Message Board

St. Louis Route 66 Festival

NancyMilton — Thur, 28 Aug 2008 18:35:47 GMT

You're invited to the First Annual St. Louis Route 66 Festival.

The event is being held on the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on both the Illinois and Missouri sides on Saturday, October 4, 2008.

Two hundred classic cars will line the bridge deck, Route 66 authors and speakers, artists, food and merchandise vendors, music, an old-fashioned sock hop dance and even a "drive-in" movie showing of the classic American Graffiti on a giant, inflatable screen will take place during the day and evening.

The event runs from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

For more info, click on www.trailnet.org or dial 314-416-9930.

Questions, please feel free to contact me. I hope some of you can add this event to your fall travel plans.

--Nancy

Forum: Route 66

ghost town seen on tv few years ago

Linda — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:18:45 GMT

I was only paying half attention but remember a ghost town in the west that was baffleing in that everything was left as though the people disappeared into thin air. : books were open on school desks , tables set, etc. There was no sign of struggle or bodies. The picture on tv was cowboy time period and the area was dry or desert like and mountains in the back ground. I have often wished I was paying closer attention. Does anybody else know of such a place and where is it?

Forum: Ghost Towns

What's going on here?

Sylvia — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:09:48 GMT

Hi everyone, well this is my first time posting here. I wrote an email to someone here and got a response to post in here and I might have someone else help me here.

"Hi, well I came upon your website as I've been searching for something to explain what I've been experiencing since I was a child. Ever since I can remember, I've always seen ghosts and have experienced weird things such as my bed moving, a man on standing next to my bed just looking at me, sudden hot sensations from head to toe and tons more things. We are believers of ghosts as everyone has seen a little boy that runs around in my house. Some nights, late at night I tend to hear a group of at least 3 women and 1 man whispering amongst themselves and can never make out what they are talking about because I don't know the language in which they are talking. Recently within the last 6 months these activities have actually gotten more frequently and scare me more. We've blessed this house before, spray holy water every once in a while and have other religious things around the house. My family has noticed that these things tend to happen more to me and a somewhat mild type to my sister. I hear a man's voice call out my name and so does my sister, but she says that voice sounds like our father's voice but that it can't be him because it usually happens when she's away from the house. I get weird feelings when I walk into strangers houses and can sense when they have an extra visitor in their homes. I have mixed feelings about wanting to maybe work on my senses, but if I get scared already I know I'll be even more scared if I practice it. Now I'm a person with an open mind and would love to hear any suggestions you have and would also like to know where I could get some help with this. It's terrifying to wake up late at night to a man's voice (I sleep alone) say your voice and when you open your eyes a little you jump at the sight of an unknown person next to you. This happened last night and with reaction gave it a kick. Of course it did nothing to him, but I still get jumpy. "

I'm still experiencing these things as this email was sent not long ago. This past weekend we went out of town and was sure I saw someone who I'm sure wasn't human because he didn't really seem normal and then was gone by the time I checked to see if someone else could see him.

If someone could help, I'd really appreciate it. I'm desparate for some help and/or information. This is driving me nuts already.

Forum: Ghosts & Mysteries

History, or revised History

nighthawksh — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:49:16 GMT

Isn't it interesting how history changes. It gets revised, revised again, and sometimes ends up right back where it started.

I think a good example is the Civil War/War of Northern Agression/War Between the States, etc.

Another is the "Old West."

Another is the manner in which the aboriginal on this continent have been treated, and thought of.

Anyone wish to discuss any of these or other subjects, regarding as to how their history was evolved?

Forum: American History

American History

ValKilmer — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:45:03 GMT

In 1942, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order No. 9066 into law which eventually forced close to 120,000 Japanese-Americans in the western part of the United States to leave their homes and move to one of ten 'relocation' centers or to other facilities across the nation. This order came about as a result of great prejudice and wartime hysteria after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
---------------------
ValKilmer

