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

by Rodney G. Thomas (Author)

The story of the Apsaalooke (Crow) men who scouted for the Seventh United States Cavalry in 1876 has been told by historians, with details sometimes distorted or fabricated. Biilaachia--better known as White Swan--survived the Battle of Little Bighorn despite severe wounds. One soldier recalled him standing beside his horse, firing at the Sioux: "He would not mount up and try to get away but stood and fought." White Swan continued to scout off-and-on for the U.S. Army until 1881 and recorded his 22 combat actions in 37 paintings and drawings.

Done in traditional Plains warrior biographic style, his complete body of work is presented here for the first time, along with the history behind each depiction. His life is detailed in photographs, some never before published, and four little-known interviews, as well as extensive research about the Apsaalooke people.

Author Biography

U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Rodney G. Thomas is an award-winning author and researcher about North American warfare and military history from before European arrivals to Wounded Knee and Indigenous warrior biographic art. He has been published in several history journals and references. His first book was named the CBHMA 2010 Book of the Year. He lives in DuPont, Washington.