Sitting Bull

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grave of Sitting Bull, Mobridge, South Dakota

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Sitting Bull summary

Sitting Bull

Q: What is Sitting Bull known for?

Sitting Bull was a war leader and spiritual leader behind whom the Sioux nation united to resist domination by white people. He led an Indian coalition to victory against Gen. George Crook in the Battle of the Rosebud and had an inspiring vision prophesying the U.S. soldiers’ defeat before the Battle of the Little Bighorn .

Q: How did Sitting Bull become famous?

In 1885 Sitting Bull was part of Buffalo Bill ’s popular Wild West show , which gained him international fame.

Q: How did Sitting Bull die?

During the spread of the Ghost Dance religious movement, which promised a return of their traditional way of life to the Sioux , the U.S. government sent Lakota police to arrest Sitting Bull to prevent him from leading any insurrection. His arrest was resisted, and he was killed while his warriors were trying to rescue him.

Sioux chief

Also known as: Tatanka Iyotake

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Apr 9, 2024 • Article History

Sitting Bull

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Category: History & Society

Lakota:: Tatanka Iyotake

Born:: c. 1831, near Grand River, Dakota Territory [now in South Dakota], U.S.

Died:: December 15, 1890, on the Grand River in South Dakota

Role In:: Battle of the Little Bighorn; Plains Wars; Wounded Knee Massacre

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What is Sitting Bull known for?

How did Sitting Bull become famous?

How did Sitting Bull die?

Sitting Bull (born c. 1831, near Grand River, Dakota Territory [now in South Dakota], U.S.—died December 15, 1890, on the Grand River in South Dakota) was a Lakota (Teton) chief under whom the Oceti Sakowin (Sioux) peoples united in their struggle for survival on the North American Great Plains. He is remembered for his lifelong distrust of white men and his stubborn determination to resist their domination. Sitting Bull was born into the Hunkpapa division of the Lakota. He joined his first war party at age 14 and soon gained a reputation for fearlessness in battle. He became a leader ...(100 of 771 words)

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