Rain-in-the-Face – Strategic Sioux Warrior
The vast plains of the American West, a landscape etched with the dramas of conflict and coexistence, bore witness to the rise of many figures who became legends in their own time. Among these figures stands Rain-in-the-Face, a prominent Sioux warrior whose name resonated with both fear and respect across the frontier. His strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to his people cemented his place in the annals of Native American history. This article delves into the life and legacy of Rain-in-the-Face, exploring his origins, his participation in pivotal battles, and the stories that shaped his enduring reputation.
Our understanding of Rain-in-the-Face is significantly enriched by the accounts of Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa), a physician, author, and member of the Sioux nation. Eastman’s unique position allowed him to bridge two worlds, offering invaluable insights into the lives and perspectives of Native American leaders. In his book, Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains, Eastman recounts his visit to the ailing Rain-in-the-Face shortly before his death in 1905, providing a firsthand narrative of the warrior’s life as told by the man himself.
Eastman’s account highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in eliciting such a personal narrative. Recognizing the reluctance of many Native Americans to directly answer questions about their history, Eastman employed a traditional approach, sharing a pipe and engaging in storytelling to create an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie. This approach underscores the significance of understanding cultural nuances when exploring Native American history and traditions.
According to Rain-in-the-Face‘s own account, he was born near the forks of the Cheyenne River approximately 70 years before his death. He emphasized that his lineage did not automatically grant him chieftainship; rather, he had to earn his reputation through bravery and skill in battle. From a young age, he demonstrated a fierce spirit and a penchant for fighting, traits that would later define his role as a warrior.
The name "Rain-in-the-Face" itself carries a story, or rather, two stories. The first incident occurred during a mock battle with Cheyenne boys, where young Rain-in-the-Face emerged victorious but not without bearing the marks of the struggle. His face, splattered with blood and streaks of washed-away paint, prompted his peers to christen him "Rain-in-the-Face," a name that stuck. The second instance occurred during a warpath against the Gros Ventre, where he painted his face half black and half red to represent the sun partially obscured by darkness. Battling through the rain, the colors on his face mingled, once again evoking the image of rain streaking across his features. He considered it an honorable name.
Rain-in-the-Face‘s journey to becoming a renowned warrior was marked by participation in numerous war parties against various tribes, including the Crow, Mandan, Gros Ventre, and Pawnee. However, it was during the conflicts with the encroaching white settlers that he truly distinguished himself. One of the most audacious attacks he participated in was the raid on Fort Totten in North Dakota in the summer of 1866. Led by Hohay, an Assiniboine captive of Sitting Bull, the raid involved a daring charge through the agency and beneath the walls of the heavily fortified fort. Rain-in-the-Face, bound by a "brother-friend" vow with Wapaypay (Fearless Bear), prepared for death, painting his face in the familiar eclipse pattern of half black and half red.
The attack on Fort Totten showcased Rain-in-the-Face‘s courage and commitment to his comrades. Despite the intense gunfire from the soldiers, he and Wapaypay fearlessly led the charge, their war whoops echoing across the plains. Though wounded, Rain-in-the-Face successfully retreated, demonstrating his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Another pivotal moment in Rain-in-the-Face’s military career was his participation in the Fetterman Massacre near Fort Phil Kearny in Wyoming. In December 1866, a combined force of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors ambushed and annihilated a U.S. Army detachment led by Captain William J. Fetterman. Rain-in-the-Face attributed the victory to a carefully orchestrated plan, where a small group of warriors lured the soldiers into an ambush after attacking woodchoppers near the fort. This battle solidified his reputation as a skilled strategist and a formidable opponent.
Despite these victories, the relentless pressure from the U.S. government and the influx of settlers eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Fort Rice in 1868. While the treaty promised the Sioux control over a vast territory, including the Black Hills, it failed to quell the growing tensions. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills further exacerbated the situation, leading to renewed conflict and the Great Sioux War of 1876.
During this tumultuous period, Rain-in-the-Face continued to resist the encroachment of white settlers, participating in raids and skirmishes throughout the region. His unwavering defiance and commitment to protecting his people’s land and way of life earned him the respect of his fellow warriors and the animosity of the U.S. government.
One of the most controversial episodes in Rain-in-the-Face‘s life was his alleged involvement in the death of General George Armstrong Custer and his brother, Tom Custer, at the Battle of Little Bighorn in June 1876. While some accounts claim that Rain-in-the-Face personally killed the Custer brothers in revenge for his imprisonment, these allegations remain largely unsubstantiated. Rain-in-the-Face himself denied these claims, stating that the chaos of the battle made it impossible to identify specific individuals and that many lies had been told about his role in the fight.
Following the Battle of Little Bighorn, Rain-in-the-Face continued to resist the U.S. Army, eventually surrendering and settling on the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. Despite the hardships and challenges of reservation life, he remained a respected figure within his community, serving as a voice for his people and preserving their cultural traditions.
The story of Rain-in-the-Face offers a complex and nuanced perspective on the history of the American West. He was a skilled warrior, a strategic leader, and a dedicated defender of his people’s rights. While his actions were often controversial and his legacy remains debated, there is no denying his significance as a symbol of Native American resistance and resilience. His life, as recounted by Charles A. Eastman, provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of a pivotal era in American history. The death of Rain-in-the-Face marked the end of an era.