Parading through History: The Making of the Crow Nation in America 1805–1935

Cambridge Studies in North American Indian History

by Frederick E. Hoxie

This history of the Crow Indians links their nineteenth-century nomadic life and their modern existence. The Crows not only withstood the dislocation and conquest visited on them after 1805, but acted in the midst of these events to construct a modern Indian community--a nation. Their efforts sustained the pride and strength reflected in Chief Plenty Coups' statement in 1925 that he did "not care at all what historians have to say about Crow Indians," as well as their community's faith in the beauty of its traditions and its inventions. Frederick E. Hoxie demonstrates that contact with outsiders drew the Crows together and tested their ability to adapt their traditions to new conditions. He emphasizes political life, but also describes changes in social relations, religious beliefs, and economic activities. His final chapter discusses the significance of the Crow experience for American history in general.

Genres: History, Native American, Nonfiction, Native American History

408 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 1995

Reviews

[Glenn Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A scholarly and somewhat dry history of the Crow Nation that went from the migration from the Great Lakes region westward ending with the development of the Reservation. In between were wars with the Sioux, Blackfoot and other tribes, alliances with the Cheyenne and others. A contraction of population, a leveling up and a rebound starting in 1920 that has allowed the Crow Nation to stabilize, adjust and grow.

The book covers many of the Crow leaders, the American leaders that interacted with the Crow and various aspects of the tribe, such as industry, education and the arts.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the good fortune of meeting Fred Hoxie at a small talk he gave at Amherst College (his alma mater) last October. I told him that I would soon be reading this book for my comprehensive exams. "I tell you a hint," he said "I summarize all the important points at the beginning and the end of the chapters, there's no need to read the whole thing." Dr. Hoxie does in fact bookend his chapters with the important points, but I must disagree with him that there isn't a need to read it all. With his blessing, I fully intended not to read all of it, but I soon found that I couldn't help myself, he is an excellent writer and it was a captivating read - I stayed for the whole parade. 5 stars to Hoxie House!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read Crow history, start here. Hoxie writes an engaging narrative that starts in the 18th century. His notes and bib are terrific.