Near Buffalo in Johnson County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
The Legend of Crazy Woman
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 16, 2015
1. The Legend of Crazy Woman Marker
Inscription.
The Legend of Crazy Woman. . Two legends give rise to the name of Crazy Woman Creek. Both are based on tragic events. In one, a young woman is left alone after an attack on her village. She lived in a squalid wickiup and on moonlit nights could be seen leaping from rock to rock in the creek. The Crow Indians felt that she brought good luck and therefore left her alone. The second legend told of a trader who unwisely sold whiskey or "firewater" to gain favor with the Indians. When it was gone, the Indians demanded more, which he could not supply. After he was killed, his young wife made her escape, only to wander up and down the creek, demented. Because of the loss of her sanity, she was safe from further harm by the Indians. It is said that Jeremiah Johnson cared for her thereafter.
Two legends give rise to the name of Crazy Woman Creek. Both are based on tragic events. In one, a young woman is left alone after an attack on her village. She lived in a squalid wickiup and on moonlit nights could be seen leaping from rock to rock in the creek. The Crow Indians felt that she brought good luck and therefore left her alone. The second legend told of a trader who unwisely sold whiskey or "firewater" to gain favor with the Indians. When it was gone, the Indians demanded more, which he could not supply. After he was killed, his young wife made her escape, only to wander up and down the creek, demented. Because of the loss of her sanity, she was safe from further harm by the Indians. It is said that Jeremiah Johnson cared for her thereafter.
Location. 44° 5.047′ N, 106° 31.451′ W. Marker is near Buffalo, Wyoming, in Johnson County. Marker can be reached from Buffalo Sussex Cutoff Road near Irigaray Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Buffalo WY 82834, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies
More about this marker. This marker is found at the Crazy Woman Battlefield Monument. From U.S. Highway 87, take Exit 291, Buffalo Sussex Cutoff Road (Trabing Road) to the southeast for 12 to 15 miles. When you reach the Irigaray Road junction, make a U-turn and return northwest about 1 mile. There, take the poorly signed ranch road to the right about 1/4 mile. The marker(s) will be at a pullout on the right.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 16, 2015
2. The Legend of Crazy Woman Marker
The marker is on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 13,750 times since then and 2,751 times this year. Last updated on June 5, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 13, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
