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Chief Red Cloud


category : Famous People
Chief Red Cloud Red Cloud, the English name of Makhpiya Luta, the Oglala Sioux chief, and his followers were prominent participants in the Powder River War of 1865 and other subsequent battles. The chief himself was a significant player in the failure of the army's 1865 Powder River Campaign against the Sioux, commanded by Major General Patrick E. Connor. The inability of the Connor campaign to bring about "peace by force" precipitated the U.S. Government's policy of negotiation that soon followed. By the time peace negotiations took place at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, in June 1866, Red Cloud was labeled as the principal chief of the "hostiles" by government officials. Any treaty of consequence, therefore, demanded his approval. Red Cloud, however, withdrew from the talks and even more bitter warfare followed.

Two years later, Red Cloud returned to sign the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, finally accepting reservation status. In 1877, Red Cloud, having been deposed as chief by General Crook the previous year, personally convinced Crazy Horse to surrender. As a reward, Red Cloud was allowed to resume leadership of the Oglalas. It was a bitter sweet accomplishment since Crazy Horse was slain while in custody and, over the next thirty years, Red Cloud witnessed the erosion of his people's way of life.

Red Cloud was a close friend of rancher James Cook. A frequent guest in Cook's home, Red Cloud gave him many gifts, including weapons, clothing, and photographs. The 700 remarkable items in the Red Cloud collection are housed at the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument north of Mitchell on Highway 29.

* On March 22, 2001, the bust of Chief Red Cloud of the Oglala Lakotas was unveiled beside those of twenty-two other noted Nebraskans in the Hall of Fame at the State Capitol. Red Cloud was elected to the hall of Fame in 2000 by the Nebraska Hall of Fame commission. he joins chief standing Bear (Ponca) and Indian rights advocate, Susette La Flesche Tibbles (Omaha) to become the third Native American in the Hall of Fame.

As warrior-statesman of the Oglala Lakotas, Red Could led his people both in war and peace. following his birth at Blue water Creek in western Nebraska in 1821, Red Cloud rose to prominence as a warrior. He became the only Native American leader to win a major war against the United States when, in 1866-68 he forced the government to abandon the Bozeman Trail that crossed lands claimed by the Lakotas.

In 1868, Red Cloud negotiated the fort Laramie Treaty that set aside a vast reservation for this people in western south Dakota, including the Black Hills. From 1873 to 1877, Red Cloud's agency was located in northwestern Nebraska.

During the remainder of this life, Red Cloud employed diplomacy in tenacious but futile effort to protect Lakota lands and culture from government policies that eroded or nullified the Fort Laramie Treaty. Despite numerous visits to Washington to negotiate on behalf of this people, Red Cloud was unable to stem the tide of white encroachment that reduced the great Sioux reservation to mere remnants and destroyed much of traditional Lakota culture.

He died at Pine Ridge Agency on December 20, 1909.

* Nebraska State Historical Society Historical


Come visit us in Red Cloud, Nebraska

Attractions and Upcoming Events

The State Bank Building

The State Bank Building, 1883, with its entrance on the diagonal, is made of native brick and was one of the first brick buildings in Red Cloud.

Red Cloud, NE Historic Buildings

Starke Round Barn

Nebraska's largest round barn and one of the nation's largest, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1972, and is still in use today. It was built in 1902-3

Red Cloud, NE Historic Buildings

Red Cloud City Park

The Red Cloud City Park offers a variety of activities for persons of all ages. Facilities include outdoor fireplaces, tables, a shelter house, restrooms, playground equipment, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Restaurants and electrical hookups for campers are nearby.

Red Cloud, NE Parks

Burlington Depot

Built in 1897, the main section of Red Cloud's Burlington Depot contained sleeping quarters on the 2

Red Cloud, NE Railroad History

Webster County Historical Museum

Housed in a beautiful classical revival style mansion, the Museum located on West Highway 136, depicts the rich heritage of the early settlers of the county during the late 1800's and into the early 1900's. This 21-room, stately home built in 1907

Red Cloud, NE Museums

Things to do Famous People near Red Cloud, NE

Stockville's Notables

A number of former residents achieved state and national prominence: * Heading the list is former Governor Frank Morri...