South Dakota Treatment Centers

Forum: American History

meaning of dream

YELLOWDOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:16:31 GMT

Hi,
    This is my first posting, don't know if anyone can help, but I need answers to some questions I have about things and concerning recurring dreams I have been having since I was 12 years old, I am now 54, I have tried to get answers elsewhere for some years, but not had any help so far. The dreams always have the same themes, but I don't get them all the time, sometimes I can go for months or years, then something seems to trigger them off again. The dreams are as follows.
       I find myself sat crossed legged, on top of a small hill. As I look around there is nothing but like a blue-green grass, as far as the eye can see, no one else is around and no animals. The land isn't level, there are other small,rounded hills.The day is pleasantly warm, and the breeze makes the grass sway, like waves on the sea. I seem to have something like buckskin trousers on. The next thing, I am in a dark place, I don't know where, but I seem to be looking at myself. Through the darkness I can just make out that I seem to be a native Indian of some kind. My hair is long with like two braids at the front and I have a black band, around two inches wide, across my eyes and bridge of my nose to my ears, my skin is sweaty. Around my neck there is some kind of necklace This necklace consists of a large eagle claw, the talons of which are firmly holding some kind of transparent blue stone, the size of a small chicken egg, eagle feathers are attached to the claw and some kind of beading. The blue stone is flawless having no marks on or in it, you can see straight through it. Then I am inside a tepee of some kind. On the inside I see four shields, one has a large print of a hand on it, with a large dot to the right of it, near where the wrist would be, these are both in red. Another has what I now believe to be the image of a thunderbird, this is in black, I don't see what is on the other two shields.On the floor is what seem to be like fur rugs and some wooden structures, I don't know if these are boxes or some kind of seating. I turn, and sat at the side of me is a young woman. She has long black hair, not tied or anything, beautiful looking with large hooped earings in her ears. She has the same black band across her eyes as I have and seems to be mixing some kind of green herb in a dish. On the outside of the tepee there are four images of thunderbirds, two are red, two black. Then I find myself with some other young men. We are walking g through, like some kind of canyon, all around are like jagged peaks, they don't look like hills or mountains, just jagged peaks, lots of them together. As we walk some men are carrying what seems to be a body, which is tightly bound in some kind of hide. We come to the bottom of a large cliff and one of the men starts to climb up the cliff, using handholds, which if you didn't know they were there, you couldn't see. He gets about half way up the cliff then disappears into what must be a cave or hole in the face of the cliff, this cannot be seen from the base of the cliff. He then throws down some ropes. The body is tied to these. The rest of us climb up and pull up the body and some other objects which were tied to the ropes. The body is placed inside what now looks like a small cave, but deep inside. The body is placed laid down facing the opening of the cave and the objects are placed at the side of the body, these are a lance, with two eagle feathers attached, shield with some kind of flash across it, like a lightening zigzag, in yellow, a small bow with three arrows in a colorful quiver, and three small dishes with like dry powder in them. We say a few words then climb down. Then the next thing, I see myself walking through short grassland, but I seem to be looking from above and I seem to be walking in the middle of a small whirlwind, I can see the wind whirling around me as I walk, well I presume it is me as I am looking from above. I have wondered for many years now for what the meaning of the dreams are. I have had a deep interest in native American culture, for many years now and seem to find myself drawn to the Lakota Sioux. I recently found a website with pictures of a native American man with a black band across his eyes and nose, for some unknown reason I started getting tears in my eyes and then they streamed down my face, luckily I was on my own or I would have felt a fool.
Do native Americans believe in reincarnation?
  Also I had a strange thing happen to me around November last year, we had just lost my father in law at the time. I was in my garden at the back of my house. You have to go down five steps to get into the house, now as I walked down these steps, just as I came off the bottom step, a pebble rolled at the side of me, on the path at the bottom of the steps, as I stepped onto the path. No one else was around and the neighbours were all at work, I looked all around and have no idea where this pebble came from. It is the size of a chicken egg, uneven all around. Now how it came to roll at the side of me I have no clue, especially with the shape of it, as, it actually rolled in a straight line for around two feet and stopped at the side of my foot as I put it down on the path. I tried numerous times to roll it in a straight line, afterwards, but because of the shape, it never did, I also let it drop down on the path, as if it had been thrown, but on the day it happend it never made a noise as if being thrown and hitting the path. This really spooked me. It took me a few weeks to tell my family. It is now in a draw in the house and I wrapped it in a red cloth, don't know why. Has anyone any ideas as to what happened?
A friend of mine , who I told about the incident, said that he had read somewhere about medicine men having stones to help heal people and that the medicine man never found the stone but the stone found them.
If anyone can help please do, I need answers. Thanx. May the Great Spirit go with you.

Forum: Ghosts & Mysteries

Chief Two Strike's Adopted Son

fillupe — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:31:54 GMT

My Great Grandfather George C. Crager (GCC) (1859-1920) was honored by becoming Chief Two Stike's (1832-1923) adopted son. GCC was associated with the Burle Tribes of Indians from 1876 until the late 1890's. He was noted for his knowledge of the Sioux-Lakota dialects and working in favor of Indian welfare and their social issues. GCC spoke out against the lack of reasonable pay and good treatment of Indian performers in 'Wild West Shows'. His efforts resulted in significant improvements for contracted Indian performers after 1889.

Forum: Native American

Chief Short Bull's Account to Interpreter George C. Crager

fillupe — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:23:03 GMT

My Great Grandfather George C. Crager wrote the following accounts of meeting The Messiah, The Ghost Dance & Wounded Knee as dictated to him by Chief Short Bull . . .

As Told By SHORT BULL to GEROGE C. CRAGER (1891)

In the fall of 1889 I was at Cheyenne Agency and returned to Rosebud Agency in time for the issue. I then went to carrying freight for the Government between Valentine & Rosebud Agency. I had made one trip and getting ready to make another, when a messenger handed me a letter. I asked for whom the letter was, his answer was, "Take it to the Council house," I done so, the Council house was full of people as they were dancing "Omaha" at the time. I went at night to the council house again, and saw two Brules searching through the crowd as if looking for someone. One of the men was "Eagle Pipe", when they saw me, they pulled off my blanket & placed me in the center of the circle, at this time I did not know what they meant, they then selected "Scatter" whom they said was to go with me on a great mission. "Standing Bear" (Brule) gave me a new blanket and leggins-saying "We have a letter from the West saying the Father has come and we want you to go and see him (meaning the Messiah). "You must try and get there, see him, recognize him and tell us what he says and we will do it. Be there with a big heart. Do not fail." (These were the expressions of the entire council.) It may here be said that those present in the council room were all armed because "Two Strikes" son had choked one of the Indian Police, and a fight was going on outside. I said nothing but thought a good deal. The next morning another Council was held and here they told me what my mission was to be. Men and women were assembled and my Uncle spoke, saying "I am not afraid to tell you what this letter contains," it was read and the wind was blowing so furiously that the whole house was filled with dust, but as soon as the reading of the letter began the wind ceased-this gave me confidence. I had faith to go, I had no belief in it before but now my mind was made up. My people know I was a man of truth and could be relied on. I stood up and said "My brothers, you are all sitting here with your guns, this is not what the Messiah wants us to do, and when I leave here I ask you to drop your arms, follow my trail, watch my movements and have no trouble with the whites or Police, be as one, drop no blood; If I have to stay two years I will try and see him myself and bring you his words. "Sore Back" arose and said "My boy, I select you to go West, you ask me to drop my arms and be peaceful and I will do it. I look to you to bring us the good word. Don't think we will shed any blood, we will do right.

