The BattleThe Battleof Littleof LittleBighorn,Bighorn,

2525--2626June, 1876:June, 1876:

The U.S. Army, The U.S. Army, the Crows,the Crows,

and Arikarasand Arikarasvs. vs.

The Lakota SiouxThe Lakota Siouxand the and the CheyennesCheyennes

(Topic 16)(Topic 16)

(2000) (20(2000) (2001) (2000) 01) (2000)

(1994) (1997) (1994) (1997) (1993)(1993)

(2002) (2002) (1999)(1999)

I. The indigenous backgroundI. The indigenous background

II. Custer and the U.S. push from II. Custer and the U.S. push from east to westeast to west

Plains Indian Mobility and Hunting Prior to the MidPlains Indian Mobility and Hunting Prior to the Mid--1616thth--Century Century

I. I. THE INDIGENOUS BACKGROUND:THE INDIGENOUS BACKGROUND:

Hidatsa (Sioux) bison surround employing two columns of hunters Hidatsa (Sioux) bison surround employing two columns of hunters on horseback, 1832on horseback, 1832

Lakota SiouxLakota Sioux

Costume:Costume:1. Lakota Sioux 3. Yanktonai Sioux 1. Lakota Sioux 3. Yanktonai Sioux 2. Lakota Sioux 4. Santee Sioux2. Lakota Sioux 4. Santee Sioux

12

3

~1825-504

Warrior Societies:Warrior Societies:1. Omaha1. Omaha 3. Strong Heart 3. Strong Heart 2. Miwatani2. Miwatani 4. Fox or Kit Fox4. Fox or Kit Fox

1

2

3

4~1870-90

Lakota warbonnet ca. 1870.Lakota warbonnet ca. 1870.

Eagle feathers signified war deedsEagle feathers signified war deeds

Ermine skin and buffalo horn Ermine skin and buffalo horn decorations evoked fleetness, courage, decorations evoked fleetness, courage, and strength.and strength.Lakota Sioux WarriorLakota Sioux Warrior

(Howard Terpning)(Howard Terpning)

Ermine skinErmine skin

Buffalo hornBuffalo horn

Eagle feathersEagle feathers

Plains WarriorPlains Warrior(H.T.)(H.T.)

Warfare and the Lakota Sioux:Warfare and the Lakota Sioux:““War is the breath of their nostrilsWar is the breath of their nostrils,,”” wrote Francis Parkman in 1846. wrote Francis Parkman in 1846.

((Re)introduction of the horse to America by EuropeansRe)introduction of the horse to America by Europeans not only gavenot only gaverise to a new hunting culture, but also to a new kind of warrise to a new hunting culture, but also to a new kind of war. .

Horses became a measure of wealth and statusHorses became a measure of wealth and status..

Killing people was incidental to the two basic types of war partKilling people was incidental to the two basic types of war partiesies::1. revenge raids (tit1. revenge raids (tit--forfor--tat tat ……) ) 2. horse2. horse--stealing forays ( similar to the Apache)stealing forays ( similar to the Apache)

The warriorThe warrior’’s usual objective was personal honors usual objective was personal honor. . Each tribe Each tribe had its system for had its system for ““counting coupcounting coup”” (from the French for (from the French for ““blowblow””).).A Cheyenne warrior who shot and killed an enemy only gainA Cheyenne warrior who shot and killed an enemy only gained credit ed credit if he were among the first three men who touched the bodyif he were among the first three men who touched the body, the greatest , the greatest honor going to the first.honor going to the first.

Coup SticksCoup Sticks

Warrior Holding Coup Stick

Counting Coup (attributed to Big Cloud, a Cheyenne)Counting Coup (attributed to Big Cloud, a Cheyenne)

Comanche warriors sketched by George Catlin in 1834.Comanche warriors sketched by George Catlin in 1834. Such scenes depict the great skills of the ComancheSuch scenes depict the great skills of the Comanchein handling horses. Here, in a sham battle, a warrior uses his in handling horses. Here, in a sham battle, a warrior uses his horse as a shield, a dangerous feat that wouldhorse as a shield, a dangerous feat that wouldseldom be used in battle. (Comanches moved from E. Wyo. down inseldom be used in battle. (Comanches moved from E. Wyo. down into Colo., and then into Kansas and Texas)to Colo., and then into Kansas and Texas)

Sioux Sioux shieldshielddepicting depicting warriorswarriorsin in battlebattle

Sioux or Cheyenne bowSioux or Cheyenne bow, 40, 40”” (1 meter) long, collected by the Italian traveler, Antonio (1 meter) long, collected by the Italian traveler, Antonio Spagni around 1850. It is decorated with trade beads and has a Spagni around 1850. It is decorated with trade beads and has a string of twisted string of twisted sinew. The bow case and quiver (buffalo hide) and the arrows dasinew. The bow case and quiver (buffalo hide) and the arrows date from 1860te from 1860--70. 70.

The The Yanktonai Sioux, Flying PipeYanktonai Sioux, Flying Pipe,,photographed ca. photographed ca. 18701870. He holds a . He holds a spontoonspontoon--type pipe tomahawk.type pipe tomahawk.

