The Sioux indians were considered the Cossacks of the prairies, being excellent horsemen and fierce warriors.  Along with the Cheyenne, they were the tribe that defeated Gen. Custer at the Little Bighorn.

Below is Chief Gall, who was a leading chief of the Sioux in the mid 1800's.  A physically imposing man, even Custer's wife was impressed with him when she saw him several years after the Little Bighorn battle.  He was a natural leader who had a large following among the Sioux.

Rain in the Face was another famous Sioux chief, and one of the several indians who claimed to have killed Custer himself. It is interesting to know that contrary to popular legend, Custer had cut his hair short for the campaign against the Indians in which he was killed, and it is questionable if they even knew who he was when they shot him.

   Walking Shooter, as he appeared in 1872

Black Horn, an Uncpapa Sioux, here posing with a cavalry saber that was probably provided to him by his photographer.

Another picture of the massive Gall.  Once, he was lured out of his teepee by soldiers and pinned to the ground with a bayonet.  Left for dead, he got up and escaped after the soldiers left him.  Just the expression on his face here displays his toughness and determination, clearly not a man to trifle with.