12 Facts About Standing Bear

Standing Bear's first wife Zazette Primeau, daughter of Lone Chief, mother of Prairie Flower and Bear Shield, was a signatory on the 1879 writ that initiated the famous court case.

When Standing Bear was born circa 1829, the Ponca traditionally raised maize, vegetables, and fruit trees in these sites during the summer.

Standing Bear learned the ways of the men, how to hunt and fish, and prepared to take his place in the tribe.

In 1859, when Standing Bear was a young man, the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 had encouraged a flood of European-American settlers, and the United States government pressured the Nebraska tribes to sell their land.

In February 1877, ten Ponca chiefs, including Standing Bear, accompanied Inspector Edward C Kemble to Indian Territory to view several tracts of land.

Standing Bear had promised to bury him in the Niobrara River valley homeland, so he left to travel north with about 30 followers.

Standing Bear delayed their return so the Ponca could rest, regain their health, and seek legal redress.

Standing Bear stated that the federal government had failed to show a basis under law for the Poncas' arrest and captivity.

Between October 1879 and 1883, Standing Bear traveled in the eastern United States speaking about Indian rights in forums sponsored by Indian advocate and former abolitionist, Wendell Phillips.

Standing Bear farmed near 170 other Ponca who had been allowed to resettle there.

In 1893 Standing Bear worked for Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in Chicago and visited the World's Columbian Exposition where he rode the Ferris Wheel in full ceremonial headdress.

Standing Bear died in 1908 of oral cancer and was buried on a hill overlooking the site of his birth.