The Battle of the Little Bighorn (Custer’s Last Stand)

Date and Location

• Date: June 25–26, 1876
• Location: Near the Little Bighorn River in the eastern Montana Territory, United States

Background

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, often referred to as “Custer’s Last Stand,” was a significant conflict between the United States Army and a coalition of Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho. The battle was part of the Great Sioux War of 1876, which arose from tensions over the U.S. government’s attempts to force Native American tribes onto reservations and the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, a region sacred to the Lakota.

Key Figures

• United States Army:

  • Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer: Commanding officer of the 7th Cavalry Regiment.

• Native American Leaders:

  • Sitting Bull (Lakota Sioux): Spiritual leader and chief.
  • Crazy Horse (Oglala Lakota): Prominent war leader.
  • Chief Gall (Hunkpapa Lakota): Tactical leader during the battle.

The Battle

Prelude

In the spring of 1876, the U.S. Army launched a campaign to force the Native American tribes back onto reservations. Custer, leading the 7th Cavalry, was part of a three-pronged approach to encircle and defeat the tribes. Underestimating the size and fighting capability of the Native forces, Custer advanced without waiting for reinforcements.

The Conflict

• June 25, 1876: Custer’s forces encountered a massive encampment of Native American warriors along the Little Bighorn River. Ignoring warnings of the camp’s size, Custer divided his regiment into three battalions, intending to attack from multiple directions.

• Custer’s Last Stand: Custer’s battalion was quickly overwhelmed by the superior numbers of Native American warriors. The battle lasted approximately two hours, resulting in the complete annihilation of Custer and his immediate command, totaling over 200 men.

• Other Engagements: The other two battalions, led by Major Marcus Reno and Captain Frederick Benteen, also faced fierce resistance but managed to regroup and hold defensive positions until reinforcements arrived.

Aftermath

• Casualties: The U.S. Army suffered significant losses, with 268 dead and 55 wounded. Native American casualties were estimated to be around 60–100 warriors.

• Impact: The battle was a decisive victory for the Native American tribes and marked the peak of their resistance against U.S. expansion. However, the victory was short-lived as it galvanized U.S. public opinion and military efforts to subdue the tribes, leading to their eventual surrender and relocation to reservations.

Historical Significance

The Battle of the Little Bighorn remains a symbol of Native American resistance and a pivotal moment in the history of the American West. It highlighted the clash between the U.S. government’s expansionist policies and the Native American way of life. The battle is remembered for its dramatic and tragic outcome, as well as its lasting impact on U.S.-Native American relations.

Legacy

The site of the battle is preserved as the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, serving as a memorial to those who fought and died on both sides. It continues to be a place of reflection and education about this critical chapter in American history.