Two days after this Council "Scatter" and I started, we went to Pine Ridge Agency, but before starting "High Hawks" brother gave us a buggy. We found at Pine Ridge that "Kicking Bear", "He Dog", "Flat Iron", "Yellow Knife", "Brave Bear" and "Twist Back" had left two days before for the West and on the night previous "Yellow Breast" and "Broken Arm" had left. We were delayed one day at Pine Ridge to have the buggy repaired. We then started off and after hard travelling for two and one half days we caught up with the Ogallalas at Sage Creek near Casper Mountains. Here we also met "Man" and his two nephews "Louis" and "John Shangrau" who were returning to the Agency from a trip to Port Washakie, we told them we were travelling West to meet the Messiah, We then traveled on to the Arapahoes at Shoshone Agency where we stayed until one week after Christmas, when we started on horseback to the end of "Painted Rock" here we boarded a railroad train and arrived at a point where only Chinamen were. The Agent at Port Washakie gave us railroad passes, "Sitting Bull" gave me 25 Dollars and I sold one of my beaded vests for $10, while we were at Shoshone Agency we danced the "Omaha" and got presents of money. We stayed three days at the Chinamans town, we then boarded another train traveling one day and night, but owing to a "hot box" we had to get out at the forks of a large creek where we camped for the night, the next morning we walked about 1 miles reaching a small town, and once more began to travel by rail. The snow was so deep that plows were used to clear the road which delayed us three days in a small town, on the fourth night the road was open so that we could travel again; after spending the night on the train we came to a creek which was lined on either side by lodges, a town was near so we got off the cars, travelling by foot to this Indian Village.

The snow was very deep. Two of the men of this camp had been to see the Messiah. The Chief of the tribe was the brother of "Old Washakie," who set up a teepee for us, we stayed nine days and nights, five of which were spent in "Ghost Dancing" despite the snow, but a rainstorm came up and melted the snow shortly after the dancing began. Here 10 Bannocks came over and took us with them, horses were provided for us at an Agency named "Pocktella". Here we met two big Indiians, one with long black hair and the other with a black beard which looked so strange, they were both holding horses, the bearded mans name was "Botee" and the other "Elks Tusk Necklace". At the request of Washakies brother "Yellow Breast" and myself remained with him while the others left. We went to his house and here I saw a Dakota woman who was married to a white man. Washakie's brother told me that the Messiah would talk to me, but he wanted to say something to me first saying "Once I went to Washington and had a talk with "Spotted Tail," "Two Strike" and "Red Cloud" (speaking in the sign language) pay no attention to what some people say, the Messiah will tell you the truth. I shook hands with all the Sioux Chiefs and dropped my arms against them for good and am their friend. Don't be afraid, no one will harm you here we are all friends-you will not die." Here the Bannocks came in for their rations and they gave us rations too also horses and took us with them to the other party who had gone on ahead, and we held a Council at the house of "Elks Tusk Necklace" who said "My heart is glad to see all of you people today my people here always do as I ask of them we shake your hands and are glad that fighting we done in the past is dropped. We are friends and hope we will always be so. Now we will go together to the Messiah. He sent for me three times and I went, he has now sent for me again and I will go with you.

After remaining here ten days over one hundred boarded the cars and travelled from the evening till the next night, where we changed cars to arrive at another Agency of the Shoshones. from this point "Sitting Bull" of the Arapahoes, "Short Bull" of the Sioux "Porcupine" of the Cheyennes, and several Bannocks started for the Messiah by rail, after travelling from town to town for two days, we came to an Indian Villiage whose teepees were made of bark & willows. The chiefs name was "Owns The People" of the "Rabbit Skin Tribe", (their blankets and bedding being made of rabbit skins), the women were dressed like the white women and they lived on fish, they have an Agency. Their rations are small and one beef suffices for the whole band, they are rich, they fish continually and sell it.

From this point we moved in wagons and other conveyances for one day to the Puites where we remained thirteen days and then began to travel West, camping on a large creek the first night, and then following the Railroad to a station where some young men and women of the "Rabbit Skin" tribe met us who told us to go to the right of a large house in the distance and there remain two days which was done. After waiting two days the party started overland all but one Gros Ventre, a chief of the "Rabbit Skins". Two Bannocks and "Short Bull" who boarded a train at about 3 o'clock in the morning and at sun down reached a white mans villiage where an Agency was. This was the supposed home of the Messiah, they met some Indians who told them the Messiah would come in three days. "Short Bull" here found out that the letter that was sent to all Indian reservations asking them to gather at this point was written by an Indian.

