Sitting Bull’s Tragic Death

December 15, 1890 Sitting Bull, best known American Indian, leader of the ‘hostile groups’ for a generation, a powerful orator, a clever prophet who believed that white contact only degraded the Indian, an Uncpapa Siouan patriot, was killed here at dawn, December 15, 1890. Slain with him were seven ‘ghost dancers,’ his followers, buried here Jan.2, 1891 by Rev. Thomas L. Riggs with Indian helpers.

The slain men’s names are on the nearby marble monument, placed here in 1958, but provided for by Missionary Mary Collins and kinsmen of the dead men half a century ago. Kicking Bear brought the ghost dance here in the summer of 1890. Misunderstood, it was believed by the white man to be a harbinger of warfare and the Government determined to stop it.

The Agent, James McLaughlin, demanded its cessation in Sitting Bull’s Village but it was continued. Acting under orders, McLaughlin had Lieut. Bullhead, Sgt. Shavehead, 37 Indian police and 4 volunteers proceed to arrest Sitting Bull, who, it was rumored, was about to flee to the Badlands at dawn. He submitted and agreed to go quietly, but on emerging from his cabin, taunted by his son Crowfoot, he called on his followers to release him.

Catch the Bear shot Bullhead, who turned and shot Sitting Bull. Red Tomahawk, behind Sitting Bull, also shot him. In the ensuing melee Bulkhead, Shavehead, James Little Eagle, Paul Akicitah, David Hawkman and John Armstrong, police, were killed and Alex Middle wounded. The better organized police fought off the ‘ghost dancers’ and were soon relieved by Captain Fetchet and cavalry.

An unnecessary and tragic end of a notable, if misguided Indian leader, this marker briefly tells the sad story.