Author’s Note

This book tells the true story of the Oglala Sioux chief Red Cloud. Many mistakenly believe that his fame rests on one battle, the Fetterman Fight. His true fame, however, comes from his long-term struggle with the United States. After the discovery of gold in Montana, would-be miners swarmed across Sioux land using the Bozeman Trail. Red Cloud made sure they could never safely cross the trail.

Following his many victories, stories about Red Cloud filled the press. Some were fiction, but others were true. The events described in this book all really happened.

The wars between Native Americans and white settlers lasted more than 250 years. In only one case did the United States suffer defeat. The Native American who led his people to victory was Red Cloud.