Who is Satanta?
What do you think of when you hear the name Satanta? To some of us, it may mean absolutely nothing. But to others he is a great Native American warrior and chief from Kansas. This is Santana's story and why we should all know his name.
Satanta was born in the Kiowa lands in 1830. Satanta's name was actually Set-tainte which means “White Bear Person.” Satanta negotiated with the government many times and signed treaties like the Little Arkansas (1865) and Medicine Lodge (1867) Satanta was (according to HistoryNet.) “a highly intelligent chief, diplomat and philosopher who was also a murderer.”The first battle Satanta was in he was only 14 years old which was common for back then but really young for now. Satanta “upheld the traditional values of the Kiowa nation and demonstrate great courage in battle.” According to Famous Native American Indian Chief
Satanta was a Plains Indian who was a “Great Kiowa Warrior” that later became the principal chief in the Kiowa wars. Through the 1860’s-1870’s, Satanta was known as “The Orator of the Plains." Satanta was a sub-chief of his tribe when he was only in his twenties. Due to Satanta’s speaking capabilities, the treaties Satanta made with the US Government allowed the Kiowa tribe to be placed on a reservation. Satanta was also captured by the US Government many times. But every time he was captured he would break free or when he would be released he would just go out and rade even more things!
Why did Satanta fight you may ask? Here is why. “I hear a great deal of good talk from the gentlemen the Great Father sends us, but they never do what they say,”-Satanta. “A long time ago this land belonged to our fathers, but when I go up to the river I see camps of soldiers on its banks. These soldiers cut down my timber, they kill my buffalo and when I see that, my heart feels like bursting,”- Satanta. "Satanta - Kiowa Chief." First People.
The way Satanta died will always be remembered for those who know his story. In Huntsville, Alabama, 1874, Satanta would be arrested for the last time. They had Satanta tied up in a prison hospital so he couldn’t escape. However, Satanta wouldn’t be stopped. He committed suicide by jumping out of a window from 3 stories after breaking loose.
Satanta is remembered because he was a Native American war chief who got very violent over the years. He would not be stopped no matter how many times he was captured by the US Government. To some, Satanta may be considered evil and a crazy man. But to others he was a fighter, a great warrior, and someone who couldn’t be stopped. Now it is your turn. Decide who Satanta is to you.
Citations/Links
"Santana." United States History. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
"Santana." : Famous Native American Indian Chief ***. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
"Kiowa Chief Satanta | HistoryNet." HistoryNet. N.p., 12 June 2006. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
"Satanta - Orator of the Plains." Satanta - Orator of the Plains. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
"Satanta - Kiowa Chief." First People. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
