As the Ghost Dance movement grew in popularity, more and more Sioux
Indians left the reservations to join the large religious gatherings that
met on the open plains.  Chief Big Foot was among them until the coming of
winter in 1890.  His people were cold and hungry, and Big Foot himself was
sick with pneumonia, so he decided to lead his band of Minneconjou Sioux
back to the Pine Ridge reservation.  On the way, they were intercepted by
the U.S. Cavalry and brought to Wounded Knee Creek.  The Indian camp was
completely surrounded by cavalrymen and heavy artillery.  Colonel James
Forsyth was under orders to disarm the Indians, and tensions ran
exceedingly high during the search that took place in the morning of
December 29.  One shot was fired-and suddenly both sides were shooting
each other at pointblank range.  This photograph shows the grim aftermath
of the fighting.