Legend Of Crazy Woman’s Fork
(Image of Tipis on the Little Bighorn River)
By Edmund B. Tuttle in 1873
The vast and often unforgiving landscape of the American West is etched with stories, some factual, some embellished, and some deeply rooted in the oral traditions of its native peoples. One such tale, recounted by Iron Bull, a respected chief of the Absaraka, or Crow Nation, speaks of a place known as "Crazy Woman’s Fork." This narrative, preserved by Edmund B. Tuttle in 1873, offers a glimpse into the Crow perspective on their history, their relationship with the land, and their encounters with the encroaching white culture. The Crow, known for their generally peaceful interactions with white settlers, held a unique position among the tribes of the Great Plains. They prided themselves on their amicable relationship and the fact that they had never engaged in warfare with them.
Iron Bull’s story unfolds in the context of the journey between Fort Phil Kearney in Wyoming and Fort C. F. Smith in Montana, a route that cut through the heart of Crow territory. The location called Legend Of Crazy Woman’s Fork, a tributary of the Little Bighorn River, became a popular camping spot due to its accessible water source. However, its allure was tempered by the ever-present threat of Indian attacks. The abundant game in the valley attracted both the Crow and other tribes, leading to potential conflicts and dangers for travelers.
Despite the inherent risks, the region possessed an undeniable beauty. Tuttle describes the captivating scenery, with cottonwood trees lining the banks of the stream and the majestic Rocky Mountains rising in the distance. The snow-capped peaks, shrouded in a soft haze, inspired awe and wonder, evoking images of a celestial realm. This juxtaposition of peril and beauty is a recurring theme in accounts of the American West, highlighting the challenges and rewards of life on the frontier. The name Legend Of Crazy Woman’s Fork itself adds an air of mystery, hinting at a deeper story behind the tranquil landscape.
(Image of Two Whistles, a Crow Medicine Man)
According to Iron Bull, the legend dates back approximately two centuries. In a time when the stars shone brighter and the Crow Nation flourished, their dominion stretched from the Missouri River to the Yellowstone River. The Sioux, traditional rivals of the Crow, dared not venture into their territory. However, a period of hardship befell the tribe, brought about by what Iron Bull attributed to the wickedness of his people. The Great Spirit, angered by their transgressions, darkened the heavens, causing a severe drought. The rivers dried up, the snow vanished from the mountains, and the buffalo, elk, deer, and other game disappeared, leading to widespread famine.
The scarcity of food brought immense suffering to the Crow. Warriors watched helplessly as their wives and children succumbed to starvation. Despite their dire circumstances, the Crow continued their ongoing conflicts with the Sioux, further straining their resources. In desperation, the tribe’s medicine man convened a council, guided by a dream in which the Great Spirit instructed him to gather the chiefs at the fork of the stream where they lived.
Having been forced to eat their ponies for sustenance, the Crow chiefs made the arduous journey to the designated meeting place on foot. As they approached the bluffs overlooking the valley, they were met with an unexpected sight: a bountiful feast laid out on the bank of the stream. Standing nearby was a white woman, beckoning them to descend.
(Image of Upper Missouri River Breaks by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management)
The sight of a "white woman" was a novelty to the Crow, as they had never encountered one before. Intrigued and cautious, the medicine man led the descent into the valley. The white woman, acting as a conduit for the Great Spirit, conveyed a message of peace. She declared that the tribe’s incessant wars were displeasing to the Great Spirit and that they must seek reconciliation with the Sioux Nation. Once peace was established, the great chief, "The-Bear-that-grabs," was to return to her. The story surrounding the place now known as Legend Of Crazy Woman’s Fork is a testament to the power of belief and the longing for harmony.
Following the white woman’s instructions, the Crow sent emissaries to the Sioux, and a truce was declared, marking the first time in a century that the two tribes had ceased hostilities. With peace established, the white woman instructed the chief to journey westward towards the Big Horn River. There, at a perpendicular rock face, he was to shoot three arrows, each striking the rock.
(Image of Apsaroke/Crow Bull Chief at the Ford by Edward S. Curtis, 1905)
The chief embarked on his mission, and as he crested the bluffs, he glanced back at the white woman. To his astonishment, she was rising into the air, ascending towards the mountains. He watched as she disappeared over the highest peak, vanishing into the sky. This miraculous event further solidified the belief that the white woman was a divine messenger, sent to guide the Crow through their time of hardship. The area around the Legend Of Crazy Woman’s Fork became a sacred space, forever associated with the appearance of this enigmatic figure.
Upon reaching the designated location, the chief discharged his arrows. The first arrow struck the rock. The second soared over the mountain. As the third arrow was released, a deafening roar reverberated through the mountains. Lightning illuminated the heavens, and thunder shook the earth. The ground trembled, and the rocks split asunder. From the newly formed fissure emerged countless herds of buffalo, filling the valleys and hills. The Crow rejoiced at this miraculous return of their sustenance, offering thanks to the Great Spirit and the benevolent white woman.
Iron Bull explained that the great fissure created by this event is none other than the canyon of the Big Horn River. This dramatic tale links the landscape features to the spiritual beliefs of the Crow, imbuing the land with a sense of sacred history. The very name, Legend Of Crazy Woman’s Fork, becomes a reminder of the divine intervention that saved the Crow from starvation and led them to a path of peace.
(Image of Native Plants – Native Healing Book)
Iron Bull further claimed that whenever significant events were about to transpire for the tribe, the image of the white woman could be seen hovering over the peak of the mountain near Legend Of Crazy Woman’s Fork. This vision served as a sign, a reminder of the tribe’s connection to the spiritual realm and the importance of adhering to the principles of peace and harmony.
Iron Bull also lamented the unfair treatment of the Crow by the U.S. government. He asserted that despite their unwavering friendship towards the whites, they were often treated worse than the tribes who actively resisted white expansion. He claimed that the government had even taken some of their lands and given them to the Sioux, their former enemies, who had caused considerable trouble for the white settlers. This grievance highlights the complex and often unjust relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, even those who sought peaceful coexistence.
The story of the Legend Of Crazy Woman’s Fork, as recounted by Iron Bull, offers a valuable insight into the Crow perspective on their history, their relationship with the land, and their interactions with the encroaching white culture. It is a tale of hardship, divine intervention, and the enduring power of belief. While the veracity of the events may be debated, the legend serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Crow Nation and the importance of preserving their stories for future generations.
By Edmund B. Tuttle, 1873. Compiled and edited by Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated June 2021.
Also See:
- The Crow – Skilled Horseman of Montana
- Legends, Ghosts, Myths & Mysteries
- Native Americans – First Owners of America
- Native American Legends & Tales
Author and Notes: The Legend Of Crazy Woman’s Fork was written by Edmund B. Tuttle in 1873. It was included in his book, Three Years on the Plains: Observations of Indians, 1867-1870. Tuttle was the post chaplain at Fort D. A. Russell in Wyoming Territory. As such, he was an eyewitness to the evolving relationship between the U.S. military and the American Indians, particularly the Sioux and the Cheyenne. In 1873, Tuttle wrote about the events he had observed, both historic and commonplace, during his time at the fort.