In September of 1877, just over a year after his great victory at Little Big Horn over General Armstrong Custer, the Oglala War Chief Crazy Horse, was killed while in the custody of the U.S. Army at Fort Robinson (Nebraska).

In August of 1877, Chief Joseph and his band of Nez Perce had broken out of their reservation and were making their way to the Canadian border. There was significant concern as to whether Crazy Horse would inspire his people to join them. This, combined with inter-tribal politics, led to Crazy Horse being lured into military custody and his demise.

Crazy Horse’s last day and controversial death are the subject of the Daniel Long Soldier’s latest Lakota Wicitowa (Lakota Paintings), created on 19th century ledger paper and faithfully reproduced in this four-piece Fine Art Edition. The naïve drawing style on an authentic 1800’s ledger, immediately raises the question of whether or not we are looking at something created 150 years ago or today.

Top Left: Crazy Horse reached Spotted Tail Agency on Sept 4, 1877. That evening he had a long meeting with Spotted Tail, Lieutenant Jesse Lee and Touch-the-Cloud.

Top Right: Lieutenant Lee promised Crazy Horse he would have the chance to tell his side of the story if he returned to Fort Robinson, Nebraska. Spotted Tail and Touch-the Cloud offered to go with him.

Bottom Left: On Sept 5, 1877 as Crazy Horse is taken to the guard house he caught a glimpse of other prisoners behind bars and realized what was happening. Jerking his arm loose he drew a knife from under his red blanket. A guard killed Crazy Horse with his bayonette.

Bottom Right: When the mourning period ended at Spotted Tail Agency, Crazy Horse’s parents took him to an unknown burial place in Beaver Creek east of Chadron, Nebraska. Black Elk watched them leave.