Isaiah Dorman is known for his death—but his life was also noteworthy.
Isaiah Dorman’s claim to fame? He was the only black man killed at the Little Big Horn battle. While not much is known about his early life, Dorman was quite the fascinating character.
Historians are unclear on when Dorman was born (1832 and 1820s are dates given) or where (born as a Pennsylvania freedman or a Louisiana slave who escaped north).
Dorman appears in the records in 1865, when the U.S. Army hired him as a courier between Forts Wadsworth and Rice in Dakota Territory, a tough and dangerous, 360-mile trek through the heart of Sioux country. Dorman traveled it by foot, for $100 a month. He apparently made friends with the Sioux, including Chief Sitting Bull, and eventually married a Hunkpapa woman.
This story is from the May 2018 edition of True West.
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This story is from the May 2018 edition of True West.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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Where Did the Loot Go? - This is one of those find the money stories. And it's one that has attracted treasure hunters for more than 150 years.
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Hero of Horsepower - Los Angeles lawman William Hammel tamed one of the West's wildest towns with hard work and horseless carriages.
Los Angeles lawman William Hammel tamed one of the West's wildest towns with hard work and horseless carriages.
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