Lieutenant Henry Bullhead

Lieutenant Henry Bullhead

United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, U.S. Government

End of Watch Friday, December 19, 1890

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Henry Bullhead

Lieutenant Bullhead was shot and killed during an attack by a group of American Indians. This photograph of Lieutenant Bullhead is used with permission of the Denver Public Library, Western History/Genealogy Department.


A total of six officers from the United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs were killed when they were attacked following the arrest of Chief Sitting Bull of the Sioux Indian tribe in South Dakota. After arresting the Chief the officers were traveling back to their headquarters when they were attacked by a group led by the chief's son. Four officers were killed and two were wounded in the attack. The Sioux Chief was also killed along with his son. The two injured officers later died of their wounds.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location South Dakota
  • Incident Date Monday, December 15, 1890
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Not available

ambush

Most Recent Reflection

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For a minimum of two decades the North Dakota State Heritage Center displayed a small silver badge stating “US INDIAN POLICE” with “US” on top, followed by “INDIAN”, with a bow and arrow (bow facing upward) and crossed arrows through the bow under the word. Finally, “POLICE” under the laid down bow. The Heritage center listed the displayed badge as the actual badge Lieutenant Bullhead wore at the arrest of Chief Sitting Bull. What a beautiful artifact it is! To me it is the crown jewel of the CENTER. I am not sure if it is still on display, but nevertheless, it was striking to see the badge every time I viewed it. I do have a highly detailed replica of the badge, but the real on has a definite almost spiritual presence to it.

Gregory TeKippe
Internal Revenue Service

March 31, 2024

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