The Crow, or, as they call themselves, Absaroka, meaning something or anything that flies, when first known occupied the Lower Yellowstone and the valleys of the Big Horn and Tongue Rivers, but roamed over much of the surrounding country, carrying their incursions even to the plains of Snake River and to the valley of the Green. Were originally one with the Minataree or Gros Ventre, but separated from them, and were afterward driven from their territory by the Ogalalla and Cheyenne, settling finally about the head of the Yellowstone, dispossessing ‘in their turn the Blackfeet and Flatheads. Are divided into three bands, with a dialect peculiar to each, viz: the Kikatsa or Crow proper, the Ahnahaway, and the Allakaweah, numbering in all, as estimated in 1820, 3,250 souls. Obtaining horses at an early day, they became great marauders. Irving writes of them in “Astoria:” “They are in fact notorious marauders and horse-stealers, crossing and re-crossing the mountains (the Big Horn), robbing on one side and conveying their spoils to the other. Hence, we are told, is derived their name, given them on account of their unsettled and predatory habits, winging their flight, like the crow, from one side of the mountains to the other, and making free booty of everything that lies in their way. In 1851, joined in a treaty with the United States giving a right of way for roads to be built through their country. In 1868 a treaty was made, and an attempt made to place all the Crow on one reservation, but without success until 1875. They have been much exposed to incursions from some parties of Sioux at their new agency on the Rosebud as well as at their former one on the Yellowstone. “The Indians, full of war and revenge, have no thought to bestow upon farming or other peaceful employment, especially as the best farming lands of the reservation are most exposed to these hostile incursions. Six families, however, have been induced to tend small farms, and have succeeded well. A mile and a half of ditch, sufficient to irrigate several hundred acres, has been dug, and it is hoped that another season will see at least a beginning made toward the civilization of these 4,000 wild but always loyal Crow.”
List of illustrations
940. Kam-Ne-But-Se. Blackfoot and squaw.
946. Kam-Ne-But-Se. Blackfoot.
The principal chief of the Mountain Crows; a splendid specimen of manhood, standing 6 feet 2 inches in height and of very heavy frame; owes his position to his bravery and success in fighting the Sioux, their inveterate enemies. He also ranks high as an orator and councilor in the nation. ..The first picture, in which he is represented in an elaborate dress of buckskin, was^made while on a visit, with a delegation of his tribe, to Washington, in 1873; the other represents him as he appears at his home on the Yellowstone, or in his natural every-day garb.
941. Che-Ve-Te-Pu-Ma-Ta. Iron Bull and squaw.
One of the principal chiefs of the Mountain Crows.
942. Se-Ta-Pit-Se. Bear Wolf and squaw.
943. Perits Har Sts. Old Crow and squaw.
944. Kam Ne-But-Se. Blackfoot.
944. Eche-Has-Ka. Long Horse
944. Te-Shu-Nzt. White Calf.
945. Mukh-Pi-Tche.
945. Ella-Causs-Se. Thin Belly.
945. Pish-Ki-Ha-Di Ri-Ky-Ish. The One that Leads the Old Dog.
859. Group Of Crow Delegation to Washington in 1872, including Agent Pease and the interpreters.
947. In-Tee-Us. He Shows His Face.
948. Mit-Choo-Ash. Old Onion.
949. Group Of Chiefs and headmen.
950. Group Of Squaws.
The last four pictures were made at the old agency of the Crows, on the Yellowstone, near Shields River, in 1871. The following were also made at the same place and time, and represent the old mission buildings (lately destroyed by fire), in which the agent had his headquarters; their tents and manner of living, and their mode of burial.
953. The Mission, or agency buildings.
952. Village Scene, showing new adobe houses built for the Indians,
951. Inside View Of A Skin Lodge.
954. Mode Of Burial.