Biilaachia-White Swan: Crow Warrior, Custer Scout, American Artist

White Swan, also known as Biilaachia, was a Crow man who scouted for the Seventh United States Cavalry in 1876 and survived the Battle of Little Bighorn. He recorded his 22 combat actions in 37 paintings and drawings, and his life is detailed in photographs, interviews, and research about the Apsaalooke people. This is the first time his complete body of work is presented.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The captivating tale of the Apsaalooke (Crow) men who played a crucial role in scouting for the Seventh United States Cavalry in 1876 has been recounted by historians, albeit with occasional embellishments or fabrications. Biilaachia, also known as White Swan, emerged victorious from the Battle of Little Bighorn, despite sustaining severe injuries. One soldier vividly remembered him standing beside his horse, engaging in fierce combat with the Sioux. Rather than mount up and attempt to flee, White Swan valiantly stood his ground and fought. He continued to serve as a scout for the U.S. Army intermittently until 1881, diligently documenting his 22 combat actions through a series of 37 paintings and drawings. Executed in the traditional Plains warrior biographic style, this comprehensive body of work is now presented for the first time, accompanied by the historical context behind each depiction. Furthermore, his life is intricately documented through photographs, some of which have never been published before, along with four lesser-known interviews and extensive research on the Apsaalooke people.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476685946