The spot selected was a lovely one, a heavy growth of willow all around it, and a circle had been cut down in the center with entrances North, South, East and West. "Short Bull" was put at the West end with a Gros Ventre and "Sitting Bull" (Arapahoe). In this circle were only a few Indian Chiefs all the rest camping outside. In 2 days the wagon party came, besides every train bringing more and more people to this great gathering who had been sent for from all parts of the United States, there were, Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapahoes, Puites, Gros Ventres, Bannocks, "Rabbit Skins", Indians with rings in their nose and others, names of which "Short Bull" did not know. Being tired "Short Bull" laid down but the next day got in a wagon and went out to a ridge which would be the spot where the Messiah would arrive, after looking for some time could see no signs of him when finally a messenger arrived asking for a conveyance to bring the great man in. It was given him, the crowds then mounted their horses to go and meet him, but in a short time the wagon appeared from which direction it came no one knew, it contained two persons.

The driver, an Indian, dressed in white mans clothing; and another man who had on a broad brimmed brown hat with two eagle feathers in it, and a striped blanket. The person with the blanket on was the Messiah. Short Bull wanted to shake hands with him but the Chief told him not to saying "Wait till you go back then he will shake hands with you", at dusk I went out and told all my people to come in-inside the circle a small teepee was put up for the Messiah he entered with his face toward the south, the teepee was opened and we all stood before him, everybody crowding to get a glitnpse of him, he took off his hat laying it on the ground with the crown down and brim up and said "How" an old man sat infront of him with his arms extended on his knees and another behind him in the same position, these were his interpreters, while the Messiah spoke these men would stand up and interpret what he said. "Short Bull" sat directly in front of the Messiah and looked him all over from head to foot.

(At this stage of the story "Short Bull" went into a trance remaining so for quite a while and then continued) One of these interpreters talked in English to one of the Arapahoes named "Singing Grass" a son of old Chief "Friday" who spoke to me in the sign language. The Messiah said, "I have sent for you and you came to see me. I will talk with you tomorrow, today I will talk to these people who have been here so long. We will now pray, here all who were assembled crowded in with their faces turned toward the west, the Messiah made a "speech" but they did not tell me what he said. I got a good look at him, he was dark-skined, talked in a language similar to Indian and I believe he was an Indian. After he had ceased talking dancing began in which he joined. Men, women, and all were singing and dancing with hands joined in a peculiar way, knuckle to knuckle, going round and round. Keeping it up for a long time.

The next morning a crier called out for all to assemble as the Messiah was coming. The Inner Circle was spread over with white sheets for the people to sit on. Everything was quiet. The Messiah stood up and looked toward the west and began to talk (through 4 Interpreters) he said to "Short Bull." "I have sent for you to tell you certain things that you must do. There are two Chiefs at your Agencies and I want you to help them all you can. Have your people work the ground so they do not get idle, help your Agents and get farms this is one Chief. The other Chief is the Church. I want you to help him for he tells you of me; when you get back go to Church. All these churches are mine, if you go to church when you get back others will do the same. I have raised two bodies of men on this earth and have dropped one of them that is the Army, I want no more fighting. take pity on one another, and whenever you do anything that is bad something will happen to you. I mean fights between the Indians and whites, all over the world one should be like the other and no distinction made, always sing and pray about me, for it is right, 2 days from now all nations will talk one tongue (Short Bull thinks he meant 200 or 2 years) the sign talk will be no more. Educate your children send them to schools". He prayed again and stopped. These are all the words I got from him. While they were dancing the Ghost Dance I saw White men, women and girls joining in the dance. I saw the Messiah daily for five days, his name was tattoed on the back of his left hand. On the fifth day I shook hands with him and all he said was that "soon there would be no world, after the end of the world those who went to church would see all their relatives that had died (Resurection). This will be the same all over the world even across the big waters." He advised us to return again in the fall of the following year when he would have more to tell us, but for reasons we did not go.

Our party returned by the same route we came, only one accident occurring, the train was overturned and fell over an embankment but no one was hurt.

When I reached Rosebud Agency everybody looked for me, on the second day after my arrival I went to the Council house to tell them all about what I had seen and heard, but was stopped by Indian Police by order of the Agent, they arrested me and took me before the Agent to whom I told my story, he told me if I would tell this story to the Indians I would be a dead man. I laughed and said it was good, "I wanted to tell the Indians what I have told you but the Police stopped me. When the "Ghost Dancing" began I did not go there but went afterwards, it was not started by me but by "Scatter". Once one of the Indian Police and Interpreter "Louis Rubadeau" insulted me, I did not say much to them but said this "The Messiah told me not to fight and I will not you may take a gun and kill me if you want to.

