The Horse and Gun Frontier (A.D. 1750-1880s)

A tan colored tipi stands on exhibit in a gallery

By the middle of the 18th century, the horse and gun became central to the lives of nomadic tribes. They hunted herds of bison across the Plains and traded with other Indians and Euro-Americans. Groups like the Dakota and Cheyenne became quite powerful after the introduction of horses and guns in the 18th century.

Listen to stories of daily life in Native American tribes, see where they lived, and examine artifacts:

  • A tipi
  • Beadwork and quillwork of the Dakota, Lakota, Yankton, and Yanktonai traditions
  • No Two Horns horse sculpture
  • A Dakota bow
  • Yanktonai woman’s breast plate