The Grattan Massacre and the Birth of Crazy Horse

Sometimes the greatest happening's are born from the most trivial of circumstances.

In the days when white settlers were looking for a new start on the west coast, travel across country was harsh. If the elements didn't get you then hunger would, it seemed. Food was scarce and that made livestock a valuable commodity. A single cow could mean the difference between life and death.

One day in 1854 a cow wandered away from his wagon train and into the lair of the Brule' Lakota (Sioux) Indians. The owner of the cow went to the camp to reclaim his property and found that it had already been devoured. The furious owner then demanded that whoever killed the animal be handed over to pay for his crime. The chief refused. The chief then offered several fine horses as payment for the cow, but the cow's owner refused to negotiate. The situation was reported to the military at Ft. Laramie, Nebraska.

A young military officer named 2nd Lt. John L. Grattan had been looking for a way of making himself stand out among his peers. This was just the opportunity he had been waiting for and he arrogantly decided to handle the situation himself. He took a company of armed men to the camp and yet again asked the chief to surrender the offender. When the chief would not submit to Grattan's request a soldier took aim and shot him. This was the moment that forever changed history.

In that instant any restraint there had been between the two societies vanished. Bullets flew wildly and dead bodies lay all around. Enraged warriors immediately retaliated. Ninety percent of the soldiers who accompanied Grattan were wiped out. The cold blooded event was later labeled the Grattan Massacre and resulted in a war that lasted nearly thirty years.

There was no doubt that the situation was handled badly, but to kill a military man was to take on the entire establishment...and the establishment had been embarrassed. There was no other option for the military but to impose greater restrictions on the Lakota and force them into submission.

The Grattan Massacre was seen through the eyes of a young native boy which forever imparted on him the determination to be a great leader among his people. He trusted no white man and became a relentless thorn in their side. He was the mighty Crazy Horse.

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There is no official picture of Crazy Horse. He stood out among his own people not just mentally, but also physically. He was fairer skinned, and had lighter brown curly hair. And he had a vision that he could not be killed during battle.

It is believed that Crazy Horse was the first warrior across the river when Custer's troops attacked at the battle of the Little Big Horn and that he is responsible for the regiments complete annihilation.

Crazy Horse didn't have a legitimate title of chief, though, warriors eagerly followed him. He had an intense warrior's spirit, lethal skill with a weapon, and natural leadership abilities.

He wore an embellished buckskin shirt that his people gave to him to symbolize his value in their society (the shirt had previously been taken away from him for irresponsibly taking another man's wife).

Crazy Horse realized that the situation between his nation and the white man was dire. He understood that he may have won battles, but was ultimately losing the war. It was with a heavy heart that he made his way to Fort Robinson, Nebraska to talk of peace. And although he knew there was little chance of his return, he risked his life for the good of his people.

The long anticipated meeting convened as planned, however, a disgruntled interpreter intentionally miscommunicated Crazy Horse's words; Crazy Horse felt something was terribly wrong and that he was being led into a trap.

Just short of the guard house, Crazy Horse bolted. Caught and detained by one of his own, Crazy Horse was bayoneted in a kidney by a soldier. He died a painful death with his father at his side. It was his vision come true.

Crazy Horse died not on the battlefield, but in the midst of betrayal. Tragic though it was, he died a hero to his people and as an inspiration to others. Long live the memory of Crazy Horse.