Little Rock (Cheyenne chief) facts for kids

Little Rock (born around 1805, died 1868), known in Cheyenne as Hō-hăn-ĭ-no-o′, was an important leader of the Southern Cheyenne people. He was a respected council chief of the Wutapiu band, which was a group within the Southern Cheyenne nation. Little Rock was one of the few council chiefs who stayed with another famous Cheyenne leader, Black Kettle, after the difficult events of the Sand Creek massacre in 1864.

Working for Peace

Little Rock was a key figure in trying to keep peace between his people and the United States government. He was one of the leaders who signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty in 1867. This treaty was an agreement between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes.

Meeting with Agent Wynkoop

In August 1868, Little Rock met with an Indian agent named Edward W. Wynkoop at Fort Lyon. Wynkoop wanted to know about some recent attacks on white settlements in Kansas. Little Rock shared information about who might have been involved. He also agreed to try and convince other Cheyenne chiefs to hand over the people responsible, as the treaty required.

Little Rock also asked Wynkoop for protection for himself and his family if he couldn't convince the others. Wynkoop agreed to this, showing the trust between them.

The Battle of Washita River

In November 1868, Little Rock joined Black Kettle at a meeting at Fort Cobb in what is now Oklahoma. They hoped to get permission to move their people closer to the fort to avoid conflict with the U.S. Army. However, their request was turned down.

Just a week later, on November 27, 1868, a U.S. Army group attacked Black Kettle's and Little Rock's camp. This event is known as the Battle of Washita River. The attack happened at dawn on the Washita River.

Little Rock's Sacrifice

During the attack, Little Rock's home was on the edge of the village. He bravely joined two other warriors, She Wolf and Trails the Enemy, to protect the women and children. They formed a rear guard, helping people escape down the river. Little Rock was killed during this battle while trying to save his people.

Little Rock left behind his wife, Skunk Woman, and his daughter, Mo-nah-se-tah (also called Me-o-tzi or Spring Grass). His mother and two sisters, including White Buffalo Woman, also survived him. Sadly, his mother and daughter Mo-nah-se-tah were among the 53 women and children taken captive by the soldiers.