A Century and a Half After Custer’s Last Stand, the Battle of Little Bighorn Continues to Mystify

[Fatman17]

A Century and a Half After Custer's Last Stand, the Battle of Little Bighorn Continues to Mystify

The June 1876 firefight resulted in the deaths of George Armstrong Custer and 267 of his men. Historians continue to debate exactly how the Lakota Sioux and the Northern Cheyenne secured their victory over the U.S. Army

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[AZ_HighCountry]

Already have the article pulled up to read later this evening.

Another campaign you should consider reading about is Crook's campaign into the Rosebud. This was the prelude to the defeat of the 7th at the Little Big Horn. If you can find it, I recommend "With Crook at the Rosebud". It was written by J.W. Vaughn. I read the book maybe 20 years ago.

The Battle of Rosebud Creek occurred 8 days prior to the Little Big Horn. It was a stalemate for both sides with the key takeaway being it stopped the US advance via the Rosebud.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

Ironically, as part of the preparation for the Little Big Horn, Gen. Terry recommended Custer take a battery of 3 Gatling guns that were available. Custer refused them on the grounds the guns would slow him down.

Another bit of irony, 90 years later, a coworker of mine would be in the jungles of Vietnam operating in the area of the Bong Son River. His outfit?

5/7th Cavalry.

 

[Fatman17]

George Armstrong Custer: A Quick Summary​

George Armstrong Custer was a United States cavalry officer who became famous during the American Civil War. He was known for his bravery and rose through the ranks quickly, earning the nickname "Boy General." After the Civil War, Custer was assigned to fight against Native American tribes in the Great Plains.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn​

Custer's most famous and controversial moment came on June 25, 1876, at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In this battle, Custer and all the soldiers under his direct command were killed. This happened when Custer divided his forces and attacked a large encampment of Lakota, Sioux, and Northern Cheyenne warriors led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The Native American victory at the Little Bighorn was a significant event in the Plains Wars.

Legacy​

Initially, Custer was remembered as a Civil War hero. However, his defeat at the Little Bighorn led to a more complex legacy. Over time, his image has been debated, with some viewing him as a heroic soldier and others as a figure associated with the mistreatment of Native Americans.

Want to discover more about the American Civil War or the Native American tribes of the Great Plains?

Keep Learning

1. Early Life and Education
2. Civil War Service
3. Role at the Battle of Gettysburg
4. Post-Civil War Career
5. The Battle of Little Bighorn
6. Legacy and Controversy

Brittanica

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

A trip to visit the Little Big Horn is on my bucket list. So is Gettysburg which is hard to believe given I was born and raised in Pennsylvania.

Interestingly, Custer graduated last in his class at West Point.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

Another interesting tidbit, Custer was outspoken in his racism towards black troops. He was offered command of both the 9th and then the 10th Cavalry but turned both down in favor of a command even though it was as a Lt. Colonel in the 7th. It also cost him promotions.

Considering both the first and second colonels of the 7th were frequently on detached duty , Custer found himself in command of the 7th. It was this very situation that led to him leading the troops into the Little Big Horn.

President Grant was initially against Custer leading the expedition but Sheridan and Terry lobbied on his behalf so Grant deferred to them. Grant received the news of Custer's defeat on July 4th.

I've wondered what the campaigns in the Southwest would have been like had Custer was able to check his racism and took command of the 10th instead.