Dakota Datebook: Death of Four Bears

July 30, 2018 — Smallpox decimated the Mandan tribe in 1837. When Chief Four Bears died on July 30, artist George Caitlin wrote:

“This fine fellow...watched every one of his family die about him, his wives and his children... when he walked out, around the village, and wept over the final destruction of his tribe; his braves and warriors all laid low; when he came back to his lodge, where he cover...