Crazy Horse bayoneted at Fort Robinson (1877)

Crazy Horse, an Oglala Lakota war leader, died in September 1877 after being bayoneted by a soldier while resisting confinement in the guardhouse at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. The incident occurred during a struggle with a guard, leading to his death later that night or near midnight, depending on conflicting records.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Crazy Horse surrendered to U.S. forces in May 1877 at Camp Robinson, seeking survival for his band amid famine and military pressure. In August, tensions rose when he objected to joining the Army against the Nez Perce, citing peace terms. A mistranslation of his words by scout Frank Grouard, compounded by rumors, destroyed remaining trust.

The Guardhouse Incident. In September 1877, Crazy Horse was confined to the guardhouse at Fort Robinson. During an alleged struggle with a guard, he was fatally wounded by a bayonet. He was moved to the Adjutant's Office, where he received morphine and spoke to his father before dying.

Death and Conflicting Records. Crazy Horse died later that night. Valentine McGillycuddy recorded the death as occurring about midnight, suggesting September 6, 1877. Military records, however, place the time before midnight, supporting September 5, 1877; the two accounts remain in disagreement rather than one being established as fact.

People involved

Sources

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