By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com
Imagine attending a lecture in Bluffton presented by a Cheyenne speaking from the point of view of native Americans just four years after the Battle of Little Bighorn.
That battle occurred in 1876. The lecture, by a 19-year-old native American, who we only know as “Star,” took place in Bluffton in 1880.
Little is known about how the Cheyenne came to Bluffton.
- Who invited Star?
- How did arrive here and where did he stay?
- How was he dressed?
- How many persons attended his presentation?
- What was the audience reaction?
- Was he traveling on his own, or was he on tour through an agency?
Hearing a native American give a lecture was a first for Bluffton residents. Previously locals’ only interactions with native Americans was when traveling groups passed through town setting up a camp in what was Schmidt’s field on what is today Vine Street.
According to early Bluffton stories, these “Indians” performed dances, sold merchandise, stayed a short time, then packed and traveled elsewhere. Combine this to Little Bighorn/Greasy Grass, and Star’s presentation becomes even more unusual.
Reading The News version of the event, viewers recognize an editor impressed with the speaker. A story appearing in the Nov. 11, 1880, Bluffton News describes the lecture and it follows:
Lecture by an Indian
Star, a young Indian of the Cheyenne tribe, lectured at Keim’s Hall, on Thursday evening last, on the recent troubles between the various tribes of Indians and the U.S. government.
He talked from the Indian standpoint, and seemed to think the great draw back to the project of civilizing the redman, is the fact that the government does not keep her treaties inviolate; that she marks off a reservation for the Indian, and allows the Indian to remain there just as long as no gold or fertile soil is discovered, but the discovery of either is the signal for his removal to a more remote and barren region.
Again, Star complained loudly of the unfair dealings of the Indian agents sent by the government, and as proof, called attention to the fact that a man needed an “Indian Agency” only a few years to enrich himself.
Read the rest of the feature HERE.
