Notable Native Americans on the Frontier

"The American Indian is of the soil, whether it be the region of forests, plains, pueblos, or mesas. He fits into the landscape, for the hand that fashioned the continent also fashioned the man for his surroundings. He once grew as naturally as the wild sunflowers; he belongs just as the buffalo belonged."

— Luther Standing Bear, Oglala.

The narrative of the American West remains incomplete without acknowledging the profound influence and contributions of the indigenous peoples who were the land’s first inhabitants. Their stories, often overshadowed, are integral to understanding the complexities of westward expansion and the shaping of the nation. This article aims to illuminate the lives and legacies of some of the most Notable Native Americans on the Frontier, figures who played pivotal roles in the face of immense change and challenge.

This compilation serves as an introduction to the diverse array of Notable Native Americans on the Frontier – chiefs, heroes, warriors, medicine men, and diplomats – who left an indelible mark on the history of the United States. While countless individuals could be recognized, this curated list highlights some of the most well-known and influential figures whose actions and decisions significantly impacted the course of events during a transformative era.

These individuals, representing various tribes and nations, navigated a landscape fraught with conflict, negotiation, and cultural clash. Their stories offer invaluable insights into the perspectives, resilience, and enduring spirit of the Native American people during a period of profound upheaval. The legacy of Notable Native Americans on the Frontier serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and honoring the full spectrum of voices that have shaped the American West. The list below showcases some of the most well-known Notable Native Americans on the Frontier.

A

Adoeette, aka Big Tree (1845?-1871): Known to his Kiowa tribe as Adoette, Adoeette earned the moniker "Big Tree" from white settlers. His life unfolded during a period of intense conflict and cultural transition for the Kiowa people, marked by increasing pressure from westward expansion and government policies aimed at confining them to reservations. Further information about Big Tree’s activities and the role he played in Kiowa resistance or adaptation can be found through historical records and tribal narratives.

American Horse (1800-1876): This Oglala Sioux chief distinguished himself as a principal war chief, actively participating in the defense of his people’s lands and way of life. His involvement in the Battle of the Little Bighorn underscores his commitment to resisting encroachment and upholding Sioux sovereignty. Tragically, American Horse met his end in 1876 at the hands of General George Crook’s troops, a stark reminder of the violent clashes that characterized the era.

B

George Bent (1843-1918): A man of mixed Cheyenne and American heritage, George Bent’s unique background positioned him as a crucial figure in bridging the divide between two cultures. As an interpreter, historian, Civil War soldier, and Cheyenne Dog Soldier, Bent possessed a multifaceted understanding of the conflicts and negotiations that shaped the American West. His life in Colorado placed him at the heart of westward expansion, and his writings and historical contributions offer valuable perspectives on the events of the time.

Big Bill: As a Paiute chief, Big Bill played a controversial role in the tragic Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857. He led a group of Paiute warriors who aided Mormon leader John D. Lee in the brutal attack on a wagon train in southwestern Utah. This event stands as a dark chapter in the history of the West, highlighting the complexities and tensions that arose from the interactions between settlers and Native American tribes.

Big Elk (1765-1846): Ongpatonga, or Big Elk, rose to prominence as a leader of the Omaha tribe, earning respect as a warrior in his youth through skirmishes with the Pawnee. Following the death of Chief Washinggusaba (Black Bird), known for his tyrannical rule, Big Elk’s reputation for fairness led to his selection as principal chief around 1800. As Euro-Americans began traversing Omaha territory, Big Elk navigated the changing landscape, traveling to Washington, D.C. in 1821 and 1837 to negotiate treaties. His eloquence and leadership guided the Omaha people until his death from fever in 1846. He was laid to rest in Bellevue, Nebraska, at a site revered by the Omaha as Onpontonga Xiathon, "the Place Where Big Elk Is Buried."

Big Foot, aka Sithanka, Spotted Elk (1826?-1890): As chief of the Cheyenne River Reservation, Big Foot, also known as Sithanka or Spotted Elk, tragically became a symbol of the Wounded Knee Massacre. On December 29, 1890, he and nearly 300 members of his tribe were killed by U.S. soldiers, marking a devastating end to a period of intense conflict and cultural suppression. The massacre at Wounded Knee remains a poignant reminder of the injustices inflicted upon Native American communities.

Big Mush (??-1839): Chief Big Mush, or Gatun-wa-li, played a significant role among the Cherokee bands who had settled in northeast Texas. While details of his life are scarce, he was known for his authority in civil matters. Closely associated with Chief Bowles, Big Mush signed the treaty with General Sam Houston in 1827, assigning lands to the Cherokee. However, the Texas Senate’s refusal to ratify the treaty ultimately led to the Cherokee War. Big Mush, along with Chief Bowles, was killed in the Battle of the Neches on July 16, 1839, marking a tragic loss for the Cherokee people.

