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From Wounded Knee to the Gallows: The Tragedy of Tasunke Witko

Harold Powell

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Published in From Wounded Knee To The Gallows: The Life And Trials Of Lakota Chief Two Sticks

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In the annals of American history, few figures are as iconic and enigmatic as Tasunke Witko, the legendary Lakota warrior known to the white world as Crazy Horse. A fearless leader and a brilliant military strategist, Crazy Horse played a pivotal role in the Lakota's desperate struggle against the United States government for the survival of their way of life.

From Wounded Knee to the Gallows tells the gripping true story of Crazy Horse's life, from his humble beginnings as a young warrior to his tragic death at the hands of the U.S. Army. Along the way, we witness his extraordinary courage, his unwavering determination, and his deep love for his people.

From Wounded Knee to the Gallows: The Life and Trials of Lakota Chief Two Sticks

by Philip S. Hall

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10944 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	292 pages

The Early Years

Tasunke Witko was born in 1840 in the Black Hills of present-day South Dakota. From an early age, he displayed an independent streak and a rebellious nature. He was also a gifted hunter and horseman, and he quickly earned a reputation for his bravery and skill in battle.

In 1866, the United States government began construction of the Bozeman Trail, which would have cut through the Lakota's hunting grounds. Crazy Horse and other Lakota warriors resisted the encroachment, and in 1867, they ambushed and defeated a U.S. Army detachment at the Battle of the Rosebud. This victory emboldened the Lakota, and they continued to fight against the government for the next several years.

The Battle of Little Bighorn

In 1876, Crazy Horse and other Lakota leaders joined forces with Sitting Bull and other Sioux tribes to form a massive alliance against the U.S. Army. The two sides clashed at the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. Crazy Horse led a charge that routed the U.S. cavalry, and the Lakota achieved a stunning victory.

The Battle of Little Bighorn was a turning point in the Lakota's struggle against the U.S. government. The victory emboldened the Lakota, but it also led to a massive military campaign by the U.S. Army to crush their resistance.

The Surrender at Wounded Knee

In the winter of 1890-1891, the U.S. Army launched a campaign to force the remaining Lakota onto reservations. Crazy Horse and other Lakota leaders resisted, but they were eventually defeated at the Battle of Wounded Knee on December 29, 1890. Over 300 Lakota men, women, and children were killed in the massacre.

Crazy Horse was not present at the Battle of Wounded Knee, but he was captured by the U.S. Army shortly after the massacre. He was taken to Fort Robinson in Nebraska, where he died on September 5, 1877, from a bayonet wound inflicted by a U.S. Army guard.

Legacy

Crazy Horse was a tragic figure, but he is also a symbol of the Lakota's indomitable spirit. His bravery, his determination, and his love for his people continue to inspire Native Americans and non-Native Americans alike.

Today, Crazy Horse's likeness is carved into the side of Mount Rushmore, alongside those of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. It is a fitting tribute to a man who fought for his people's freedom and independence.

From Wounded Knee to the Gallows is a powerful and moving account of Crazy Horse's life and legacy. It is a story of courage, tragedy, and the indomitable spirit of the Lakota people.

If you are interested in American history, Native American history, or the American Indian Wars, then I highly recommend reading From Wounded Knee to the Gallows. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.

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From Wounded Knee to the Gallows: The Life and Trials of Lakota Chief Two Sticks

by Philip S. Hall

4.7 out of 5