Eagle Elk, a 25-year old Oglala Sioux warrior in 1876, fought against Reno’s command and later in the final surround of Cuter’s immediate command in the Battle of Little Bighorn. Warned of an impending attack by soldiers before the battle by an old woman, Eagle Elk stripped and painted for war, rode out to meet Reno’s attack and dashed in to knock troopers off their mounts with his rifle butt when they began to retreat.
“I was about 25 the summer we fought Long Hair and I still believed we could drive the white men from our country. I’m a little sad yet about that fight, although it was our finest victory.” – Pine Ridge Agency 1939
