Original Photograph Of Sitting Bull's Camp At Fort Buford, Dakota Territory In 1881

ORLANDO SCOTT GOFF

Publication: Goff, Orlando Scott, 1881, Bismarck, Dakota Territory

Original Photograph of a group of Sioux Indian teepees in Sitting Bull's camp at Fort Buford. Cabinet Card. Image: 6"x4". Mount: 6.5"x4.25". Photographer's imprint on verso: O. S. Goff, Bismarck, D.T. A group of Sioux Indian tepees, 18-20 of which are visible in this image. Three are in the immediate foreground, with some firewood outside of each. On July 19, 1881, Sitting Bull and 186 of his followers surrendered to Major David H. Brotherton at Fort Buford, Dakota Territory, thus ending an exile in Canada that had begun nearly five years before. Sitting Bull and his followers remained at Fort Buford until May, 1883, when they were taken to Standing Rock Agency. Goff moved to Dakota Territory in 1871 and established the first studio in Yankton. In 1873, he moved to Bismarck where he opened a studio. That same year he became the post photographer for Fort Abraham Lincoln in Montana where he took a series of photographs of George Armstrong Custer and his officers. He also took many photographs of Native Americans. In 1877, Goff met with his apprentice David Frances Barry in Bismarck, Dakota Territory. Goff was Barry's mentor, employer, and later, business partner in Bismarck, Dakota Territory. Barry went on to photograph and become friends with Sitting Bull, his son Louie, as well as Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, and Red Cloud. Extremities of mount show minor wear with corners rubbed, and with overall age toning. A few minor spots, and light general soiling to verso. Good-very good.