Crazy Horse

CRAZY HORSE


Crazy Horse, the English name for Tashunkewitko, was born near Black Hills, South Dakota on the Republican River sometime between 1841 and 1845. However, to the Hunkpatil band of the Oglala tribe, he was known as “Curly”. The name Curly was a reflection of his fair complexion and light wavy hair. Travelers would mistake Curly for a captive white boy. Even his facial features weren’t typical of his native people. The Sioux considered him unusual and sacred. He was quiet and somewhat distant, which added to his mystery.

His father also known as Crazy Horse, was a healer, dreamer, and a holy man. His mother was a sister of Spotted Tail, a prominent leader of the Brule. His mother was tender and watchful over her boy. However, she never stood in the way of his father’s severe physical training.

Curly loved horses. His father gave him a pony of his own when he was very young. He became a fine horseman. He would go along with his f...