By Consumer Safety Inspector Tom Behan, Philadelphia District
Interim American Indian and Alaska Native Special Emphasis Program Manager

November is American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Heritage Month. This month, we recognize and celebrate the people of the AI/AN community. The 2024 AI/AN theme is Carrying Our History: Commemorating Milestone Legislations for Tribal Colleges and Tribal Relations. One historical figure to celebrate is Tȟašúŋke Witkó, known as Crazy Horse. His impact continues to resonate within the AI/AN community.

Crazy Horse was born between 1840 and 1842 as a member of the Lakota Tribe on Rapid Creek, about 40 miles northeast of Thunderhead Mountain in South Dakota, where the Crazy Horse Memorial stands today. How he acquired the name Crazy Horse is up for debate. One account says that his father passed on his own name to Crazy Horse after demonstrating his skills as a warrior. Another account says it was given to him after going through the vision quest experience. Crazy Horse held the title of shirt wearer, a type of subchief who carried out council decisions and was a leader of warriors. His ability to inspire loyalty among his followers in this distinguished role led many to regard him as and call him a chief.

In 1854, Crazy Horse rode off into the prairies, purposefully ignoring the required rituals. He went alone into the hills for four days without food or water. After fasting for two days, he had a vision where he was instructed to do things to prepare for battle. One was to present himself with no more than one feather and never to wear a war bonnet. He was given a sacred song, still sung by the Oglala people today. In the vision, he was also told that he would be the protector of his people.

Crazy Horse fought against the U.S. military as early as 1854 in the Grattan Massacre and the Massacre of Little Thunder. He continued his fight over the next 11 or so years in many battles, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn and was named shirt wearer. His last full-scale battle with U.S. forces was the Battle of Wolf Mountain in January 1877.

After the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the U.S. government sent scouts to round up any Northern Plains tribes who resisted. This forced many Indian Nations to move across the country. This would eventually lead to starvation and exposure, forcing them to surrender.

Under a flag of truce in May 1877, Crazy Horse went to Fort Robinson to negotiate with U.S. military leaders. Later that summer, there was a breakdown in negotiations when a translator incorrectly translated what Crazy Horse said, which led to Crazy Horse being escorted to jail. As Crazy Horse tried to free himself, an infantry guard made a lunge with a bayonet and severely wounded him. He died shortly after being wounded. His death was on or about September 5, 1877. Crazy Horse’s reputation as a fearless leader, spiritual role model and freedom fighter continues to grow.

The Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota, referred to as “the Eighth Wonder of the World in Progress,” celebrates his life and the spirit of his people. The origins of the Crazy Horse Memorial can be traced back to 1939, when Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear wrote to sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, inviting him to create a monument honoring Native American heroes in the sacred Black Hills. Work officially began in 1948 and commenced with a dedication ceremony led by Standing Bear and other Lakota elders. Ziolkowski and Standing Bear shared a vision of the memorial to honor the culture, traditions and living heritage of North American Indians. The Crazy Horse Memorial has already become a major landmark and significant cultural destination, attracting over a million visitors per year from around the world. Although it’s incomplete, the Crazy Horse Memorial seems certain to stand as one of the most ambitious and distinctive public monuments in the U.S. and the world.

Amanda Allcock of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation contributed to this article.