"Louis Rubadeau" said to me "See if one of the dancers who are in a fit see the Messiah, If you can't do it you will be lost." At this Louis' brother who was nearby, grabbed him and dragged him away. Louis told "Turning Bear" if you will kill "Short Bull" the Agent will give you One hundred Dollars, two horses, a cow and a yoke of oxen. "Turning Bear" told this to "Short Bull" who laughed and said nothing. "Turning Bear" was told to rush into the teepee, grab "Short Bull" and if he had him help would rush in to assist him to finish the job. This was in May and the "Ghost" Dancing had well begun. One day while a dance was in progress I stood up in the center and told all my people what the Messiah had done and said, the people kept the dancing up with a good will. My funds were now getting low so I applied to the Agent for an order to get some freight at Valentine this was refused me, I was somewhat angered but said nothing. I then went to live with my uncle "Hawk Eagle." I lived with him sometimes occasionally visiting the dances and finally participated in them, becoming in time a "regular" dancer day and night. I kept telling my people of the Messiah and they had faith in him, this was good. While in the ring dancing one day one of the Indian Police, a son of "Rope Necklace" caught hold of my shoulder and turned me around and said "You have you ears, the dancing stopped and "White Horse" told the Policeman to go away, as the Messiahs words were right, he only wanted the people to do two things, farm and go to Church. We should not fight but be friends. I do not see any wrong in that, it is right and true, Short Bull has told the Agent all these things. We sent him to see the Messiah and we believe the words he has brought, he speaks the truth, the Indian Police are making trouble and soon plenty of whites will come here and make us trouble that is all I have to say, the Policeman left and dancing was resumed. The next day "Sore Hip" sent for me and I went to him, he told me "that he had seen "Red Cloud" sometime ago in reference to transferring a number of families to Pine Ridge Agency and that he was going to see him again and that he would be back in five days, but requested me to go to my home and stay there until he should return," which I done. But while enroute from the Agency to my home I was met by a band of Ogallalas who had come over for the purpose of dancing. So we camped all the young men (Brules and Ogallalas) danced the "Ghost Dance" among the young men was a brother of "Iron Foot" who took quite a lively interest, he said "he had seen the Messiah and was much "worked up" over it (Short Bull does not know if this young man saw the Messiah in person, or if he had only seen him in a "trance" while dancing the "Ghost Dance.")

On the 5th day I went to Black Pipe Creek and waited for "Sore Hip" all those who wanted to be transferred to Pine Ridge Agency going along. We met "Sore Hip" who told us "that all had been arranged for our removal and that we were to start in four days. So on the night of the third day those who had no wagons moved to Pass Creek and the main body was to move the next day, but before moving we had a great Ghost dance that night. In the middle of the night I was awakened by a friend who told me that many of my people were moving toward Pine Ridge Agency which surprised me, and some Indian freighters who had just returned from Valentine sent me word that soldiers were moving toward Rosebud Agency. I did not know why this should be, and it made me angry. One of these freighters "Rescuer" son of Elk Road told me that they were coming to arrest me and if I was not given up they would fire on us all. It was on account of many lies spread by others that I was to be arrested for. "Rescuer" said all the freighters heard the same, this was in November. I called my people together on Pass Creek and told them to move forward and I would stay here alone, as I did not want them to have any trouble on my account. I want nothing but what was right for myself and my family. I had done as they wanted me to, and now have no rest, day or night. My brother "White Thunder" and my Cousin "Thumb" had been killed for jealousy and now they want me. Go on, I will stay here if they want to kill me they are welcome, that night they moved, all save myself and a few young men, my family who were on Pass Creek moved also. That night my brother came to me and said it was all lies that the freighters said, and the next morning some of the young men came back for me and I followed them camping that night on "Crow Creek," we broke camp the next morning, moving to "Medicine Creek" where we rested, camping that night at the forks of "Medicine Root Creek".

The next morning an Ogallala came to us telling us to move our camp to the crossing by "American Horses" villiage which we done. having settled our camp we went in a body to the home of "Little Wound" singing (which signifies a Treaty of friendship"). An old man known as "Issowonie" rode around our circle and stopped in the middle saying to us, "My boys, save your Powder, Guns, Bows, Arrows and Ammunition, for the Agency is full of Soldiers. Red Cloud says if they do anything we will fight them, and Little Wound says the same, our own people have caused the soldiers to come here by telling lies. American Horse, Charging Thunder, Fast Thunder, Spotted Horse and Good Back told these lies, tomorrow morning we will go to Wounded Knee Creek.

The Agent had sent for Little Wound to bring Short Bull and his people to the Agency, so Little Wound started with Short Bull and ten Brules, they halted at the house of "Cherry Cedar" where they eat some dried meat, continuing afterward to the Agency bluffs and resting. Little Wound going on ahead to the Agency, it was sundown when Cheyenne Creek was reached, and afterwards going to the lodge of "Twist Back" on the Agency. While in this lodge I was called out by some of my young men who told me the Indian Soldiers were about to surround us, at this we remounted our horses and rode back to our camp on Wounded Knee Creek. Our people were surprised and feared something was wrong, the old crier then told me to move my people who were poorly mounted to the Bad Lands, as his people had told him to bring me this word, and should anything happen Red Cloud and the rest would join us there with plenty of horses. The Ogallalas brought a large lot of horses to us, saying that they belonged to a white man "Big Bat" who lived up the creek, we went to him and he told us that "if there is going to be fight he could not take his horses with him as he had so many all over the country and if we wanted to ride them we could. So some of the Brules did take them; "Sore Hip" "High Hawk" and "Chief of the Black Hills" (a white man who is a judge) came out to us to have a talk. I did not go to the Council and don't know what was said. The next morning we moved toward the Bad Lands and camped there that night. "High Hawk" and the others returning to the Agency, no good being done by them. After we went into camp some half breed Indians came to us, "No Ear" was in charge asking us for stray horses, they looked through our herd and while picking some out one of our Indians was kicked in the head so we killed the horse that kicked him. The shot caused an excitement in the camp which only proved to be some wrangling among the Indians. I called them together and bid them to stop saying "I wanted no trouble" . "You must stop, you should do right, have no fighting, You have taken and butchered other peoples cattle and stolen horses, we will move back to the Agency, sell our ponies, pay for these cattle and have no more trouble, the Ogallalas must listen to what I say as well as the Brules, you have plenty of dried meat now, but do as I ask you". They would not listen but moved toward White River. I again asked them to listen, they had no ears, telling them to go to the Agency and that as soon as I got over being mad I would come in too. At this the young men surrounded me, I covered my head with my blanket so I could not see who would kill me for I heard their guns cock, one of them spoke up bidding me to uncover my face so I done it, I told them the reason I covered my face was that I did not care to see who would kill me, and wanted no trouble, the women then came in crying, the warriors left to recall the party who had started for the Agency and brought them back to my camp, which was on the hill by the Bad Lands. Five of our men were then sent to Cheyenne River to buy sugar and other things for our use and as they neared a house, at the end of which was a haystack they were fired upon by a party of whites and my nephew "Circle Elk" a young boy who had been to school at Carlisle was killed, he could speak English and for that reason was sent with the party. When the four returned all of the young men mounted their horses to bring back the body of my nephew. I could see them in the distance going backward and forward when finally one of them returned saying they had met a band of Ogallalas from Pine Ridge Agency and they had taken away their guns. I told him to go back and return the guns, they had not been sent out to make trouble but to bring back the body of my nephew; he went back to the place and they all came back to the camp. "Roaming Walk" who had a "Medicine Pipe" (made of bone) laid it before me to fill and smoke but "Porcupine Belly" shot it (which means I break the treaty). "Crow Dog" and "Roaming Walk" were very much dissatisfied all the time, so we took their guns from them, and some of the Ogallalas who said they would return to Pine Ridge Agency and kill us all.

