George Crook – Fighter and Friend to the Indians
George Crook, a name etched in the annals of American history, stands as a complex figure, a study in contrasts. He was a career United States Army officer, a veteran of both the Civil War and the tumultuous Indian Wars of the late 19th century. While celebrated for his military prowess, particularly during the Civil War, George Crook is perhaps best remembered for his evolving perspective on Native American affairs and his advocacy for their rights, a stance that earned him the respect, and even friendship, of some of the very people he was initially tasked with subduing. His legacy is a testament to the possibility of empathy and understanding amidst conflict, making him a fascinating subject of historical study.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, on September 8, 1828, George Crook embarked on a military career after graduating from West Point in 1852. His early years were spent in the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, a region rife with tension between settlers and Native American tribes. Assigned to the 4th U.S. Infantry, he served in California from 1852 to 1861. He then served in Oregon and northern California, where he engaged in campaigns against various tribes, including the Pit River Indians. This period provided him with firsthand experience of the challenges and complexities of frontier life, shaping his understanding of Native American culture and the injustices they faced.
In 1856, George Crook was promoted to first lieutenant, and the following year, he commanded the Pitt River Expedition. He was severely wounded by an Indian arrow in one of the several engagements. He established Fort Ter-Waw in what is now Klamath, California. These early experiences in the West would profoundly influence his later approach to dealing with Native American populations.
The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 marked a significant turning point in Crook’s career. Promoted to captain in 1860, he was ordered East in 1861. He quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating his military acumen and leadership abilities. He was made colonel of the 36th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the beginning of the Civil War.
On September 7, 1862, he was promoted to brigadier general and commanded a brigade of regiments from Ohio during the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam during the Maryland Campaign. Following the campaign, George Crook was assigned to the command of the Kanawha Division, which was detailed to the Army of the Cumberland in the Western Theater. Crook fought in the Battle of Chattanooga in Tennessee and the Chickamauga Campaign. His contributions to the Union cause were substantial, earning him recognition as a skilled and courageous commander.
Returning to the East in the spring of 1864, Crook led a raid on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad and in the Valley Campaign battles of Third Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek; shortly after, he was promoted to Major General. His tactical brilliance and unwavering determination were evident in numerous battles, contributing significantly to the Union victory.
In February 1865, Crook was captured by Confederate raiders at Cumberland, Maryland, and held as a prisoner until exchanged on March 20th. He was assigned command of a cavalry division in the Army of the Potomac for the Appomattox Campaign, with notable service at Five Forks, Sayler’s Creek, and the final battle at Appomattox Court House. His participation in the Appomattox Campaign, culminating in the surrender of General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army, solidified his place in American military history.
He married Mary Tapscott Dailey, from Virginia, in 1865.
Following the Civil War, George Crook was assigned to the 23rd U.S. Infantry on frontier duty in the Pacific Northwest, where he would again confront the complexities of the Indian Wars. He fought the Paiute in the rugged desert of eastern Oregon, pacifying the region within a year. When President Ulysses S. Grant sent him to Arizona to fight the Apache, he reorganized his command, employed Indian scouts, and constantly pressured the roving war parties. In two years, most of the Apache were on reservations. General William Sherman said the greatest Indian fighter of them all was General Crook.
This period marked a shift in his approach to Native American affairs. He began to recognize the injustices faced by these tribes, the broken treaties, and the encroachment on their ancestral lands. He increasingly advocated for fairer treatment and sought to understand their perspectives.
His reputation as a skilled Indian fighter and his growing empathy for Native Americans led to his assignment as commander of the Department of the Platte, responsible for overseeing the vast territory encompassing the northern plains. In this role, Crook led the Powder River and Yellowstone expeditions against the Sioux. Defeated by Crazy Horse at the Battle of Rosebud, he failed to link up with General Alfred Terry, a circumstance that may have contributed to the massacre at the Little Bighorn.
Crook returned to Arizona in 1881 when the Apache rose again. After eight months of hard campaigning, Crook returned the Apache to their reservations. The Apache went on the warpath two years later, and Crook’s last campaign ended in the surrender of Geronimo. After leaving the army, he worked with the U.S. government to uphold its promises to the conquered tribes and for better treatment of the Indians.
However, his commitment to justice and understanding did not always align with the prevailing attitudes of the time. His efforts to negotiate with Native American leaders and advocate for their rights often met with resistance from government officials and settlers who prioritized expansion and control. Despite these challenges, George Crook persisted in his efforts to bridge the divide between cultures and promote peaceful coexistence.
General Crook died suddenly in Chicago, Illinois, on March 21, 1890, while serving as commander of the Division of the Missouri. He was initially buried in Oakland, Maryland. In 1898, Crook’s remains were transported to Arlington National Cemetery, where he was re-interred on November 11. At Crook’s death, his old adversary, Red Cloud, said, “He never lied to us. His words gave my people hope.”
His legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a skilled military leader who served his country with distinction, yet he also recognized the humanity and dignity of the Native American people. His efforts to promote understanding and justice, even in the face of adversity, earned him the respect of many, both within and outside the military. George Crook stands as a reminder that even in times of conflict, empathy and compassion can prevail. His life and career offer valuable lessons about the importance of cross-cultural understanding and the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.