Thomas Bailey Marquis

Thomas B. Marquis

Thomas Bailey Marquis (1869–1935) was an American physician, author, and historian known for his work on the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the history of the American West. His contributions to the understanding of Native American culture and the events surrounding the Indian Wars have been significant in the field of Western American history.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Bailey Marquis was born in 1869 in Missouri. He pursued a career in medicine, graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in medicine. After completing his education, he moved to the western United States, where he began practicing as a physician.

Career

Marquis initially worked as a physician in various locations, including Montana and Wyoming. His medical practice brought him into contact with many Native American communities, particularly the Cheyenne and Sioux tribes. These interactions sparked his interest in Native American history and culture.

Historian and Author

Marquis is best known for his historical writings on the Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand. He conducted extensive interviews with Native American survivors of the battle, including Wooden Leg, a Northern Cheyenne warrior. His book, Wooden Leg: A Warrior Who Fought Custer, is considered a seminal work in the field.

In addition to his work on the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Marquis wrote several other books and articles on the history of the American West. His works include A Warrior Who Fought Custer and Keep the Last Bullet for Yourself, which provide detailed accounts of the experiences of Native Americans during the Indian Wars.

Legacy

Thomas Bailey Marquis's contributions to the understanding of the Battle of the Little Bighorn and Native American history have been widely recognized. His works are still referenced by historians and scholars studying the American West and the Indian Wars. Marquis's dedication to preserving the stories of Native American participants in these historical events has provided a valuable perspective that might otherwise have been lost.

Selected Works

• Wooden Leg: A Warrior Who Fought Custer
• A Warrior Who Fought Custer
• Keep the Last Bullet for Yourself

See Also

• Battle of the Little Bighorn
• Indian Wars
• Cheyenne
• Sioux
• Western American history