Black Elk (1863-1950): Hehaka Sapa, or Black Elk, was a revered Lakota holy man whose life spanned a period of profound change and cultural clash. He participated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn at the young age of 12, witnessing firsthand the conflict between Native American resistance and westward expansion. Black Elk later joined Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, touring eastern cities and Europe, an experience that exposed him to different cultures and perspectives. In 1890, he was wounded in the tragic massacre at Wounded Knee. Embracing Catholicism and taking the name Nicholas Black Elk, he served as a spiritual leader among his people, finding harmony between tribal traditions and Christian beliefs. Black Elk dedicated himself to converting Arapaho, Winnebago, Omaha, and other tribes to Christianity. He later combined his missionary work with showmanship at tourist attractions in South Dakota, using his reputation as a Lakota holy man to draw visitors.

Black Kettle (1803-68): This peaceful leader of the Southern Cheyenne tribe tragically lost his life at the hands of General George Armstrong Custer and his troops during the Battle of Washita. Black Kettle’s commitment to peace and diplomacy stands in stark contrast to the violence that ultimately claimed his life, highlighting the challenges faced by those who sought peaceful coexistence during a time of conflict.

Chief Bowl (1756-1839): Known to the Cherokee as Diwal’li, Chief Bowl led his people to Texas in search of new lands and opportunities. However, his life was cut short at the Battle of the Neches, a conflict that arose from tensions between the Cherokee and the Republic of Texas. Chief Bowl’s leadership and the circumstances of his death underscore the complexities of Native American migration and settlement during the 19th century.

Edward "Ned" Wilkerson Bushyhead (1832-1907): Bushyhead’s life journey took him from the Cherokee Trail of Tears to the gold mines of California and ultimately to the role of Chief of Police in San Diego. His diverse experiences as a miner, publisher, and lawman reflect the adaptability and resilience of Native Americans in the face of changing circumstances.

C

Cochise (18??-1874): As an Apache chief, Cochise stood as a staunch defender of his people’s lands and way of life. His resistance to white settlement made him one of the last holdouts against westward expansion. Cochise’s legacy as a warrior and leader continues to inspire, and his story remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the Apache people.

Chief Levi Colbert (1759-1834): Also known as Itawamba in Chickasaw, Colbert was a prominent leader and chief of the Chickasaw in Alabama and Mississippi. He and his brother, George Colbert, served as important interpreters and negotiators with Andrew Jackson’s appointed negotiators regarding Indian Removal policies.

Crazy Horse (1842-1877): This brave and skilled warrior relentlessly resisted white encroachment into the Black Hills, a sacred area for the Sioux people. Crazy Horse’s military prowess and unwavering commitment to protecting his people’s land and culture made him a symbol of resistance against westward expansion.

Crow Dog (1833-1910): Crow Dog played a significant role in popularizing the Ghost Dance among the Lakota people. The Ghost Dance was a spiritual movement that promised a return to traditional ways and the restoration of Native American lands. Crow Dog’s involvement in this movement reflects the cultural and spiritual resilience of Native Americans in the face of immense pressure and change.

Natawista Culbertson (1825?-1895): Natawista, the daughter of a Blackfeet chief, forged a unique path as a diplomat, hostess, and interpreter. Her marriage to fur trader Alexander Culbertson positioned her as a bridge between two cultures, and her contributions to diplomacy and intercultural understanding are noteworthy.

D

Dog Soldiers: The Dog Soldiers were a warrior society of the Cheyenne tribe, known for their bravery and commitment to protecting their people’s lands and way of life. As dedicated protectors of the Cheyenne people, the Dog Soldiers often played a crucial role in resisting encroachment and defending against threats.

Dull Knife (18??-1879): After being placed on a reservation in Oklahoma, Dull Knife defied the authorities and led his people on a courageous journey back to their homeland in September 1878. This act of defiance and determination reflects the enduring connection of Native Americans to their ancestral lands.

Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman, aka Ohiyesa (1858-1939): Eastman was a Santee Sioux author, physician, and reformer who dedicated his life to advocating for the rights and well-being of Native Americans. His active involvement in politics and his role in founding the Boy Scouts of America demonstrate his commitment to creating opportunities for Native American youth and promoting positive change.

This list is not exhaustive, but it is representative of the many Notable Native Americans on the Frontier who helped shape the history of the American West.