The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred on December 29, 1890, when U.S. Army troops opened fire on a Lakota camp near Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota, resulting in the deaths of 150-300 Native Americans, marking the tragic end of the American Indian Wars.
The Wounded Knee Massacre stands as one of the darkest chapters in American history occurring on December 29, 1890. This tragic event took place near Wounded Knee Creek on the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota marking the end of the American Indian Wars between the United States government and Native American tribes.
What began as an attempt to disarm the Lakota Sioux camp escalated into a devastating massacre where U.S. Army troops killed an estimated 150-300 Lakota men women and children. The incident unfolded during a period of rising tensions between Native Americans and the U.S. government fueled by broken treaties land disputes and the growing Ghost Dance spiritual movement that had sparked fear among white settlers.
The Historical Context of Wounded Knee
#The events leading to the Wounded Knee Massacre emerged from decades of conflict between Native Americans and European settlers in the late 19th century. The period marked increasing pressure on Native American territories through westward expansion policies.
Growing Tensions Between Settlers and Native Americans
#The U.S. government's expansion policies in the 1860s-1880s created direct conflicts with Native American tribes. The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 designated the Black Hills as Sioux territory, but the discovery of gold in 1874 led to its violation. Key developments intensified these tensions:
- Establishment of 160 Indian reservations between 1867-1887
- Reduction of Sioux hunting grounds by 50% through the 1877 Act
- Implementation of the Dawes Act in 1887, dividing tribal lands
- Decrease in food rations by 50% on reservations in 1889
The Ghost Dance Movement
#The Ghost Dance movement emerged in 1890 as a spiritual response to Native American hardships. Key aspects of the movement included:
- Prophecies of the return of buffalo herds
- Promises of ancestral lands restoration
- Wearing of "ghost shirts" believed to repel bullets
- Regular performance of ceremonial circle dances
| Ghost Dance Impact | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Participating Tribes | 32 |
| Movement Duration | 1889-1891 |
| Estimated Followers | 30,000 |
| Pine Ridge Dancers | 3,000 |
The U.S. government viewed the Ghost Dance as a threat, leading to increased military presence at reservations. Federal agents banned the practice in November 1890, heightening tensions at Pine Ridge Agency.
The Events Leading Up to December 29, 1890
#Tensions escalated in December 1890 when Chief Spotted Elk's band of Miniconjou Lakota left the Cheyenne River Reservation to seek refuge at Pine Ridge Agency. The U.S. Army's response to this movement set in motion the tragic events at Wounded Knee.
Chief Spotted Elk's Band
#Chief Spotted Elk led 350 Miniconjou Lakota, including 230 women and children, on a 150-mile journey south in freezing temperatures. The group departed the Cheyenne River Reservation on December 23, 1890, after receiving news of Chief Sitting Bull's death. Despite suffering from pneumonia, Chief Spotted Elk continued the trek to reach Pine Ridge Agency, where his cousin Chief Red Cloud offered protection.
The 7th Cavalry's Involvement
#The 7th Cavalry intercepted Chief Spotted Elk's band on December 28, 1890, near Porcupine Creek. Major Samuel Whitside's battalion, consisting of 500 soldiers, escorted the Lakota to Wounded Knee Creek. Colonel James Forsyth arrived that evening with additional troops, bringing the military presence to 750 soldiers armed with four Hotchkiss guns. The cavalry positioned these weapons on the surrounding hills, effectively surrounding the Lakota camp.
| Military Forces | Number |
|---|---|
| Initial Battalion | 500 |
| Total Troops | 750 |
| Hotchkiss Guns | 4 |
| Lakota People | 350 |
| Lakota Women & Children | 230 |
The Massacre at Wounded Knee
#The Wounded Knee Massacre unfolded on December 29, 1890, when U.S. Army troops opened fire on a camp of Lakota people. This violent confrontation resulted in one of the deadliest encounters between Native Americans and U.S. military forces.
The Fatal Morning of December 29
#At dawn on December 29, Colonel James Forsyth ordered the Lakota to surrender their weapons. A medicine man named Yellow Bird performed the Ghost Dance, encouraging resistance to the disarmament. During the weapon collection, a deaf Lakota warrior named Black Coyote refused to give up his rifle. In the ensuing struggle at 9:15 AM, a shot rang out, triggering immediate gunfire from the surrounding soldiers. The military's Hotchkiss guns opened fire on the camp from the hills, striking both warriors and civilians attempting to flee.