The next morning we all assembled on the dancing ground and "Knob Arrow" said "Let us ditch this hill and if anyone comes here they cannot get to us. I told them to do as they pleased, but to first get my nephews body, whereupon some of the young men started, the remainder digging the ditch. They found the body partly burned by prairie fire so it was wrapped up and left. We then went over to where the fire was and were met by White Soldiers who fired on us, so we turned back I then told my people if these soldiers fire on you, fire back and when we got close to them again they fled. (The soldiers here mentioned were Cowboys). Again while a party of my men were out on foot one day they were attacked by soldiers, no one was killed but one was wounded, they had but one gun with them and in their flight lost that. After this my people stole more horses, "Lone Bull" getting a fine Grey horse which he rode.

The next day a delegation of Ogallalas came to us from Pine Ridge to make a treaty. Among the Chiefs were No Neck, Yankton Charlie, Standing Bear, and Crow Dog, they brought us presents, we killed one of the stolen cattle and made a feast; I told these Chiefs that if my people would be allowed to go to Pine Ridge to live and draw rations there they would all be satisfied to go in, at this "Fast Thunder" arose pointing to me said "You are the man who wants to get your people in trouble" to which I asked him "What do you mean?" he said "You are trying to have your people fight. Now I ask you to do something wonderful that this Messiah told you to do if you can do it I will also believe in him." I then said "My people do not want to fight they want peace, I told them what the Messiah said. He did not invest me with any spiritual power but here is a "Ghost Shirt" take any gun and shoot it if you can" He asked for my gun but I told him "to use his own gun and cartridge. Here young Jack Red Cloud my cousin came between us and said "pay no attention to this man he is crazy, or else he would not speak as he does. I said "You ask me to stop and I will do it this shooting at the shirt is only a trick and now I will not let him shoot at it.

The next morning we held a council at which it was decided that we all move in together toward the Agency on the following daybut some starting that same day-The next morning at daybreak the main camp moved, all but Short Bull and his Uncle "Come away from the crowd"; during all this time we were being watched by some Cheyenne Indian Soldiers, watching all of our movements, but they could not get to us. That night my Uncle and I started to reach our main body that had gone away in the morning, but as we failed to reach them we camped by ourselves on a large hill, at daylight the next day we heard the firing of guns and cannon, so we started off in the direction of the firing and before we got there heard more firing, we met a white man who was driving in the woods after fire wood and we asked him the cause of this firing, he told us it was "the soldiers (of whom there were many at the Agency) practicing at targets, and they shoot all the time". So we moved on and as we reached the "big hill" we could look down and there saw the villiage, everything was in a fearful state. Further on were other Indians coming toward the villiage and it looked as if trouble was near. I went into the villiage and was there told that "Big Foot" (or Spotted Elk's) Band had been all killed-I saw my cousin "Many Wounds" who was there and confirmed this report in a measure as he himself been wounded in the shoulder; he told me that "all his relatives Father, Mother, all had been killed, all of their guns were taken from them and then they were fired on, and could do nothing. He continued saying "1 do not know how it happened, I was in my lodge putting on my shirt and leggins when the firing commenced; this will make our hearts bad for a long time and we will fight the soldiers." I told him "It is not right, even if all our relatives are killed we will do right, they blame us when we are not to be blamed, we will now wait and see, if the soldiers continue to fire on us after three days we will try and protect ourselves and families the best we can; I am not to blame the whites fired on us first, Twentythree of my own relations were killed in this fight, men, women & children, this is like butchery. Why do they kill helpless women and children? This shows the soldiers want us all to die off. When our Indians fought against an enemy of their own color you know what kind of a man I was, I laughed and feared nothing, but now I do not want you to fight, take care of the women and children, I am not looking for trouble, but if I am angered I am the worst among you. I have put all badness from me and want to be a good man. I will go over to where the battle was fought in the morning and see the bodies of my relatives. When I return if the soldiers fire on you, I will remember my oid feelings, stand up and be a soldier once more."

