The Cheyenne, a prominent tribe of the Great Plains, possessed a rich and complex social structure deeply intertwined with their military traditions. Central to this structure were the warrior societies, fraternal organizations that played a vital role in martial training, socialization, and the preservation of cultural heritage. These societies, each with its own unique identity and purpose, served as the backbone of Cheyenne military strength and contributed significantly to the tribe’s resilience in the face of external pressures. The Cheyenne Warrior Societies were more than just military groups; they were integral to the very fabric of Cheyenne life.
Origins: Sweet Medicine and the Establishment of Order
The genesis of the Cheyenne Warrior Societies can be traced back to the legendary figure of Sweet Medicine, a pivotal cultural hero credited with establishing many of the fundamental institutions of Cheyenne society. Prior to Sweet Medicine’s intervention, Cheyenne life was characterized by internal strife, marked by frequent instances of theft and violence. Recognizing the need for social order, Sweet Medicine embarked on a transformative journey to Noahvose, a sacred mountain known today as Bear Butte, located in the heart of the Black Hills.
Upon reaching Noahvose, Sweet Medicine encountered a group of venerable elders, both men and women, who imparted wisdom on how to address the prevailing anarchy. They instructed him to implement a system of "good government" based on two key pillars: the formation of a Council of Forty-Four Chiefs, a civil body responsible for overall governance, and the organization of military societies to maintain a "good system of police and military protection." This divine mandate established a dual structure, with civil councils and military organizations working in concert to ensure the well-being and security of the Cheyenne people.
This origin story underscores the foundational importance of tradition and protocol in shaping both Cheyenne civil and military institutions. The warrior societies were not merely ad hoc fighting forces; they were deliberately structured organizations with a clear purpose and a defined role in maintaining social order and defending the tribe.
Diversity and Distinctions: The Fraternal Organizations
The Cheyenne Warrior Societies were not a monolithic entity. Instead, they comprised a diverse array of fraternal organizations, each possessing its own distinctive characteristics and responsibilities. While the exact number of societies varied over time and between the Northern and Southern Cheyenne, some of the most prominent included the Bowstrings, the Crazy Dogs, the Red Shield Soldiers, the Wolf Soldiers, the Crooked Lance Society, and, most notably, the Dog Soldiers.
Each society possessed its own sacred symbols, distinctive decorations, unique dances, and specific songs. These elements served to differentiate the members of each society from those of other groups and from Cheyenne society as a whole. For instance, Red Shield soldiers were easily identifiable by their red shields adorned with bison tails. Wolf Soldiers were renowned not only for their military prowess but also for their elaborate social gatherings, characterized by lively songs, expressive dances, and the vibrant colors of their attire. Members of the Crooked Lance Society distinguished themselves by wrapping their lances in otter skins, while Dog Soldiers wore whistles made from bird bones on their chests.
The distinctions between these societies extended beyond mere aesthetics. Each society had its own specific roles and responsibilities within the broader Cheyenne military structure. Some societies specialized in scouting, while others focused on leading war parties or maintaining order within the camp. This specialization ensured that the Cheyenne military was a well-rounded and adaptable force capable of responding to a wide range of threats.
Competition and Military Prowess
A spirit of fierce competition existed among the various Cheyenne Warrior Societies. Each society actively sought to surpass its rivals in military accomplishments and overall status within the community. This competition fueled a constant drive for improvement and contributed to the overall effectiveness of the Cheyenne military.
Each society formed its own war parties and vied to "exceed the military accomplishments of rival societies." As Wooden Leg, a Cheyenne warrior who fought at the Battle of Little Bighorn, recalled, "the warrior societies competed with each other for effectiveness" in war and in status within the community. This competition manifested itself in various ways, from striving to count coup on the enemy to demonstrating exceptional bravery in battle.
The societies also had a system of accountability that ensured individual warriors performed at their best. When an enemy party was small in number, soldier leaders would select only a few members of a society to engage in combat. If those warriors performed well, they were lauded for their bravery. However, if they faltered or required assistance from other warriors, they were discredited. This system fostered a sense of individual responsibility and encouraged warriors to strive for excellence.
The Dog Soldiers: Rise to Prominence
Among the Cheyenne Warrior Societies, the Dog Soldiers emerged as the most militant and influential. Though the last group to be established, the Dog Soldiers rose to unique prominence and power, becoming a dominant force in Cheyenne society by the mid-1850s. Their ascent reflected the Cheyenne’s ability to adapt to the escalating crisis created by the influx of United States citizens into their homeland.
