Red Cloud Agency facts for kids
The Red Cloud Agency was a special place set up by the United States government for the Oglala Lakota people, as well as the Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. It was like an early version of today's Indian reservations. The agency existed from 1871 to 1878. During this time, it moved to three different spots in Wyoming Territory and Nebraska before finally settling in South Dakota. After its last move, it was renamed the Pine Ridge Reservation.
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What Was the Red Cloud Agency?
After the Fort Laramie Treaty was signed in 1868, the U.S. government agreed to build agencies for different Lakota and other Plains tribes. These agencies were meant to be places where the tribes could get supplies and interact with government officials. The Red Cloud Agency was specifically created for the Oglala Lakota people.
First Home: Wyoming (1871-1873)
The very first Red Cloud Agency was set up in 1871. It was located in Wyoming Territory, right on the North Platte River. This spot was about a mile west of where the town of Henry, Nebraska is today.
Second Home: Nebraska (1873-1877)
In August 1873, the agency moved to a new location. This second spot was in the northwestern part of Nebraska, close to the modern town of Crawford.
Life at the Agency
The buildings at this new agency were built on a hill overlooking the White River. There was a big warehouse to store supplies, offices for the staff, and a home for the agent in charge. They also had a blacksmith shop and stables for horses. Later, a schoolhouse was added. Two trading stores were also built nearby, where people could buy and sell goods.
Important Events
In March 1874, U.S. troops were sent to the agency. Their camp was called Camp Robinson, which later became known as Fort Robinson. The Red Cloud Agency became a very busy place during the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877. Many important events happened here. In May 1877, the famous Lakota leader Crazy Horse and other allied leaders came to the Red Cloud Agency to surrender. After Crazy Horse was killed, the agency was moved again, further to the west.
Today, the area where Red Cloud Agency No. 2 once stood is part of Fort Robinson and Red Cloud Agency. It is recognized as a special National Historic Landmark in the United States.
Moving Again: South Dakota (1877-1878)
The agency moved for a third time in October 1877. This new location was on the White River in what is now south-central South Dakota.
Becoming Pine Ridge
Finally, in 1878, the Red Cloud Agency was moved one last time to southern South Dakota. At this point, it was given a new name: the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Who Ran the Agency?
Several people served as the main "Indian Agent" in charge of the Red Cloud Agency. They were responsible for managing the agency and dealing with the tribes. Some of these agents included:
- James Wham
- Jared Daniels
- Dr. John J. Saville: He was a doctor who became the agent in 1873. During his time, the army set up their post nearby. He was also involved in the first talks between the U.S. government and the Lakota about the Black Hills.
- Valentine McGillycuddy
- James S. Hastings
- Lieut. Charles A. Johnson
- Dr. James Irwin