The next morning with four others we started for the battle-field. I was looking over the dead bodies and while so doing heard cannons in the distance, in the direction of Clay Creek. I found one of my Uncles who had been badly shot in the leg but not dead, who told me this, "that all of the Indians had their guns and knives taken from them and as I went to my lodge to get my knife to surrender it, the firing began, I was shot in the leg and have laid here ever since, I do not know where the women and children are," so we "hitched up" four of the wagons we found here and put the horses to them picking up all that we could find who were not dead (some forty odd) taking them to a deserted house nearby on Wounded Knee Creek. Those whom we thought fatally wounded we left here and with the rest we started for our Camp. It began to snow during the night and by morning a heavy snow had fallen, but we started for Wounded Knee about noon, when we reached the house we saw our friends were gone, but afterwards ascertained that they had been taken to the Agency by the friendlies in charge of "No Neck", during all this time my heart was bad, yet I did not want my people to fight the Government. I might have done much harm but always kept my people from it, I wanted no fighting, I wanted to do as the Messiah bid me". Some 10 days afterwards a delegation was sent out to see us from General Miles, asking us to return to the Agency so as to save anymore bloodshed, General Miles sent to us several times but we paid no attention, but now I told my people "Pack up everything you have and we will move toward the Agency and I hope we will be allowed to live there in peace General Miles said we shall not be fired on and I believe him, we will surrender our guns and have peace", this message I sent to General Miles. So the next morning we went to the Agency. We were asked to surrender our arms, I had a good Winchester rifle which I surrendered freely and so did my people. General Miles asked me if I had any more guns, I told him "I had an old patched up gun the stock and barrel being wrapped with buckskin and not worth anything" he asked me to turn it in, which I done. Some ten days afterwards General Miles asked me to go to Fort Sheridan with "Kicking Bear" and some twenty-five others (in all twenty-four men and three women). We started at the same time that a delegation went to Washington to hold a Council with the "Great Father." When we reached Chicago we got off the train and were taken to Fort Sheridan. While there we were often visited by General Miles who with all the officers there made us as comfortable as could be, doing all in their power for us.

In the spring "Long Hair" (Col. Wm. F. Cody, "Buffalo Bill") came to see us and made us a proposition to join his company across the "big water," we said we would consider the matter and later on Maj. John M. Burke came to see us, we held a Council and he made us such grand offers to see the "Great Country beyond the water" with good salary that we all consented to go and started with sixty of our friends and relatives (from Pine Ridge Agency.). Qur trip across the water made me somewhat sea sick but as soon as I got on land again was in good health. Ever since I have been with the Company I have been well treated and cared for, all of the promises made have been fulfilled. Col. Cody, Mr. Salsbury and Maj. Burke as well as the entire company are our friends and do all they can for us in every way. We get good food three times a day, good clothing, warm bedding and plenty of wood. If our people have any complaints it is fixed at once, if we do not feel well, a doctor comes and looks after us, besides we go everywhere and see all the great works of the Country through which we travel. It learns us much, we see many people who are all kind to us, I like the English people but not their weather as it rains so much.

Forum: Native American

Meaning of dream

YELLOWDOG — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:02:37 GMT

Forum: Native American

Wanted Shamrock, TX old water tower photos

shamrockwatertower — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:33:20 GMT

Hi, I am searching for people that have old photos of Shamrock, TX, that include the water tower. I am involved with a group of Shamrock citizens that are in the process of creating a visitor's park located below the water tower. We have been successful at getting the water tower designated as a Texas Historical location. The water tower was constructed in 1915 by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. This water tower was the tallest of its type that CB&I had ever built. The water tower is proclaimed to be the tallest in Texas. We will be holding a dedication ceremony of the water tower with the Texas Historical Commission in March 2009, during the week of our St. Patrick's Day celebration. Next time you are traveling down Route 66 watch the horizon for our great icon in the Texas Panhandle sky.
Steve
shamrockwatertower at yahoo.com

Forum: General

WANTED Shamrock, TX old water tower photos

shamrockwatertower — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:31:43 GMT

Forum: Route 66

Gay Parita Address

alancopson — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:35:11 GMT

Hi All!

I had a wonderful trip down R66 from Chicago to Albuquerque at the end of last summer. The only reason I didn't make the Pacific was running out of time and having to head back to the UK for Christmas!

One of the reasons the trip took so long was meeting people like Gary Turner in the Gay Parita Gas Station in Paris Springs, MO. We had a great chat about everything under the sun... fueled by countless refills of coffee!

He also insisted I take some photographs... one attached...

I was hoping to send some prints to say thanks for everything, but have somehow lost my notes from that day. To cap it all, his son contacted me, but the email address he gave doesn't work!!!

Just hoping that someone has the correct address for the Gary. I'm loathed to send a package of prints across the Atlantic, without it.

If anyone can help, please drop me a line off list.

Thanks in advance for your help.

