Red Armed Panther facts for kids

Red Armed Panther, also known as Red Sleeve, was a brave Northern Cheyenne scout. He worked at Fort Keogh in the late 1870s. In 1864, he joined the Chiefs' Council of Forty-four, an important leadership group.

Red Sleeve was very active during Chief Little Wolf's journey back to their homeland. This land is now the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in southeastern Montana. He even risked his life to save his friend, Black Horse, during a daring horse raid. Red Sleeve grew up in a large family with six sisters and one brother. He had two children named Shell Woman and John Red Sleeve. He passed away at his home in the Muddy Cluster district on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

Red Armed Panther's Family

Red Sleeve came from a big family. His oldest sister was Wolf Woman. Elk Woman was the second oldest, and Medicine Woman was the third. His other sisters were Young Medicine Woman, Buffalo Woman, and Mrs. Ford Wounded Eye. His brother's name was William Yellowrobe. Red Sleeve had two children, a daughter named Shell Woman and a son named "Man Bear," who was also known as John Red Sleeve.

Red Armed Panther's Leadership Role

Joining the Council of Forty-Four

In the summer of 1864, Red Arm and ten other Cheyenne men were chosen to join the Chiefs' Council of Forty-four. This council was a very important group of leaders for the Cheyenne people. One of their first big decisions was to choose a new Sweet Medicine Chief.

They surprised many people by choosing a young man named Little Wolf. Little Wolf was also the head chief of a warrior society called the Elkhorn Scrapers. Usually, a chief would step down from a warrior society to serve on the Council of Forty-four. However, the Elkhorns did not want Little Wolf to leave. So, Little Wolf became the only person in Cheyenne history to lead both the Council of Forty-four and a warrior society at the same time.

The Journey Home with Little Wolf

Red Sleeve played a big part in Little Wolf's journey back to their homeland. This happened after Chief Morning Star and Little Wolf had split up during their travels. Red Sleeve was active in one of the last horse raids, which were led by Black Horse, another Cheyenne chief.

During this raid, Red Sleeve and another warrior named Mad Hearted Wolf bravely risked their lives. They saved Black Horse from being harmed by white settlers. They managed to get away with two horses. Black Horse was badly hurt and had to be carried back to the Cheyenne camp on a travois, which is like a stretcher pulled by a horse. Even though he wanted to be left behind, the warriors brought him safely back.

Seeking Peace and Facing Challenges

The Cheyenne camp then moved north towards "Noaha-vose," a sacred mountain. This mountain is now known as Bear Butte, near Sturgis, South Dakota. The Cheyenne people went there to have a special prayer ceremony. They prayed to "Ma?heo?o," their creator. Little Wolf went up the mountain to fast and pray.

On July 16, 1866, Red Sleeve joined other Cheyenne chiefs in a meeting with Colonel Henry B. Carrington. They wanted to make a peace agreement. Other chiefs at the meeting included Dull Knife, Little Moon, Pretty Bear, Jumping Rabbit, Wolf That Lies Down, Man That Stands Alone, Black Horse, and Lame White Man.

They successfully worked out peace agreements, which Colonel Carrington signed. The Cheyenne then continued their journey to meet with Red Cloud, a powerful Lakota warrior. Red Cloud was not happy about the peace agreement between the Cheyenne and Carrington. He showed disrespect to the Cheyenne, treating them as if they were enemies. Red Cloud strongly wanted the white people to leave the lands.

Feeling unsafe and humiliated, the Cheyenne returned to their camp on the Rosebud River. On their way home, they warned two groups of wagon travelers that Red Cloud was ready for war. However, one warning came too late, and Red Cloud had already attacked one of the groups. Two people were killed in that fight.