The Battle of the Little Big Horn, a name etched in the annals of American history, resonates with both triumph and tragedy. Also known as Custer’s Last Stand, this pivotal encounter unfolded on June 25, 1876, along the banks of the Little Bighorn River in southeastern Montana. It stands as a stark reminder of the clash between the expanding United States and the indigenous nations who called the Great Plains home. This clash, part of the larger context of the Indian Wars, resulted in a resounding victory for a formidable alliance of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors against the U.S. Army’s 7th Cavalry Regiment. More specifically, the soldiers under the direct command of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer were annihilated.
Seeds of Conflict: The Precursors to Battle
The events leading up to the Battle of the Little Big Horn were rooted in decades of broken treaties, westward expansion, and the insatiable American hunger for land and resources. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills, a region sacred to the Lakota Sioux, ignited a gold rush that further encroached upon Native American territories.
In November 1875, Indian Inspector E.C. Watkins issued a report that served as a catalyst for military action. The report declared that large numbers of Sioux and Cheyenne, associated with influential leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, were deemed "hostile" to the United States. This label effectively legitimized the use of military force to compel these Native American groups to return to their reservations, regardless of the fact that the US government didn’t respect the Treaties it signed with these populations.
The ensuing military campaign was intended to force these "hostile" tribes back onto their designated reservations. General Philip Sheridan devised a three-pronged strategy, aiming to converge on the Native American encampments from different directions. Brigadier General Alfred Terry, commanding the Dakota Column, which included the 7th Cavalry under Custer’s leadership, played a central role in this strategy.
The Opposing Forces: A Study in Contrasts
On one side stood the United States Army, a well-equipped and disciplined force representing the might of the American government. The 7th Cavalry, under the command of the ambitious and flamboyant Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, was considered one of the premier units in the army. Custer, a Civil War hero, possessed a reputation for daring and aggressive tactics, a reputation that would ultimately prove to be his undoing at The Battle of the Little Big Horn.
Facing them was a diverse coalition of Native American warriors, primarily Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne, united in their determination to defend their land and way of life. These warriors were highly skilled horsemen and marksmen, deeply familiar with the terrain and driven by a fierce sense of cultural preservation. Leaders like Sitting Bull, a respected spiritual leader and strategist, and Crazy Horse, a fearless warrior and tactician, provided the leadership and inspiration that bound the tribes together.
The size of the Native American force at the Little Bighorn remains a subject of debate among historians. Estimates range from 1,500 to 3,000 warriors, significantly outnumbering Custer’s immediate command of approximately 600 men.
The Battle Unfolds: A Day of Reckoning
On the morning of June 25, 1876, Custer, eager to engage the enemy, deviated from the original plan and divided his command into three battalions. He sent Captain Frederick Benteen to scout the left flank, while Major Marcus Reno was ordered to attack the southern end of the village. Custer himself led the remaining battalion towards the northern end of the encampment.
Reno’s attack quickly faltered in the face of overwhelming resistance. He ordered his men to dismount and form a skirmish line, but they were soon forced to retreat into the timber along the riverbank. After suffering heavy casualties, Reno ordered a chaotic retreat across the river and up a bluff, where they were eventually joined by Benteen’s battalion.
Meanwhile, Custer’s battalion encountered fierce resistance as they attempted to attack the northern end of the village. It is believed that Custer’s initial plan was to seize women and children as hostages, forcing the warriors to surrender. But Custer seriously underestimated the strength of the Native American forces. Under heavy fire, Custer and his men retreated to a ridge now known as Last Stand Hill.
The details of the fighting on Last Stand Hill remain shrouded in mystery, pieced together from archaeological evidence, Native American accounts, and the limited observations of those who survived the initial engagement. It is known that Custer’s men fought bravely, but they were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of warriors surrounding them. In a matter of hours, Custer and all the men under his immediate command were killed.
Aftermath and Legacy: A Shifting Perspective
The news of Custer’s defeat at The Battle of the Little Big Horn sent shockwaves across the nation. Initially, the event was portrayed as a heroic last stand against overwhelming odds, with Custer cast as a martyr sacrificing himself for the cause of American expansion. The image of Custer, popularized by his widow Elizabeth, became a symbol of American courage and sacrifice.
However, as the 20th century progressed, a more nuanced and critical perspective emerged. The narrative shifted to acknowledge the injustices suffered by Native Americans during the westward expansion and to recognize the bravery and determination of the warriors who defended their land and way of life at the Little Bighorn.
The battlefield itself has undergone a transformation in recent years. Originally designated as Custer Battlefield National Monument, it was renamed Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in 1991. This change reflected a growing recognition of the Native American perspective and the need to commemorate the battle from all sides.
In 1999, the first of five red granite markers were placed on the battlefield to commemorate the Cheyenne warriors Lame White Man and Noisy Walking who fell during the battle. Since then, markers have been added for the Sans Arc warrior, Long Road, and the Minniconjou warrior, Dog’s Back Bone. In 2003, an unknown warrior marker was placed on Wooden Leg Hill to honor a warrior killed during the battle.
In 2003, the Indian Memorial was dedicated near Last Stand Hill, further emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the Native American experience at the Little Bighorn. The memorial serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, honoring the lives and sacrifices of the warriors who fought to defend their homes and culture.
Commemoration and Reenactment: Remembering the Past
Today, The Battle of the Little Big Horn continues to be commemorated and reenacted in various ways. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, administered by the National Park Service, serves as a place of historical preservation and education. Visitors can walk the battlefield, learn about the events that transpired there, and reflect on the complex legacy of the battle.
A reenactment of the battle is held annually in Hardin, Montana, sponsored by the Hardin Chamber of Commerce. The script for this reenactment was written by the esteemed Crow Tribal Historian and elder, Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow, grandson of one of Custer’s six Crow scouts. Another reenactment is hosted by the Real Bird family, descendants of warriors who fought in the battle.
These reenactments offer a dramatic and engaging way to learn about the battle and to appreciate the perspectives of both the U.S. Army and the Native American warriors who fought there. They serve as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of understanding history from multiple viewpoints.
The Battle of the Little Big Horn remains a significant event in American history, a reminder of the complex and often tragic relationship between the United States and the Native American nations. By remembering and learning from this event, we can strive to create a more just and equitable future for all.