Big Mouth (chief) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Mouth
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| Itȟáŋka | |
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| Oglala-born leader of the Brulé Lakota leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1822 |
| Died | October 29, 1869 |
| Relations | Twin brother of Blue Horse |
| Parent | Old Chief Smoke |
Big Mouth (whose Lakota name was Itȟáŋka) was an important leader of the Lakota people. He was born around 1822 and passed away on October 29, 1869. Big Mouth was from the Oglala band but became a leader among the Brulé Lakota. People respected him for his bravery and strong leadership in military matters.
He was one of the leaders who signed the second Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868. This treaty was an agreement with the American government. Big Mouth strongly opposed more American settlers moving onto Lakota lands. He often disagreed with other Lakota leaders, like Spotted Tail, about how to deal with the United States. Big Mouth was the son of Old Chief Smoke and had a twin brother named Blue Horse.
Big Mouth was a key leader at the Whetstone Indian Agency. This was a place where many Brulé and Oglala bands gathered. He believed that Spotted Tail was changing the Lakota's way of dealing with the American government. Big Mouth thought Spotted Tail was too friendly with American politicians. This disagreement grew very strong. On October 29, 1869, Spotted Tail went to Big Mouth's home. Big Mouth was held by two warriors, and Spotted Tail shot him.
A Young Leader
Big Mouth and his twin brother, Blue Horse, served as Indian policemen. They worked in their father Old Chief Smoke's civil administration. This was at Fort Laramie around 1864.
After Old Chief Smoke passed away in 1864, Big Mouth became a headman. He led the Wagluhe Band of the Oglala Lakota alongside his brother, Blue Horse.
Disagreements and Legacy
Big Mouth strongly disagreed with Spotted Tail's leadership. He criticized Spotted Tail's talks with politicians in Washington, D.C. On October 29, 1869, Spotted Tail went to Big Mouth's lodge. He asked to speak with him. When Big Mouth appeared, two warriors held him. Spotted Tail then shot Big Mouth, who sadly passed away.
Captain DeWitt C. Poole was at the Whetstone Indian Agency. He reported how shocked and angry Blue Horse was about his brother's death. Blue Horse was very upset and wanted to get revenge. However, Captain Poole gave Blue Horse two blankets to comfort him. This helped Blue Horse choose not to continue the conflict.
Blue Horse, Big Mouth's twin, was pressured to avenge the murder. But he chose a peaceful path instead. He moved his Wagluhe band to a different area. Red Cloud, another important Lakota leader, was also saddened by Big Mouth's death. Despite this, Red Cloud continued to work with Spotted Tail. They traveled to Washington, D.C., together. Their goal was to protect tribal lands, make sure treaties were followed, and preserve the Lakota culture.
Images for kids
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The Murder of Big Mouth by Spotted Tail, 1869
