Henry Roman Nose was a prominent leader of the Cheyenne Nation during the mid-19th century. Born in 1823, he grew up steeped in traditional Cheyenne culture and quickly rose through the ranks of tribal leadership, earning his famous name after a battle with the U.S. Army. Roman Nose became known for his fierce defense of his people and their way of life, leading his warriors in several battles against settlers and the U.S. Army. Despite his many victories, he was eventually imprisoned and died in battle in 1868. This article will explore the life and legacy of Henry Roman Nose, shedding light on a powerful and influential figure in Native American history.
Early Life of Henry Roman Nose
Family and Childhood
Henry Roman Nose was born in 1823 to a prominent family in the Northern Cheyenne Nation. His father, Lone Bear, was a respected warrior and leader within their tribe. Henry's mother, Black Buffalo Woman, was highly regarded for her wisdom and spiritual visions. Growing up, Henry had three siblings and spent much of his childhood learning the traditional ways of the Cheyenne people.
Traditional Cheyenne Upbringing
As a young boy, Henry was trained in the ways of a warrior and learned the traditional teachings of the Cheyenne Nation. He became skilled in hunting, tracking, and riding horses. He also learned the importance of honoring one's ancestors and respecting the land. These teachings would later shape his leadership and actions within the tribe.
Leadership in the Cheyenne Nation
Earning the Name "Roman Nose"
Henry Roman Nose earned his name during a battle with a rival tribe. As the narrative goes, he fought fiercely in battle and refused to retreat, despite being outnumbered. His bravery inspired his fellow warriors and he was said to have had a prominent and distinctive nose that became damaged in battle, giving him the name "Roman Nose."
Rise to Prominence in the Cheyenne Nation
Henry became a prominent leader within the Northern Cheyenne Nation, leading his people in battles against settlers and the US Army. He was respected for his strategic thinking, courage, and fierce determination. His leadership skills and bravery made him a natural choice as a headman within the tribe.
Battles and Conflicts with Settlers and the US Army
Attack on the Butterfield Overland Mail
In the summer of 1865, Henry Roman Nose led an attack on the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach, which was traveling through the Powder River Valley. The battle resulted in the death of several people and eventually led to the US Army's involvement in the area.
Battle of Julesburg
In 1865, Henry Roman Nose and his warriors attacked the town of Julesburg, Colorado, which was a key stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. The attack was successful in capturing supplies and horses, but it also led to a decision by the US Army to strike back against the Cheyenne Nation.
Battle of Beecher Island
The Battle of Beecher Island took place in 1868 between the US Army and a group of Cheyenne warriors, led by Henry Roman Nose. The Cheyenne warriors were battling the encroachment of settlers and the US Army into their lands. While the Cheyenne warriors were initially successful in the battle, they eventually retreated due to heavy losses.
Imprisonment and Death of Roman Nose
Imprisonment at St. Augustine, Florida
After years of conflict and battles with settlers and the US Army, Henry Roman Nose was eventually captured and imprisoned at St. Augustine, Florida. He spent several years in prison before being released and returning to his homeland.
Return to Oklahoma and Death in Battle
Upon his return to Oklahoma, Henry Roman Nose continued to fight for the rights of his people. He was killed in a battle with US soldiers in 1868, while leading a group of Cheyenne warriors in defense of their lands. His legacy as a warrior, leader, and defender of his people lives on in the Cheyenne Nation.
Legacy and Impact of Roman Nose's Leadership
Henry Roman Nose was a prominent leader of the Southern Cheyenne Nation in the 19th century. His leadership skills and strategic thinking helped guide his people against the encroachment of white settlers and the US Army during a time of great upheaval and conflict. His legacy continues to be felt in modern times, especially among the Cheyenne people, who see him as a symbol of resistance and determination.
Influence on the Cheyenne Nation
Roman Nose's leadership was instrumental in shaping the direction of the Southern Cheyenne Nation during a tumultuous time in their history. He was a key figure in negotiating peace treaties with the US government and resisting the encroachment of white settlers on traditional Cheyenne lands. Roman Nose's strategic thinking and military prowess during battles such as the Battle of Beecher Island helped inspire a sense of pride and unity among the Southern Cheyenne people. He also played a significant role in the development of the Dog Soldier Society, a warrior society that emphasized courage, discipline, and loyalty.
Recognition in Popular Culture
Roman Nose's story has been retold in numerous books and movies, cementing his place in popular culture. One of the most famous portrayals of Roman Nose is in the 1970 movie "Soldier Blue," which depicts the Sand Creek massacre and the subsequent retaliation by the Cheyenne. His name has also been used for various products and businesses, including a brand of tobacco and a hotel in Oklahoma. However, many Native American activists have criticized the commercialization of Roman Nose's name as a form of cultural appropriation.
