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where the wild west comes alive
Baptiste Pourier
(July 16 1843 - September 17, 1928)
Drawing by Richard Florence .
Born in Missouri, Baptiste left home on an expedition at the age of 15 to trade with the indians. It was this early contact that molded one of the great scouts/guides/interpreters of the day. During these trading trips, Baptiste met Red Cloud. Their friendship endured until Red Cloud's death.
Baptiste was called 'Big Bat' to distinguish him from Baptiste Garnier, another scout for the military.
Big Bat participated in the Hayfield Fight, the Rosebud fight with George Crook and was one of Sibley's scouts. Later, he served at Ft Laramie as an interpreter.
Big Bat was known as being second to none in his scouting abilities and being straightforward and honest is all of his dealings.
Baptist Pourier is buried in the Red Cloud Cemetery west of Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
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