There are few North American Indian names that call forth more instant recognition than that of Crazy Horse. He ranks high among the great warriors of American History. If we seek to know the historical Crazy Horse we will find the trail clouded by myth and legend. Crazy Horse died on the evening of September 5th, 1877. Because his death occurred soon after the end of the Sioux War of 1876-1877, he was not interviewed by journalists or historians. His life story was not recorded. Other well known Western Sioux personalities lived many years after the conflicts were over so that the opportunity existed to record their biographies.
The date and location of Crazy Horse’s birth is in dispute. 1838 to 1840 are frequently mentioned as the years of his birth. He was born in or near the Black Hills of South Dakota. His father, was called Crazy Horse and his mothers, name was Rattle Blanket Woman. They were members of the Oglala Band of the Lakota Sioux.
As a young boy Crazy Horse was known as Curley Hair. Later he was renamed Horse On Sight. During a battle with the Arapahoes the young Crazy Horse showed bravery in the fight. As a result Crazy Horse the father, passed on his name to his son in honor of his war deed. The father would be known there after as Worm.
Young Crazy Horse was raised in the traditional way of all Lakota boys. Games played an important part in their development toward adulthood. War and hunting games helped mold them into defenders and providers for their family and tribe.
