Paul Eagle Star facts for kids

Paul Eagle Star (born 1866 – died August 24, 1891) was a Lakota man. He was famous for performing in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.

Eagle Star grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. From 1882 to 1888, he went to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School (CIIS). This school was in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

In 1889, Eagle Star went back to the Rosebud area. He started working in a blacksmith shop. He worked with Frank Locke, who also went to CIIS. Some people think Eagle Star might have been part of the Rosebud Indian Police. He traveled to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation during the Battle of Wounded Knee. However, he did not join the fighting.

Performing with Buffalo Bill

In early 1889, Eagle Star signed a contract. He became a performer in "Buffalo Bill" Cody's Wild West show. As part of the show, Eagle Star traveled a lot. He toured countries like Belgium, Germany, and England.

While performing in Sheffield, England, Eagle Star had a terrible accident. This accident sadly led to his early death. On August 14, 1891, his horse fell. This happened as they were leaving the performance area. Eagle Star's ankle was badly injured. A few days later, he got an infection. He then got tetanus. Doctors tried to save his life by amputating his leg. But by Monday, Eagle Star had died from the infection. He was being treated at the Sheffield Royal Infirmary.

Returning Home

After his death, Bill Cody buried Eagle Star in London. He was buried in Brompton Cemetery. Another Lakota performer, Surrounded by the Enemy, was also buried there. He had died on an earlier Wild West tour. Eagle Star had a wife and a child.

In March 1999, Eagle Star's remains were dug up. They were then taken back to the United States. His two grandchildren, Moses and Lucy Eagle Star, went with their grandfather's remains. Two months later, he was reburied. This was a private ceremony. It took place in the Rosebud Lakota cemetery.