A noted chief of the Northern Cheyenne Indians. Dull Knife has been termed by writers as one of those "admirable outlaws" against tyranny and injustices who could be compared with Rob Roy and Wallace and Bruce.
Dull Knife first came into public notice in 1868 when, as one of the representatives of his tribe, he signed the treaty of Fort Laramie. Following the Custer battle, in which the Cheyenne joined with the Dakota and other tribes, American troops attacked Dull Knife's camp and destroyed 173 lodges and captured 500 ponies. The Indians later surrendered and were placed on a reservation in Oklahoma. With no buffalo to hunt, near starvation, and with many dying from disease, Dull Knife led his people north in September, 1878, in one of the most remarkable marches in the history of Indian warfare.
The small band, with women and children, fought its way through Kansas, 
outmaneuvering
and outfighting hundreds of American soldiers. The Indians finally were
captured and confined to Fort Robinson, Nebraska. Instead of
surrendering their arms they took their guns apart and concealed some under
blankets, while children wore necklaces and bracelets of hammers, firing
pins, and other small parts.
Finally, the unhappy Indians made another break for liberty, having reassembled their guns. It was a bitter cold night on January 8, 1879. Women and children were shot down by the white soldiers and most of the warriors were slain. Dull Knife was among those who escaped.
Dull Knife died in 1883 and was buried on a high butte near the valley of the Rosebud River - his grave overlooking that country to which he had vainly tried to lead his people.
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