Sitting Bull: A Detailed Biography

Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotake, c. 1831–1890) was the Hunkpapa Lakota holy man and tribal chief who became the most iconic Native American leader in world history. Victor at Little Bighorn, visionary of the Ghost Dance, and symbol of Indigenous resistance, he fought to preserve the Lakota way of life against U.S. expansion. This biography covers his childhood on the Great Plains, leadership against Custer, exile in Canada, Wild West show years, and tragic death, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Smithsonian Magazine, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

Early Life on the Great Plains

Birth near the Grand River

Born around 1831 near the Grand River (South Dakota), he was originally named “Jumping Badger”. At age 14 he counted first coup and earned the name “Sitting Bull” for his bravery, as detailed by the History.com.

Warrior and Holy Man

Sitting Bull became a renowned warrior and spiritual leader. He had a vision of soldiers falling into camp “like grasshoppers from the sky” shortly before the Battle of Little Bighorn, as recorded by the National Park Service.

Little Bighorn Victory (1876)

In June 1876, Sitting Bull’s camp of Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho — the largest Native gathering ever on the Plains — was attacked by Custer’s 7th Cavalry. His vision came true: Custer and 268 men were killed. Sitting Bull did not fight directly but led ceremonies, as documented by the Battle of Little Bighorn Associates.

Exile in Canada and Surrender

U.S. retaliation forced Sitting Bull and followers across the border to Canada (“Grandmother’s Land”). After four harsh years and starvation, he surrendered at Fort Buford in 1881.

Buffalo Bill and Reservation Life

In 1885 Sitting Bull toured with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show for four months. He was paid $50 a week and gave most money to poor children, as preserved by the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Ghost Dance and Death

In 1890 the Ghost Dance movement spread, prophesying the return of the buffalo and disappearance of whites. Authorities feared Sitting Bull would join it. On December 15, 1890, Lakota police attempted to arrest him at his cabin on Standing Rock Reservation. A fight broke out; Sitting Bull and his son Crow Foot were shot dead, as documented by the HistoryNet.

Personal Life

Sitting Bull had multiple wives and many children. Known for generosity, he adopted Lakota and white children. He was a skilled artist — his drawings are in museums.

Death and Legacy

Sitting Bull’s Enduring Impact

Two weeks after his death came the Wounded Knee Massacre. Sitting Bull is buried at Fort Yates, North Dakota, and Mobridge, South Dakota (rival graves). He remains the global symbol of Native American resistance, as celebrated by the National Geographic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sitting Bull

Why Is Sitting Bull Famous?

Lakota leader who defeated Custer at Little Bighorn and symbol of Native resistance.

Did Sitting Bull Fight at Little Bighorn?

He had the vision and led ceremonies; Crazy Horse led the charge.

Where Was Sitting Bull Born?

Near Grand River, South Dakota, c. 1831.

What Was the Ghost Dance?

1890 spiritual movement — Sitting Bull’s support led to his death.

Did Sitting Bull Tour with Buffalo Bill?

Yes — 1885 season.

Was Sitting Bull at Wounded Knee?

No — killed two weeks earlier.

How Did Sitting Bull Die?

Shot by Lakota police during arrest attempt on December 15, 1890.