Satanta (Kiowa Chieftan)
Satanta, "White Bear," a noted Kiowa chief, was born about the year 1830. For about fifteen years prior to his death he was recognized as second chief in his tribe, being outranked by Satank and later by Lone Wolf, neither of whom equaled him in force and ability. For years his fighting qualities made his name one to be feared on the western frontier, and in council his eloquence gained for him the title of "orator of the plains." In spite of his hostility to the white man's civilization, he was a favorite with army officers and commissioners, who admired him for his directness and keen humor.
In 1867, Henry M. Stanley, the famous explorer, then a young newspaper correspondent, accompanied Gen. Hancock on his expedition to the Indian country, and under date of May 3, 1867, describes a pow-wow between Satanta and Gen. Hancock. Satanta attended the Medicine Lodge conference and signed the treaty of 1867, which provided that the Kiowas should go on a reservation. The tribe delayed coming in until compelled by Gen. Custer, who seized Satanta and Lone Wolf as hostages for the fulfillment of the agreement.
For boasting of his part in a murderous raid in Texas in 1871, Satanta, Satank and Big Tree were arrested and held for trial. Satank was killed while resisting arrest, while his companions were tried and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Texas penitentiary. Two years later they were released, conditional upon the good behavior of the Kiowas, but in the fall of 1874, that tribe again going upon the warpath, Satanta was rearrested and taken back to the penitentiary.
Growing despondent in confinement, he committed suicide by throwing himself from the upper story window of the hospital on March 11, 1878. Satanta is described as a typical plains warrior, of fine physique, erect bearing and piercing glance. One who saw him in prison says he was "a tall, finely formed man, princely in carriage, on whom even the prison garb seemed elegant." His memory is cherished by the Kiowa as that of one of their greatest men.
Geography
Satanta is located at 37°26'12N, 100°59'15W (37.436602, -100.987509). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.2 km² (0.5 mi²), all land.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,239 people, 431 households, and 324 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,017.8/km² (2,664.4/mi²). There were 470 housing units at an average density of 386.1/km² (1,010.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 82.57% White, 0.40% African American, 0.65% Native American, 0.97% Asian, 12.91% from other races, and 2.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 29.94% of the population.
There were 431 households out of which 40.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.4% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.33.
In the city the population was spread out with 31.3% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $35,139, and the median income for a family was $41,750. Males had a median income of $30,846 versus $19,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,392. About 9.9% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under age 18 and 17.9% of those age 65 or over.
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