“Indian Country”

This was the stomping ground of the OGLALA and SICHANGU (French, Brule or Burnt Thigh) Bands of the LAKOTA (Teton) branch of the DACOTAH (Sioux) Nation who had ever been pushed westward by Indians who earlier had guns and powder.

In 1832 the main traveled way of the fur traders from Ft. Pierre Chouteau on the Missouri to Fort William (Laramie) was a few rods West of White River. (Marker there).

When General W.S. Harney, in 1855, after the infamous fight at Ash Hollow, marched through the Sioux Country to overawe them, he passed over this route on October 7-8 camped 8 miles S of US 18 and in 1871, the Whetstone (Spotted Tail) Agency of the Brule Sioux was located just East of that camp and of White River until 1874 when moved down onto Beaver Creek near Camp Sheridan where it remained until 1877.

In 1891, after the Battle of Wounded Knee, Lieut. Edward W. Casey was killed a few miles East (Marker there), by Plenty Horses, a young Sioux, who when tried for murder was acquitted, his act being termed one of warfare.

Old Man Afraid of His Horses, originally called Man Afraid of His Horses died and was buried near Pine Creek, 7½ miles East (Marker there) as was his son YMAOHH, both notable Oglala leaders.

This was the Country of Red Cloud and Crazy Horse; Spotted Tail and Swift Bear; Touch the Clouds and Little Big Man. You are in Indian Country.

Shannon County, Hwy 18 2 miles west of Oglala