Black Moon (person) facts for kids

Black Moon (Wi Sapa), born around 1821 and passing away on March 1, 1893, was an important leader of the Miniconjou Lakota tribe. He was a respected headman among the northern Lakota people during the 1800s. It's important not to confuse him with another Lakota leader who had the same name but belonged to the Hunkpapa tribe.

Black Moon's Early Life and Leadership

Not much is known about Black Moon's very early life. However, he became an influential leader among his people by 1869. At that time, he was present when Sitting Bull was chosen as the main war leader for the Lakota. This shows Black Moon's importance within the tribe.

Joining the Great Sioux War

By the time of the Great Sioux War in 1876-1877, Black Moon was about 55 years old. He led a small group of Miniconjou Lakota. This group chose to stay away from the Cheyenne River Agency, which was a government office for Native American tribes.

Black Moon was one of the Miniconjou leaders who joined the large Lakota village in the summer of 1876. He was present at the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn. This battle was a major event during the Great Sioux War.

Life in Canada and Return to the U.S.

After the Great Sioux War, in 1877, Black Moon and his family moved to Canada. They joined Sitting Bull and his followers near Wood Mountain.

Many northern Lakota people decided to surrender to the U.S. government in 1880-1881. However, Black Moon chose to stay in Canada. Other leaders, like No Neck, also stayed. Black Moon and his family lived near Moose Jaw and Willow Bunch in Canada. They built good relationships with the local Canadian people. Black Moon's daughter, Mary, even married a police officer from the Royal Mounted Police who was stationed at Fort Walsh.

Black Moon finally returned to the United States in the spring of 1889. He traveled with about eleven "lodges," which means eleven family groups. Soldiers met them, but they were allowed to continue to the Standing Rock Agency two weeks later. In October 1890, Black Moon and his family were moved to the Cheyenne River Agency.

Challenges and Later Life

During a time of unrest related to the Ghost Dance movement, some of Black Moon's family traveled with Big Foot when he left the agency. Sadly, some of Black Moon's family members were killed or wounded during the events at Wounded Knee.

After these difficult times, Black Moon was seen at Pine Ridge with his brothers, Iron Horn and Wood Pile. He spent the rest of his life living along Cherry Creek on the Cheyenne River Reservation.