All the best,

Alan.

www.alancopsonpictures.co.uk/blog/

Forum: Route 66

Road 6104

Rupe — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:07:08 GMT

Well we went on another 4 wheel drive. This one was an exploration type drive. We had rented a house at Summer Lake Hot Springs on hi way 31 just north of Pasiley Oregon. We went for a trip into the High Deserts of Oregon again. We went on a 67 mile drive that took 8 hours. The road/trail is slow going and very bumpy. We saw wild horses and Pronghorns also different birds and jackrabbits as well. We went for miles without seeing anything man made other then the road/trail we were on. Not even a fence post. It was wonderful, talk about being in the middle of no where. There are no stops along the way for food or water so take it with you. It starts by turning onto Red House Lane just South of the Hot springs. Travel for about 21 miles staying on the main road. Then you will come to Road 6104. Follow it until you come out in Christmas Valley at Christmas Valley-Wagontire highway. Like I said it is a rough and bouncy road. The fastest we ran in our Jeeps was about 20mph but most of the time it was 10mph and less, just to save our rigs and our filling in our teeth. It's a long trip but worth it for those that like nothingness. It is a long hike out so you should go with another vehicle just in case. The rock formations were great and the miles of sage brush with little desert flowers was very pretty. By now you have probably figured out that I love the high deserts of Oregon and you would be right. It's the second time in a month we have been in the area. There is alot to see farther north in the Fort Rock and Christmas Valley area, but the Hot springs was well worth staying at. We stayed in a 3 bedroom house that cost about $125. or so a night. They do have RV hook ups and camp sites. Bring your own food and drinks. There is a resturant in Pasiley but it may not be open when you get back from a trip around the area. There is also a little store where you can get enough food to fix meals, but it will cost you. Summer lake Hot springs is not even close to the little community of Summer lake, it is closer to pasiley. I prefer the Fort Rock and Christmas Valley area for things to see so that is where I would spend most of my time and just hit the Hot springs going to or heading back or spend the day there if you are coming from the north. It is $5.00 to stop in and use the Hot Spring pool all day until 9pm then it is open only for the guests that are staying the night.
Well I guess that's about it for now. We will see where our next 4x4 outing will take us. Happy Trails and God Bless, rupe

Forum: Travel Destinations

Nevada City Mental Health Facility

Beautiful_Tragedy — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:31:13 GMT

I dont claim to be psychic in any way, however, I am VERY "aware" of energy left behind after a trauma, and very often, I can get a scence of what negitive acts took place. The first time I saw the boarded up, abandoned mental health inpatient clinic in Nevada city Ca., I wasn't sure at first what kind of building I was pulling up too. It was just this encredible old building II had to stop and get some pictures of. But the moment I got out of the car, I got a chill that ran up my legs, and a sudden feeling of hopelessness. I turned to my ex husband and said "100 bucks says this place was a sanatarium". A few moments later, that theory was confirmed. Around the other side of the building was an old sign. As I walked around the grounds, tears came to my eyes, and I felt cold. I knew, I just knew, someone had been hurt there. The people in town either denied knowing about the building, or acted offened when I asked about it. I found out later that a man from that facility had been released, and several days later, killed several people at a near by restaurant before returning to the facility and shooting it up. Its been over a year since my first visit, but I still dream about it. Dream that Im in a room with a girl called "Anna". Names of the injured in the hospital were not released, but something came back with me. It's scared and sad. If anyone has any info on this place, or a simalar experiance, please, let me know.

Forum: From the Editor

The Noonday Trail

Rupe — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:04:14 GMT

For those that are interested in old mines and mining trails. There is an old wagon trail that leads into the Bohemian mining Dist.East of Cottage Grove, Oregon. The Noonday trail was used as a way to get supplies by Mule and wagon upto the mines high up into the mining country. This trail is now a 4 wheel drive trail and is maintained by several 4 wheel drive clubs in the area. it starts out steep and rocky then turns to dirt with lots of switchbacks. Some parts I can not believe that a mule team and wagon ever made it. I had to make several point turn to get around in my Land Rover. The trail is only wide enough for one vehicle and there are few places to pull over.    You can get to the top end of the trail by following the Champion Creek road or by Sharps Creek road. These roads are rough but not a challenge, although, a little hard on cars.
As you drive the Noonday trail you will be in typical Cascade Oregon forests. You will be treated to great views now and then while still on the top of the mountains. Once you drop down, you are on a steep mountain side all the way to the bottom/top. It is a very pretty drive and is challenging in a few areas. Taking it in anything but a short wheeled vehicle has been done but not recommended.
During the winter the trail is closed due to snow. This Saturday, June 28th 2008, I and several members from one of the 4x4 clubs are headed up to try and clear the downed trees that came down this last winter. This will no doubt take more then one day. Some of the trees are quite large and are going to require chainsaws and winchs to get them out of the trail. We may need the uses of a backhoe at some point to repair the trail to keep it in good shape.
If you are in the area, you can find info. on how to get to the trail at most anyplace in the town of Cottage Grove. During Aug., the town has "The Bohimia Days", with a parade and several things to do during the weekend -including an early breakfast on top of the Bohemia area, at the base of Fairview Mountian.  Most individuals drive up the Sharps Creek route. This is the best road up for cars. After breakfast, you can drive to the top of Fairview and visit the Fire Lookout Station and the restroom, plus, see for a hundred miles on a clear day. It is a working lookout and there is someone on duty most of the time. They allow you to climb the many stairs and see what it's like to be in a Fire Lookout Tower.
This particular area is "loaded" with history and there are mines everywhere! Remember, some of these mines are active and you are not allowed to go into them. Plus, going into old mines is very dangerous, DON'T DO IT!  It's a good idea to stop at the Forest Service Office which is east of Cottage Grove. There, you can get maps of the area, also, various information about the area as well.   If you make it that way, would like to go on the Noonday trail, I would be very glad or happy to show you the way - or possibly take you on a Jeep ride for the price of Gas. It's pretty much an all day drive. You will need to take a lunch if you go and also, plenty of water to drink. :)

Forum: Travel Destinations