The Crow – Skilled Horseman of Montana
The vast plains of Montana, under the expansive sky, were once home to a people renowned for their horsemanship, their distinctive culture, and their enduring spirit: the Crow. Also known as the Apsáalooke, Absaroka, and Apsaroke, this Siouan tribe carved a prominent place for themselves in the history of the American West. Their name, bestowed upon them by the Hidatsa, translates to "people (or children) of the large-beaked bird," a moniker that hints at their connection to the natural world and their keen observation of its creatures. Historically, the Crow flourished in the Yellowstone River Valley, a landscape that shaped their nomadic lifestyle and their deep understanding of the land.
The origins of The Crow people trace back to the upper reaches of the Mississippi River in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, where they were once part of the Hidatsa tribe. Over time, driven by their own destiny and the changing dynamics of the region, they migrated to the Devil’s Lake region of North Dakota. This marked a pivotal moment in their history, as they eventually separated from the Hidatsa and embarked on a westward journey that would lead them to the heart of Montana.
Upon settling in Montana, The Crow nation further diversified, splitting into two distinct divisions: the Mountain Crow and the River Crow. Each group adapted to the specific nuances of their respective environments, developing unique skills and traditions while maintaining their shared cultural heritage. The first recorded encounter with Europeans occurred in 1743, when two Frenchmen stumbled upon them near present-day Hardin, Montana. This initial contact foreshadowed the increasing presence of outsiders in their territory, a presence that would eventually reshape their way of life. Decades later, the Lewis and Clark expedition encountered the Crow in 1804. The explorers estimated their population to be around 3,500 members, residing in approximately 350 lodges, a testament to their established presence in the region.
Like many other Plains Indians, The Crow traditionally lived in teepees, portable and adaptable dwellings that reflected their nomadic lifestyle. However, Crow teepees were often larger than those of other tribes, reflecting their prosperity and the importance of communal living. These structures were meticulously crafted from buffalo skins stretched over wooden poles. Instead of displaying scalps as trophies, the Crow adorned their teepees with strips of vibrant red cloth, adding a distinctive visual element to their camps. The bison was the cornerstone of the Crow diet, providing them with sustenance, clothing, and materials for tools and shelter. They also hunted mountain sheep, deer, and other game to supplement their food supply and utilize the various resources these animals provided.
The Crow men were renowned for their elaborate hairstyles, a symbol of pride and status within the tribe. They allowed their hair to grow exceptionally long, sometimes reaching the ground, and decorated it with a variety of ornaments, including feathers, beads, and shells. In contrast, Crow women traditionally wore their hair short. While the men were celebrated as skilled horsemen and hunters, the women were equally esteemed for their artistry and craftsmanship. They excelled at decorating clothing for both men and women with intricate beadwork, embroidery, and dyed porcupine quills, transforming garments into stunning displays of cultural identity.
Early explorers often described The Crow as a wandering tribe of hunters, known for their superstitions, their exceptional horsemanship, and their disdain for white settlers. However, unlike some other tribes, the Crow were not typically known for killing white settlers, preferring instead to plunder their possessions. Their equestrian prowess was unmatched; they possessed more horses than any other Plains tribe, numbering around 10,000 in the mid-1800s and exceeding 40,000 by the turn of the 20th century. Horses were not merely a means of transportation; they were integral to their hunting practices, warfare strategies, and overall way of life. The Crow also kept large numbers of dogs, with one explorer reporting over 500. Unlike some other tribes, they did not consume dog meat, further highlighting their unique cultural practices.
The Crow society was structured along matrilineal lines, meaning that descent was traced through the mother’s side of the family. When a couple married, the husband would move in with the wife’s family, reinforcing the importance of female lineage. Women held significant roles within the tribe and often attained high-ranking positions, including that of chief, demonstrating their influence and leadership capabilities. This matrilineal system contributed to a more egalitarian society compared to many other cultures of the time.
Today, the vast majority of the Crow people reside on the Crow Indian Reservation in south-central Montana. Spanning over 3,600 square miles, it is the fifth-largest Indian reservation in the United States. The reservation is bordered by Wyoming to the south and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation to the east, encompassing approximately 2.3 million acres of land. This vast territory includes the northern end of the Bighorn Mountains, the Wolf Mountains, and the Pryor Mountains, providing a diverse landscape rich in natural resources. The Bighorn River flows north from the Yellowtail Dam, eventually joining the Little Bighorn River just outside Hardin, Montana, shaping the region’s ecosystem and providing vital water resources. The city of Billings is located approximately 10 miles northwest of the reservation boundary, representing a significant urban center in close proximity to the Crow community.
Membership in the Apsáalooke Nation numbers approximately 11,000, with nearly 8,000 residing on the Crow Indian Reservation. A remarkable 85% of the population speaks Crow as their first language, preserving their linguistic heritage and cultural identity. The Apsáalooke language, a part of the broader Siouan language family, is a testament to their enduring cultural resilience.
The Apsáalooke/Crow People are celebrated for the strength of their Apsáalooke ammaalaáttuua (Crow writing system) and their clan system. The Apsáalooke Ashammaláxxia, or Clan System, comprises several active clans, each with its own unique identity and traditions. These clans include the Ashshitchíte (the Big Lodge), Ashhilaalóo (Newly Made Lodge), Uuwatashe (Greasy Mouth), Ashíooshe (Sore Lip Clan), Xóhkaalaxche (Ties the Bundle Clan), Biliikóoshe (Whistling Waters Clan), Ashkápkawiia (Bad War Deeds Clan), and Aashkamne (Piegan clan), also known as Aashbatshua (Treacherous clan).
The Apsáalooke Nation’s headquarters are located at the Crow Agency, where the tribe hosts the Annual Crow Fair, a vibrant celebration that features a pow-wow, rodeo, and parade. This event, held each third weekend in August, transforms the area into "The Teepee Capital of the World," with as many as 1,500 teepees dotting the Little Big Horn River valley. The Crow Fair is a testament to the enduring traditions and cultural pride of the Apsáalooke people, offering a glimpse into their rich history and vibrant present.