Southampton, proudly proclaiming itself the "Gateway to the World," has long been witness to a vast array of arrivals and departures.
Countless individuals from diverse corners of the globe have graced its shores, each with their own unique stories to tell.
However, one particular group's arrival stands out as a poignant reminder of a bygone era.
It was 101 years ago, in the year 1923, that a remarkable sight unfolded on Southampton's busy dockside.
A group of 82 men, women, and children, members of the Arapaho tribe, disembarked from their transatlantic voyage, their presence casting a spell of curiosity and wonder upon onlookers.
In today's world of heightened cultural sensitivity, we would respectfully refer to them as Native Americans. But, back in that era, the term "Red Indians" was still prevalent, a reflection of the prevailing social norms of the time.
Among this distinguished group was a revered warrior known as Standing Bear, a living legend who had bravely fought against the formidable General George Armstrong Custer in the historic Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.
The arrival of the Arapaho tribe in Southampton caused quite a stir, capturing the attention of locals and the press alike.
The Arapaho people had journeyed across the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to embark on a series of appearances throughout the country.
The shipping news reported with fascination on the "curious and unusual names" that graced the passenger list of the White Star Line, acknowledging that such a unique collection of names had rarely been encountered before.
“The Indians included Yellow Calf, Big Tree, Painted Wolf, Old Eagle, Goes-in-the-Lodge, Black Weasel, Lone Bear and their respective squaws. “Standing Bear, Willow Bird, and Yellow Horse were among the travellers who were unattached.”
(Image: Echo)
The story behind the presence of these “imposing and dignified” people who had travelled far from the prairies of Wyoming fascinated Southampton.
The magazine said: “The history of how the Arapahos dared leave their land and face the Atlantic voyage, revolves around one man, an upstanding American soldier of smiling face and golden speech, blood-brother to Chief Goes-in-the-Lodge.
“The Indians call him High Eagle, but we would call him Colonel McCoy, who was brought up in the Arapaho country gaining a genuine affection for these proud, silent Red Men.
“Freely he entered their tepees, squaws smile shyly at him, and papooses stroked his boots.”
McCoy’s plan was to follow in the earlier footsteps of “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who became famous for the shows he organised with cowboy themes, which he previously toured in Great Britain.
It seems at first the Arapaho were uncertain about performing tribal ceremonies and dances as well as wearing ceremonial dress to entertain British crowds, especially as this adventure also entailed crossing the Atlantic.
“Chief Goes-in-the-Lodge told McCoy: ‘The night is on my eyes, High Eagle. I cannot see over the Great Water, but we will go with you’,” said the magazine.
“In New York, eight and 20 Arapahos boarded the liner, hardly realising that she was the ship of their voyage and expecting to pass from the huge decks to some frail tug.
“When the White Star liner moved away from the wharf, they were amazed, and, from that first day out, they feared to pass by England and fall over the edge of the world.”
According to reports from the time, everyone who saw the Arapahos were impressed by them, and especially the fact that no swear words were known in their language.
“Several of the Arapaho men spoke English; one at least has a college education; they are tall, finely-built, clean shaven fellows,” said the magazine.
During their time in London, the Arapaho tribe found a temporary home in a cluster of tepees erected on a patch of land near Crystal Palace, a prominent landmark of the era
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