Medicine Arrows facts for kids
Medicine Arrows (born Rock Forehead or Stone Forehead) was an important Cheyenne leader. He lived from about 1795 to 1876. He was a chief and the special Keeper of the Medicine Arrows from 1850 until he passed away.
People who were not Cheyenne started calling him Medicine Arrows after he became the Keeper. Among his own people, the Cheyenne, he also had a nickname: "Walks with His Toes Turned Out."
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Early Life and Family Connections
Rock Forehead was related to other important Cheyenne leaders. He was a cousin of Black Kettle, another well-known chief. His family played a role in Cheyenne history.
His nephew, Little Man, later became the Keeper of the Medicine Arrows after Rock Forehead's own son, Black Hairy Dog. Many of Rock Forehead's children were involved in events during a time of conflict between Native American tribes and American settlers.
Role During Conflicts
Rock Forehead's family was part of the Cheyenne community during a challenging period. His oldest son, Tall Wolf, was involved in events along the Saline and Solomon rivers in Kansas in 1867 and 1868. These events were part of the reasons for later battles, like the Battle of the Saline River and the Battle of Washita River.
During the Battle of the Washita on November 27, 1868, Rock Forehead's camp was located near Black Kettle's village along the Washita River. This shows his connection to important historical events.
Family in Later Conflicts
Rock Forehead's daughter was married to a man from the Dog Soldier band, led by Tall Bull. In 1869, during the Battle of Summit Springs, Tall Bull's village was attacked.
His daughter and her four children survived this battle. They were held for a short time but were later set free. This shows the difficult times many Cheyenne families faced.
Later Years and Legacy
After the Red River War, Rock Forehead decided to leave his reservation in January 1875. He traveled north to join the Northern Cheyenne people in Montana. He lived there peacefully until his death in 1876.
After Rock Forehead passed away, his son, Black Hairy Dog, took on the important role of Keeper of the Medicine Arrows. Today, many of Rock Forehead's descendants still live in the Western Oklahoma area, keeping his legacy alive.
