While he was visiting the Whetstone Agency, Spotted Tail was approached on the important subject of settling down and cultivating the soil. He had been offered plenty of ground, a good log home, and all the farming implements that he wanted and needed.
He either evaded the subject altogether or declined the offers. His rejection was because he did not like the situation at the present agency, nor, in fact, any other point along the Missouri. He wanted a location along the White River, or at almost any point except the present one.
While officials talked with him on the subject of farming, he seemed to take about as much real interest in the matter as a well-to-do farmer would were he asked to adopt the habits and fashions of a Sioux Indian. It was the same with most of the Indians under his control.
Instead of the possibility of farming, Spotted Tail and those associated with him were much more interested in the arrival of the annuity goods which were on a boat coming up the river from St. Louis. It was hoped that they arrived soon so that their camp could be moved away from the agency.
The new camp was near the Missouri River and an island, upon which was a small growth of cedar of proper size for the squaws to make into tepee poles. Since each tepee required about fifteen poles and through constant use they often became broken and unserviceable, it was important that they be located close to needed timber.
Once the new canvas had been made into tepees and they were dressed in their new blankets, Spotted Tail was proud of his new acquisitions. He invited Agent D. C. Poole from the Whetstone Agency to visit his camp and see how comfortably he and his people were living. He knew that everything which he obtained for his tribe was legally theirs and was obtained principally through his persistent efforts.
Early one bright spring morning Agent Poole and his interpreter set out from Whetstone to the Spotted Tail camp. They followed a well defined trail, made by the wagon trains which transported supplies, and by the passage of moving families with packed ponies, and tepee poles trailing on the ground. They had no difficulty in finding their way over the otherwise level and trackless prairie.
As they approached the village, they found a more broken country, their trail leading over high buttes and across deep ravines. As they made several short turns at the base of the buttes, they came in view of the camp. Scattered in rather irregular order were about three hundred and fifty lodges, all clean and neat.
Poole and his interpreter were immediately offered coffee and meat to refresh them after their morning ride. Agent Poole had been warned that feasting would be the principal entertainment, so he governed himself accordingly and did not partake too freely the first time.
Being the principal chief in the area, Spotted Tail was constantly called upon by those wanting counsel and advice. Custom demanded that all callers should have something offered them to eat, so his larder had constant drafts made upon it.
In order to sustain his dignity in this respect, Agent Poole regularly sent him extra coffee, bacon, and sugar with each supply train. These additional items, which were in addition to his regular share, were always left at his lodge without any comment.
Walking about the village the agent and his interpreter found an air of quiet contentment. It was situated in a sheltered place, and the rays of the spring sun were warm, so most of the Indians were outside. The elders were smoking as they basked in the sun and the young bucks were enjoying their favorite game of “foot ball.” The boys were whipping tops or practicing with their bows and arrows.
The women were working and gossiping, always at a distance from the men, and the girls too small to carry burdens were playing with their simple dolls or acquiring knowledge of the needle with dried sinews for thread. Some of the young maidens, as they carried wood and water, were noticed to be casting shy glances toward the young athletes chasing the ball. In the distance herds of ponies grazed on the prairie, watched by sentinels posted on high buttes to see that they did not stray too far, and to give timely warning should an enemy approach. The courage and stability of their community was unmistakable.
History tells us that during the 7th and 8th centuries the ancient Greeks and Romans played some sort of game in which an object was kicked along the ground. Present day enthusiasts are prone to believe that this ancient game of “kicking an object along the ground” is the legitimate parent of our modern game of football. Spinning tops emerged independently in various cultures worldwide and are considered among the oldest known toys discovered by archaeologists. They have been unearthed on every continent except Antarctica.
And we must not forget Jim Thorpe who was known as “America’s Greatest Athlete.” In 1911, the Carlisle Indians were the most dynamic team in college football. Legendary athlete Jim Thorpe was the greatest player that Pop Warner ever coached at the Carlisle Indian School.
Author Author Clarence Shoemaker, originally published in the Gregory Times-Advocate on December 10, 2024