A biography of crazy horse

(1842-1877)

Who Was Crazy Horse?

Crazy Horse was an Oglala Sioux Indian chief who fought against removal to a reservation in the Black Hills.

In 1876, he joined with Cheyenne forces in a surprise attack against Gen. George Crook; then united with Chief Sitting Bull for the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

A biography of crazy horse

In 1877, Crazy Horse surrendered and was killed in a scuffle with soldiers.

Early Years

An uncompromising and fearless Lakota leader who was committed to protecting his people's way of life, Crazy Horse was born with the Native American name Tashunka Witco around 1840 near what is present-day Rapid Springs, South Dakota.

The details of how he came to acquire the name Crazy Horse are up for debate.

One account says that his father, also named Crazy Horse, passed the name on to him after his son had demonstrated his skills as a warrior.

Even as a young boy, Crazy Horse stood out. He was fair-skinned and had brown, curly hair, giving him an appearance that was noti