace after signing the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867
As a young man, Stumbling Bear was an important war chief. Along with his cousin Kicking Bird, Satanta, and Satank, Stumbling Bear participated in Kiowa raids against Pawnees, Navajos, Sauks, and Foxes as well as whites. Against Colonel Christopher “Kit” Carson at the first of the Battles of Adobe Walls in 1864, Stumbling Bear was principal war chief.
During negotiations for the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867, establishing reservations in Kansas, Stumbling Bear was the primary Kiowa spokesman. Upon signing the treaty, he abandoned hostilities and thereafter advocated accommodation with whites. During the Kiowa, Comanche, and Cheyenne uprising known as the Red River War, from 1874 to 1875, he called for peace—opposing the Kiowa war leader Lone Wolf. In 1872, Stumbling Bear and Kicking Bird were the major Kiowa representatives during negotiations in Washington, D.C. In appreciation of his services, the U.S. government, in 1878, built a home for him in Indian Territory.