Crow (Apsaalooke)
The Crow (Apsaalooke) were a Siouan-speaking people who occupied the Yellowstone River valley and its tributaries in present-day southern Montana and northern Wyoming, a territory they had settled after separating from the Hidatsa. Lewis and Clark did not meet the Crow directly during the expedition, but learned of them extensively from the Hidatsa at Fort Mandan, who described them as relatives-turned-rivals and formidable horsemen controlling prime bison hunting territory. William Clark passed through the margins of Crow territory during his 1806 return journey down the Yellowstone River, finding signs of their presence but making no direct contact. The Crow were noted for their exceptionally long hair, skilled horsemanship, large horse herds, and elaborate material culture.
