|
In the 1600s the Cheyenne lived in earth-covered log structures but due to conflict with other Native tribes they began to migrate and became hunters/gatherers.
|
|
As hunters/gatherers the Cheyenne migrated with the buffalo, using horses they had acquired from the Spanish. They lived in tipis.
|
|
In the 1800s the Cheyenne and other Native American tribes began to rebel against the U.S. Army and the pioneers that were moving into their territory.
|
|
As wars and battles continued between the Native Americans and the pioneers and Army, the U.S. government created reservations and forced the Natives to live there.
|
|
Today the Cheyenne are divided into two recognized groups. The Northern Cheyenne live in Montana and are the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. The Southern Cheyenne live in Oklahoma and are the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.
|
|
The Cheyenne survived on wild animals such as turkey, bear, deer, elk, and buffalo, and gathered roots and other wild vegetables including herbs, potatoes, spinach and fruit and berries.
|
|
The Cheyenne used weapons such as hatchets, spears, knives, bows and arrows, and stone ball clubs. Eventually they also learned how to use rifles.
|
|
Cheyenne clothing was often made from the hides of buffalo and deer. The clothing was decorated with beadwork, paint, and even porcupine quills, and both men and woman wore a variety of jewelry and armbands and other ornamental items.
|
|
Cheyenne men wore leggings, shirts, buckskin vests, robes, and decorative headgear.
|
|
Cheyenne women wore leggings and dresses and robes for warmth. Cheyenne women also wore their hair in two beaded braids.
|
|
The Cheyenne belief system was that all animals and objects have souls. They believed in the Great Spirit, also known as Manitou.
|
|
Some of the most notable Cheyenne chiefs and leaders include Morning Star (Dull Knife), Crazy Wolf, Chief Little Horse, Black Bear, Chief Little Wolf, and Crooked Nose.
|
|
In 1804 the Cheyenne were visited by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
|
|
In 1849 a cholera epidemic in the Cheyenne tribe broke out.
|
|
Once gold was discovered in the Cheyenne territory the efforts to move them off their land increased.
|
|
In 1876 the Battle of Little Bighorn broke out and the Northern Cheyenne and allies fought General Custer, resulting in Custer's death and most of his Calvary.
|
|
Following this battle the Cheyenne were forced to move to reservations.
|
|
The Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was created in 1884.
|
|
The Cheyenne Reservation in Montana has a population of roughly 6,500, and the Cheyenne Reservation in Oklahoma, shared with the Arapaho, has a population of roughly 11,000.
|
