Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotanka, l. c. 1837-1890) was a Hunkpapa Sioux holy man, warrior, leader, and symbol of traditional Sioux values and resistance to the United States' expansionist policies. He is among the best-known Native American chiefs of the 19th century and remains as famous today as he was when he led his people.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 1837 - 15 Dec 1890Life of Hunkpapa Sioux leader Sitting Bull.
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c. 1855Sitting Bull begins raids against white settlers entering Sioux lands.
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1866 - 1868Sitting Bull supports Red Cloud's War.
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1868 - 1877Sitting Bull continues to wage war to halt U.S. expansionist policies in the west.
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c. 1868 - c. 1876Rain-in-the-Face follows Sitting Bull and Sioux war chief Gall in continuing to resist US government's expansionist policies.
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1876 - 1877Sioux war chief Gall is a strategist for Sitting Bull during the Great Sioux War.
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Jun 1876Sitting Bull is the spiritual leader at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
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1877 - 1881Sitting Bull retreats into Canada and remains there for four years.
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1877Rain-in-the-Face retreats to Canada with Sitting Bull and Sioux War Chief Gall.
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1877Sioux war chief Gall follows Sitting Bull on his retreat into Canada.
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1881Sitting Bull returns from Canada and surrenders to US authorities.
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1884 - 1885Sitting Bull is a stage performer, gaining international recognition.
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1889Caroline Weldon becomes Sitting Bull's friend, confidante, and secretary; warns him against the Ghost Dance.
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1889The Ghost Dance movement gains adherents; Sitting Bull supports but does not participate.
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15 Dec 1890Sitting Bull is killed while allegedly resisting arrest at Standing Rock Agency Reservation.