Overall, Henry Roman Nose's leadership and legacy have had a lasting impact on the Cheyenne Nation and continue to be celebrated in various forms of popular culture.Henry Roman Nose's leadership and bravery continue to inspire the Cheyenne Nation and others today. His legacy lives on through his people, as well as in popular culture depictions of his story. Through his unwavering defense of his people and way of life, Roman Nose remains a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What did Henry Roman Nose do to become a prominent leader of the Cheyenne Nation?
Roman Nose earned his name and reputation through his fierce defense of his people and their traditional way of life. He led his warriors in several battles against settlers and the U.S. Army, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow Cheyenne. His leadership skills and bravery propelled him to prominence within the tribe.
What happened to Henry Roman Nose after he was imprisoned?
After being imprisoned in St. Augustine, Florida for several years, Roman Nose was eventually released and returned to Oklahoma. However, he continued to fight against U.S. encroachment on Cheyenne lands and died in battle in 1868.
What kind of impact did Henry Roman Nose have on the Cheyenne Nation?
Roman Nose's leadership and bravery continue to inspire the Cheyenne Nation and others today. He remains a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity, and his legacy lives on through his people and in popular culture depictions of his story. Many Cheyenne people view him as a hero and a pivotal figure in their history.
What is the significance of the Battle of Beecher Island?
The Battle of Beecher Island was a major conflict between the Cheyenne, led by Roman Nose, and the U.S. Army. Despite being outnumbered, the Cheyenne warriors were able to hold off the Army for several days, buying time for their families and non-combatants to escape. Though Roman Nose was eventually killed in the battle, the Cheyenne victory was a major blow to the U.S. military and a source of pride for the Cheyenne people.
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The whole people turned out as spectators of the struggle, and the battlefield was a plateau between the two camps, in the midst of picturesque Bad Lands. There were many athletic youths present, but these two were really the Apollos of the two tribes. In this kind of sport it is not allowed to strike with the hand, nor catch around the neck, nor kick, nor pull by the hair.
One may break away and run a few yards to get a fresh start, or clinch, or catch as catch can. When a boy is thrown and held to the ground, he is counted out. If a boy has met his superior, he may drop to the ground to escape rough handling, but it is very seldom one gives up without a full trial of strength. It seemed almost like a real battle, so great was the enthusiasm, as the shouts of sympathizers on both sides went up in a mighty chorus.
At last all were either conquerors or subdued except Gall and Roman Nose. The pair seemed equally matched. Both were stripped to the breech clout, now tugging like two young buffalo or elk in mating time, again writhing and twisting like serpents. At times they fought like two wild stallions, straining every muscle of arms, legs, and back in the struggle. Every now and then one was lifted off his feet for a moment, but came down planted like a tree, and after swaying to and fro soon became rigid again.
All eyes were upon the champions. Finally, either by trick or main force, Gall laid the other sprawling upon the ground and held him fast for a minute, then released him and stood erect, panting, a master youth. Shout after shout went up on the Sioux side of the camp.
The mother of Roman Nose came forward and threw a superbly worked buffalo robe over Gall, whose mother returned the compliment by covering the young Cheyenne with a handsome blanket. Undoubtedly these early contests had their influence upon our hero's career. It was his habit to appear most opportunely in a crisis, and in a striking and dramatic manner to take command of the situation.
The best known example of this is his entrance on the scene of confusion when Reno surprised the Sioux on the Little Big Horn. Many of the excitable youths, almost unarmed, rushed madly and blindly to meet the intruder, and the scene might have unnerved even an experienced warrior.
It was Gall, with not a garment upon his superb body, who on his black charger dashed ahead of the boys and faced them. He stopped them on the dry creek, while the bullets of Reno's men whistled about their ears.
"Hold hard, men! Steady, we are not ready yet! Wait for more guns, more horses, and the day is yours!"
They obeyed, and in a few minutes the signal to charge was given, and Reno retreated pell mell before the onset of the Sioux. Sitting Bull had confidence in his men so long as Gall planned and directed the attack, whether against United
States soldiers or the warriors of another tribe. He was a strategist, and able in a twinkling to note and seize upon an advantage. He was really the mainstay of Sitting Bull's effective last stand.
He consistently upheld his people's right to their buffalo plains and believed that they should hold the government strictly to its agreements with them. When the treaty of 1868 was disregarded, he agreed with Sitting Bull in defending the last of their once vast domain, and after the Custer battle entered Canada with his chief. They hoped to bring their lost cause before the English government and were much disappointed when they were asked to return to the United States. Gall finally reported at Fort Peck, Montana, in 1881, and brought half of the Hunkpapa band with him, whereupon he was soon followed by Sitting Bull himself.
