Gall 1840–1894
Lakota Warrior and Leader
Gall was born in present-day South Dakota. He belonged to the Hunkpapa group of Lakota Indians. As a child, Gall looked up to an older boy who became known as Sitting Bull. When they grew up, Gall fought with Sitting Bull against the efforts of the United States government to force the Lakota onto a reservation.
Gall's greatest victory as a warrior was at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Government soldiers attacked a large village of Lakota peoples. Gall and his warriors fought back fiercely. They drove the soldiers to retreat. Then Gall turned to attack George Custer's men, who were seen nearby. The American Indians won the battle.
Gall led his people to Canada, but they came close to starving. In 1881, he finally surrendered to the United States government. He was forced to move to a reservation. In his last years, Gall tried to help his people by cooperating with the government. He is remembered today as a strong leader.
Critical Thinking
Why do you think Gall decided to surrender to the United States government?