American Indian Population in the 1860's

I need some help with something.
I'm currently writing a story in ASB where Superman ends up growing up as a Sioux, and he will eventually lead a spiritual/racial war against the US during the Civil War.
Unfortunately I have not been able to find much useful information about the number of American Indians living in the United States in the early 1860's. So does anyone have any reliable numbers for the Indian population at that time?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
 
Thornton's work is something of a Bible for anyone interested in the subject.
American Indian Holocaust and Survival: A Population History Since 1492 (Civilization of the American Indian Series) by Russell Thornton
http://books.google.com/books?id=9i...esnum=11&ved=0CCUQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

The concept of what you're doing is interesting. I recommend you go to this site.

www.bluecorncomics.com

Quite a bit of information on Indian superheroes and what's right and wrong about the writing on them. You might even want to write the owner, Rob Schmidt, who is a longtime online friend and incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.

The "spiritual/racial war" idea gives me some concern, as does your using the outdated colonial term for the Lakota people, "Sioux", instead of their own name.

I hope you aren't thinking of any nonsense like a "holy war" from the Lakota or forced conversions, or any kind of "kill all whites" ideas. While the spiritual traditions gave (and still give) warriors strength, it's never been a Native custom to go to war over religion.
 
Thank you very much.
I'm not about to buy the book, too expensive for me right now, but the previews have given me an idea for an acceptable number of warriors, followers, etc.
I checked out the website and it looks interesting. I will definitely follow its advice on avoiding the less obvious stereotypes, I know enough to avoid the worst ones. I'll also consider contacting the owner.
Don't worry about the Spiritual war comment. Most of the Native Americans who will be fighting consider Superman a Spirit, and he's the spiritual part, they won't force anyone to follow their ways. At least most of them won't, some zealots will probably be mixed in with them. This war will be about protecting their lands and people under a unifying and extremely powerful figure.
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how Whites will be treated in areas that are under Native control. Again a few hotheads will exist but they're going to be smacked down pretty hard.
As for the Sioux, Superman actually grew up among the Santee, the Lakota will appear later as he grows up. I used the word Sioux because that is the better known term. Its archaic and insulting as are a fair number of other names for the various Native tribes, but I want the average reader to follow along easily. So the bad stereotypes will not exist, but the media names will.
Once more thank you for the links, they're extremely helpful.
 
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