Although they had been promised by the United States commission who went to Canada to treat with them that they would not be punished if they returned, no sooner had Gall come down than a part of his people were attacked, and in the spring they were all brought to Fort Randall and held as military prisoners. From this point they were returned to Standing Rock agency. When "Buffalo Bill" successfully launched his first show, he made every effort to secure both Sitting Bull and Gall for his leading attractions.
The military was in complete accord with him in this, for they still had grave suspicions of these two leaders. While Sitting Bull reluctantly agreed, Gall haughtily said: "I am not an animal to be exhibited before the crowd," and retired to his teepee.
His spirit was much worn, and he lost strength from that time on. That superb manhood dwindled, and in a few years he died. He was a real hero of a free and natural people, a type that is never to be seen again.
written by Charles Eastmen, 1913
Second insert from Charles Eastmen's book.
Roman Nose
This Cheyenne war chief was a contemporary of Dull Knife. He was not so strong a character as the other, and was inclined to be pompous and boastful; but with all this he was a true type of native American in spirit and bravery. While Dull Knife was noted in warfare among Indians, Roman Nose made his record against the whites, in defense of territory embracing the Republican and Arickaree rivers.
He was killed on the latter river in 1868, in the celebrated battle with General Forsythe. Save Chief Gall and Washakie in the prime of their manhood, this chief had no peer in bodily perfection and masterful personality. No Greek or Roman gymnast was ever a finer model of physical beauty and power. He thrilled his men to frenzied action when he came upon the field. It was said of him that he sacrificed more youths by his personal influence in battle than any other leader, being very reckless himself in grand-stand charges. He was killed needlessly in this manner.
Roman Nose always rode an uncommonly fine, spirited horse, and with his war bonnet and other paraphernalia gave a wonderful exhibition. The Indians used to say that the soldiers must gaze at him rather than aim at him, as they so seldom hit him even when running the gantlet before a firing line. He did a remarkable thing once when on a one-arrow-to-kill buffalo hunt with his brother-in-law.
His companion had selected his animal and drew so powerfully on his sinew bowstring that it broke. Roman Nose had killed his own cow and was whipping up close to the other when the misfortune occurred. Both horses were going at full speed and the arrow jerked up in the air.
Roman Nose caught it and shot the cow for him. Another curious story told of him is to the effect that he had an intimate Sioux friend who was courting a Cheyenne girl, but without success.
As the wooing of both Sioux and Cheyennes was pretty much all effected in the night time, Roman Nose told his friend to let him do the courting for him. He arranged with the young woman to elope the next night and to spend the honeymoon among his Sioux friends. He then told his friend what to do. The Sioux followed instructions and carried off the Cheyenne maid, and not until morning did she discover her mistake.
It is said she never admitted it, and that the two lived happily together to a good old age, so perhaps there was no mistake after all. Perhaps no other chief attacked more emigrants going west on the Oregon Trail between 1860 and
1868. He once made an attack on a large party of Mormons, and in this instance the Mormons had time to form a corral with their wagons and shelter their women, children, and horses.
The men stood outside and met the Indians with well-aimed volleys, but they circled the wagons with whirlwind speed, and whenever a white man fell, it was the signal for Roman Nose to charge and count the "coup."
The hat of one of the dead men was off, and although he had heavy hair and beard, the top of his head was bald from the forehead up. As custom required such a deed to be announced on the spot, the chief yelled at the top of his voice: "Your Roman Nose has counted the first coup on the longest-faced white man who was ever killed!"
When the Northern Cheyennes under this daring leader attacked a body of scouting troops under the brilliant officer General Forsythe, Roman Nose thought that he had a comparatively easy task. The first onset failed, and the command entrenched itself on a little island.
The wily chief thought he could stampede them and urged on his braves with the declaration that the first to reach the island should be entitled to wear a trailing war bonnet. Nevertheless he was disappointed, and his men received such a warm reception that none succeeded in reaching it. In order to inspire them to desperate deeds he had led them in person, and with him that meant victory or death.
According to the army accounts, it was a thrilling moment, and might well have proved disastrous to the Forsythe command, whose leader was wounded and helpless. The danger was acute until Roman Nose fell, and even then his lieutenants were bent upon crossing at any cost, but some of the older chiefs prevailed upon them to withdraw.
Thus the brilliant war chief of the Cheyennes came to his death. If he had lived until 1876, Sitting Bull would have had another bold ally.
written by Charles Eastmen, 1913
Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Nose