Deadwood

President Coolidge facing Chauncy Yellow Robe during the ceremony where he was named Wamblee-Tokaha. (Rapid City Public Library.)

The Coolidges attended the Days of ‘76 Rodeo in Deadwood, an annual event celebrating the early settlers who came to the region in 1876. Deadwood offered the president a welcoming of grand proportions, capped by an hour-long parade and a drill performed by the U.S. Calvary’s Black Horse troop. Although much pomp was given to all the events, the highlight of the day was the symbolic commissioning of President Coolidge as a chief in the Lakota tribe. The President donned a traditional Lakota feather war bonnet presented by tribal leader Chauncey Yellow Robe and his daughter Rosebud. Coolidge was given the name Wamblee-Tokaha or “Leading Eagle.”  Blue Feather, an esteemed Lakota woman, presented Grace Coolidge with a pair of hand-beaded moccasins.