Three Fingers, Cheyenne warrior and leader (c. 1850-1900s) (Na-vá)
Person
Biographical
"Three Fingers," also known as "Neva" or "Na-vá," was a Cheyenne warrior and leader in the late 19th century. He was known for his bravery and skill in battle, as well as for the distinctive physical characteristic that gave him his name: he had only three fingers on his right hand.
Three Fingers fought in several battles against the U.S. Army, including the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, where he served as a warrior under the leadership of Crazy Horse. After the battle, Three Fingers and his people were forced to flee to Canada, where they lived in exile for several years before returning to the United States.
In the late 1880s, Three Fingers was imprisoned at Fort Marion in Florida along with other Cheyenne and Arapaho leaders, as part of the U.S. government's efforts to assimilate Indigenous peoples into American society. While in captivity, Three Fingers and his fellow prisoners created a series of drawings and paintings that are now known as the Fort Marion Ledger art.
After his release from captivity, Three Fingers continued to advocate for the rights of his people and served as a leader in the Cheyenne community. He died in 1914, but his legacy as a warrior, artist, and advocate for his people is still remembered today.
Three Fingers fought in several battles against the U.S. Army, including the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, where he served as a warrior under the leadership of Crazy Horse. After the battle, Three Fingers and his people were forced to flee to Canada, where they lived in exile for several years before returning to the United States.
In the late 1880s, Three Fingers was imprisoned at Fort Marion in Florida along with other Cheyenne and Arapaho leaders, as part of the U.S. government's efforts to assimilate Indigenous peoples into American society. While in captivity, Three Fingers and his fellow prisoners created a series of drawings and paintings that are now known as the Fort Marion Ledger art.
After his release from captivity, Three Fingers continued to advocate for the rights of his people and served as a leader in the Cheyenne community. He died in 1914, but his legacy as a warrior, artist, and advocate for his people is still remembered today.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Indians [original terminology], Cheyenne-Arapaho Land Communication, 1912-1913
File — Box: 2, Folder: 28
Identifier: CAC_CC_039_3_2_28_0000
Scope and Contents
Indians [original terminology], Cheyenne-Arapaho Land correspondence on educational issues land proceeds and concerns about tribal growth. Representatives from the tribe: Cloud Chief - Well know leader from the Cheyenne tribe
Chief Old Crow - "Old Crow" was a prominent leader of the Cheyenne tribe in the late 19th century.
R.G. Valentine - Robert Grosvenor Valentine was a widely known lawyer and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the Taft administration
Phillip Cook, also known...