Great Leader: White Bear (Satanta) of the Kiowa, c 1820-1878
The last Kiowa war chief led his people to victory in one of the key battles of the American west, and showed just how far he was willing to go to keep his own freedom. Satanta, from the Kiowa words for White Bear, was born the son of Red Tipi and a Spanish woman who had been captured by the Kiowa and adopted into the tribe. His father was a noted warrior and leader and it was only natural that his son would follow in his footsteps. Early in life, Satanta became known both as a bold and daring warrior and a great speaker, able to persuade others through his oratory. Satanta first enters the historical record in 1864, at the First Battle of Adobe Walls. The combined Kiowa, Apache and Comanche forces were under the overall command of Kiowa Principal Chief Dohasan, who led a Native command team composed of Satank, Guipago and Satanta, among others. Satanta led several charges against Kit Carson's New Mexico volunteers. At some point in the battle...