Red Cloud

A celebrated warrior who led his people to victory on the battlefield, Red Cloud was also a skilled diplomat who transitioned the Oglala Sioux to reservation life. In Red Cloud: Oglala Legend, John D. McDermott examines Red Clouds early years, his rise to prominence, and his struggle to protect his people from cultural domination. McDermott goes beyond Red Clouds War to focus on the Oglala chiefs time as a statesman. Chronicling the chiefs diplomatic trips to the United States capital, the author examines the changes in Red Clouds vision of armed resistance and his long-term strategy for maintaining Oglala life and culture. Through negotiation, passive resistance, and selective integration, Red Cloud worked to defend his peoples interests in the face of change. As the only American Indian leader to win a war against the United States Army, Red Cloud is a larger-than-life figure in the history of the West. McDermott adds new layers to the story of the chief, illuminating his early youth and worldview through little-used sources. Red Cloud: Oglala Legend is the fourth book in the South Dakota Biography Series, which highlights some of the states most famous residents.