The Tragic Death Toll
#The massacre claimed the lives of 150-300 Lakota people, including:
- 84 men
- 44 women
- 24 children under age 12
The U.S. military casualties included:
- 25 soldiers killed
- 39 soldiers wounded
| Category | Lakota Deaths | Military Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Warriors/Soldiers | 84 | 25 |
| Women | 44 | 0 |
| Children | 24 | 0 |
| Total Wounded | ~50 | 39 |
Many Lakota survivors died in the following days from exposure in the winter weather, with bodies discovered within a 3-mile radius of the massacre site. The military buried the dead Lakota in a mass grave at Wounded Knee Creek, marking a tragic end to the American Indian Wars.
Aftermath and Impact
#The Wounded Knee Massacre created lasting repercussions for both Native American communities and U.S. government relations. This event marked the symbolic end of Native American armed resistance against U.S. military forces.
Military and Government Response
#The U.S. Army awarded 20 Medals of Honor to soldiers who participated in the Wounded Knee Massacre. General Nelson Miles condemned Colonel Forsyth's actions, leading to an official investigation in January 1891. The investigation cleared Forsyth of responsibility, describing the incident as a "battle" rather than a massacre. Congress approved compensation of $20,000 to the Lakota survivors in 1938, equivalent to $100 per death.
| Military Response Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Medals of Honor Awarded | 20 |
| Compensation Year | 1938 |
| Compensation Amount | $20,000 |
Legacy in Native American History
#The Wounded Knee Massacre symbolizes the systematic oppression of Native American peoples. The site, located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, received National Historic Landmark status in 1965. American Indian Movement (AIM) activists occupied Wounded Knee in 1973 for 71 days, protesting the U.S. government's failure to honor treaties. The massacre influenced Native American literature, art, and activism, including works by Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" published in 1970. Descendants of massacre survivors established the Wounded Knee Survivors Association to preserve the historical memory and advocate for justice.
| Legacy Milestones | |
|---|---|
| Historic Landmark Status | 1965 |
| AIM Occupation | 1973 |
| Occupation Duration | 71 days |
Modern Recognition and Remembrance
#The Wounded Knee Massacre site serves as a sacred memorial ground commemorating the tragic events of December 29, 1890. Modern recognition efforts focus on preserving historical memory while advocating for justice and reconciliation.
Memorial Site and Preservation
#The Wounded Knee National Historic Landmark, designated in 1965, features a monument marking the mass grave of massacre victims. The Wounded Knee Survivors Association maintains the memorial site, including the cemetery, stone markers identifying casualties, and interpretive panels detailing historical events. In 1990, Congress issued a formal apology through the Wounded Knee Massacre National Memorial Study Act, allocating funds for site preservation activities.
Cultural Significance Today
#The Wounded Knee Massacre remains a powerful symbol of Indigenous resistance and cultural resilience. Native American communities organize annual commemorative ceremonies, healing walks, and educational programs at the site. Contemporary artists, writers, and activists reference Wounded Knee in their work, including:
- Sherman Alexie's poetry collection "The Summer of Black Widows"
- Kevin Red Star's painting series "Ghost Dance"
- Louise Erdrich's novel "The Night Watchman"
| Preservation Milestone | Year | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Status | 1965 | Federal protection of site |
| Congressional Study Act | 1990 | Federal preservation funding |
| Survivors Association Formation | 2001 | Community-led preservation |
| Memorial Enhancement Project | 2015 | Site improvements and education center |
- Annual memorial ceremonies
- Cultural education programs
- Historical documentation projects
- Youth leadership initiatives
Key Takeaways
#- The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred on December 29, 1890, near Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota, resulting in the deaths of 150-300 Lakota people, including women and children.
- The massacre marked the tragic end of the American Indian Wars, stemming from decades of conflicts over land rights, broken treaties, and fears about the Ghost Dance spiritual movement.
- U.S. Army troops, numbering 750 soldiers with four Hotchkiss guns, confronted Chief Spotted Elk's band of 350 Lakota people during a weapons surrender attempt.
- The incident began when a shot was fired during a struggle over a rifle, leading to indiscriminate firing by U.S. troops on the Lakota camp.
- Congress issued a formal apology in 1990 through the Wounded Knee Massacre National Memorial Study Act, and the site became a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
Conclusion
#The Wounded Knee Massacre stands as a dark chapter in American history that forever changed the relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. government. The tragic events of December 29 1890 claimed hundreds of innocent lives and marked the symbolic end of Native American armed resistance.
Today the site serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving Indigenous rights and cultural heritage. Through continued commemoration educational initiatives and activism the legacy of Wounded Knee remains relevant teaching vital lessons about justice reconciliation and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous peoples' rights in America.