RED CLOUD, 1822-1909
Chief Red Cloud was a member of the Oglala band of Sioux, born in present-day Garden County, Nebraska. In the 1840s and 1850s he became one of their leaders and later led his people in their fight against the white soldiers. In 1866 Red Cloud won a great military victory over the United States Army near Fort Phil Kearny in Wyoming. He became famous as the only Indian chief to win a war with the United States.
Red Cloud made many trips to Washington, D.C., and spoke to many presidents. He saw the great cities that swarmed with people and realized that he could not win another war with the white man. He became a peacemaker between his people and the United States government.
The town of Red Cloud, Nebraska, was named for Chief Red Cloud.