Sitting Bull

Tatanka Iyotake, better known as Sitting Bull, was a Lakota tribe native American leader. Although he wasn't the first native American leader to challenge the authority of the US government, he was undoubtedly one of the most successful, at least at first.

Iyotake began fighting at the age of 14 and quickly gained a reputation as a talented fighter. He would later lead wars for many years against US forces and other native American tribes, developing a reputation as a fearless warrior and competent commander. In 1867, he was named the top chief of the entire Sioux people.

In the wider Great Sioux Wars of 1876, Sitting Bull is still recognized for his decisive win over George Armstrong Custer, a significant US military figure in the American Indian Wars, at the Battle of Bighorn. In the Great Plains, that made him a formidable rebel commander, but it also forced the government to devote even more resources to regaining control. In 1881, The Sitting Bull was finally subdued and made to give up.

Born: Húŋkešni (Slow) or Ȟoká Psíče (Jumping Badger) c. 1831 Grand River, Dakota Territory, U.S.
Died: December 15, 1890 (aged 58–59)

Military career: Battles/warsBattle of the Little Bighorn