1883 - Sitting Bull on display

Sitting Bull

         When the Northern Pacific railroad was completed, Sitting Bull was invited to attend the dedication ceremonies in Bismarck, North Dakota.   When asked to speak, the great chief rose and said: "I hate all white people.  You are thieves and liars.  You have taken away our land and made us outcasts in our own homelands."

         The translator was so stunned by Sitting Bull's affront that he lost his nerve, and then told the audience that Sitting Bull said he was very happy to be there and how much he looked forward to peace and prosperity between the whites and the Indian people.

          The audience then gave Sitting Bull a standing ovation.