The Dog Soldiers were distinguished by their unwavering commitment to defending Cheyenne territory and their willingness to use force to repel intruders. They were known for their bravery, their tenacity, and their uncompromising stance against white encroachment. When the civil leadership advocated for peace, the Dog Soldiers offered an alternative: resistance.
A defining characteristic of the Dog Soldiers was their practice of staking themselves to the ground during battle. Four of the bravest Dog Soldiers were chosen to wear sashes of tanned skins called "dog ropes," to which picket pins were attached. These pins were driven into the ground as a symbol of unwavering resolve in combat. A Dog Soldier who was staked to the ground was obligated to remain there, even if it meant death, until his companions reached safety or another Dog Soldier released him from his duty. This act of self-sacrifice demonstrated the Dog Soldiers’ unparalleled courage and their commitment to protecting their fellow warriors.
The Dog Soldiers’ Independence and Influence
The rise of the Dog Soldiers was not without its controversies. An incident involving Porcupine Bear, a Dog Soldier leader, led to the society’s temporary ostracization from the main Cheyenne camp. Porcupine Bear, while drunk, killed a fellow Cheyenne warrior during a brawl. As a result, Porcupine Bear and his followers were deemed outlaws and forbidden from participating in tribal functions.
However, this alienation ultimately led to the Dog Soldiers’ independence and increased influence. Instead of being governed by the traditional band chiefs, the Dog Soldiers were now led by their own war leaders. This independence allowed them to operate with greater autonomy and to pursue their own agenda, which often differed from that of the civil chiefs.
Despite their initial disgrace, the Dog Soldiers continued to attract young warriors who were drawn to their unwavering commitment to resisting white encroachment. Recruitment into the society snowballed, eventually comprising a significant portion of the Cheyenne fighting force. The Dog Soldiers’ defiance and their willingness to take direct action resonated with warriors who were disillusioned with the failed peace policies of the civil leaders.
The Dog Soldiers as a Political and Military Force
As the Dog Soldiers increased in numbers and influence, they effectively became a separate division of the Cheyenne people. They established a new domain for themselves east of the other Cheyenne bands, residing near the headwaters of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers. In this region, they camped and intermarried with Brule and Oglala Lakotas, forging strong alliances that would prove crucial in the years to come.
The Dog Soldiers’ rise to prominence marked a blurring of the traditional distinctions between civil and military authority among the Cheyenne. While the civil chiefs continued to hold their positions of respect, the Dog Soldiers exerted increasing control over both civil and military affairs. This shift in power reflected the growing sense of crisis and the recognition that a more assertive military response was needed to counter the escalating threat posed by white encroachment.
Conflict and Resistance
During the 1860s and 1870s, the Dog Soldiers played a central role in the Cheyenne resistance to white expansion. They struck rail stations, wagon trains, and settlements, temporarily disrupting the flow of settlers into Cheyenne territory. Their actions, while effective in the short term, also led to tragic consequences for peaceful Cheyenne communities, as they became targets of retaliatory attacks by territorial militias and the American military.
The most devastating example of this was the Sand Creek Massacre in November 1864, in which the Colorado militia attacked and slaughtered a peaceful Cheyenne village led by Chief Black Kettle. This horrific event further fueled the flames of resistance and solidified the Dog Soldiers’ determination to fight for their land and their way of life.
The Dog Soldiers participated in numerous battles against the United States military, including the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. At Little Bighorn, it was the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers who led the attack against Custer’s column, playing a pivotal role in the victory.
The Reservation Era and Legacy
Despite their fierce resistance, the Cheyenne were eventually forced onto reservations in the late 1870s. Even during the reservation era, the Dog Soldiers continued to exert their influence, often opposing the assimilation programs of government officials. They remained a symbol of Cheyenne pride and resistance, and their legacy continues to resonate within the Cheyenne community today.
Even in the 20th and 21st centuries, young Cheyenne men have continued to be recruited into the Dog Soldier society. These modern Dog Soldiers have served with distinction in the United States military in various conflicts, demonstrating their continued commitment to defending their people and their values.
The Cheyenne Warrior Societies, particularly the Dog Soldiers, represent a remarkable chapter in the history of the American West. They were not simply military organizations; they were integral to the Cheyenne social structure, cultural identity, and resistance to external pressures. Their bravery, their tenacity, and their unwavering commitment to defending their way of life continue to inspire the Cheyenne people today.