Spotted Eagle, a Minneconjou SiouxSpotted Eagle, a Minneconjou Sioux, , photographed in the photographed in the 1880s1880s. He has. He hasarmbands of grizzly bear claws. Hisarmbands of grizzly bear claws. Hisweapon is a gunstock club with threeweapon is a gunstock club with threeknives set in the upper edge. knives set in the upper edge.

gunstockgunstockclubclub

grizzlygrizzlybearbearclawsclaws

spontoonspontoon--typetypetomahawktomahawk

Keokuk, Keokuk, ““The Watchful Fox,The Watchful Fox,”” Chief of the Chief of the Sauk and the FoxSauk and the Fox. Painted from life by . Painted from life by George CatlinGeorge Catlin when he visited Keokukwhen he visited Keokuk’’s s village in village in 18341834. Keokuk carries a shield . Keokuk carries a shield about 3 feet in diameter and a steelabout 3 feet in diameter and a steel--headed tomahawk, together with a highlyheaded tomahawk, together with a highly--decorated staff of office.decorated staff of office.

steelsteel--headedheadedtomahawktomahawk

shield (3shield (3’’ diameter)diameter)

The Fox chief, Nesouaquoit, The Fox chief, Nesouaquoit, ““Bear in the Bear in the Forks of a Tree,Forks of a Tree,”” holding a classic holding a classic Missouri war axe (painted in Washington, Missouri war axe (painted in Washington, D.C., 1837)D.C., 1837)

Battle between the Mandan chief, MatoBattle between the Mandan chief, Mato--tope, tope, ““Four Bears,Four Bears,””and a Cheyenne and as depicted by Four Bears in 1834. The and a Cheyenne and as depicted by Four Bears in 1834. The victorious chief carries a victorious chief carries a ‘‘MissouriMissouri’’ war axe. (Mandan lived inwar axe. (Mandan lived inNorth Dakota near the Heart and Little Missouri Rivers.)North Dakota near the Heart and Little Missouri Rivers.)

Missouri war axe (Missouri war axe (**))**

Necklace ofNecklace ofhuman fingershuman fingers

taken duringtaken duringduring a cavalryduring a cavalry

raid on araid on aCheyenne villageCheyenne village

in Wyomingin Wyoming’’s Bigs BigHorn mountainsHorn mountains

five months after five months after Little Bighorn.Little Bighorn.

It consists of eightIt consists of eightmiddle fingers ofmiddle fingers of

Indian enemiesIndian enemieskilled in battle, andkilled in battle, and

was considered awas considered asource of powerfulsource of powerful

medicine to itsmedicine to itsowner.owner.

Acts such as galloping across an enemyActs such as galloping across an enemy’’s firing line, however brave, dids firing line, however brave, didnot have a military purpose. The Plains not have a military purpose. The Plains ““war complexwar complex”” producedproducedmagnificent warriors. But it did not produce soldiersmagnificent warriors. But it did not produce soldiers. Emphasis on . Emphasis on individual distinction discouraged strategic and even tactindividual distinction discouraged strategic and even tactical thinking.ical thinking.

Reluctance to suffer casualties often kept victories from becomiReluctance to suffer casualties often kept victories from becomingng““decisive.decisive.”” Their unspoken rule was Their unspoken rule was ““greatest damage to the enemy with greatest damage to the enemy with the least amount to onethe least amount to one’’s self.s self.””

A war party that suffered even one fatality was deemed a failureA war party that suffered even one fatality was deemed a failure——nonomatter how much damage was done to the enemymatter how much damage was done to the enemy. By contrast, a party . By contrast, a party which rode out on a long journey, to return months later wwhich rode out on a long journey, to return months later with a single ith a single scalp and no losses, was considered a success. (scalp and no losses, was considered a success. (CannaeCannae: 216 BC: 216 BC——Hannibal: 5700 dead/11% of forces; Rome: 75,000/88%!!)Hannibal: 5700 dead/11% of forces; Rome: 75,000/88%!!)

No war chief could expect his braves to immolate themselves, ZulNo war chief could expect his braves to immolate themselves, Zuluu--likelike, , against lines of flaming riflesagainst lines of flaming rifles. . They would charge U.S. Army soldiers to They would charge U.S. Army soldiers to within ~500 yards before falling backwithin ~500 yards before falling back. . Determined charges (like Gen.Determined charges (like Gen.GrantGrant’’s at Cold Harbor, with 7000 men lost in 30 minutess at Cold Harbor, with 7000 men lost in 30 minutes) were anathema ) were anathema to the Plains Indians. to the Plains Indians.

Mandan Foot War Party after an unsuccessful raid on the ArikarasMandan Foot War Party after an unsuccessful raid on the Arikaras, 1832. They , 1832. They were attacked by a larger party and lost several men and all thewere attacked by a larger party and lost several men and all their horses.ir horses.

Lakota War Dance, 1845Lakota War Dance, 1845

Battle between the Sioux and the Sauk & FoxBattle between the Sioux and the Sauk & Fox

George Caitlin sketch, 1835,George Caitlin sketch, 1835, of Mandan scalping an enemy. In order to of Mandan scalping an enemy. In order to be considered a genuine scalp be considered a genuine scalp ““the piece cut away must contain and show the piece cut away must contain and show the crown or center of the head, that part of the skin where thethe crown or center of the head, that part of the skin where the hair hair divides and radiates from the center.divides and radiates from the center.””

Lakota Scalp Dance, 1835Lakota Scalp Dance, 1835

Pictograph of a Cheyenne warrior wearing a warshirt embellished Pictograph of a Cheyenne warrior wearing a warshirt embellished with ermine fringes. He is striking a with ermine fringes. He is striking a U.S. soldier with a Warrior Society lance. This may have been mU.S. soldier with a Warrior Society lance. This may have been more than a symbolic coup as the lance ore than a symbolic coup as the lance appears to be pointed. (dates to 1874)appears to be pointed. (dates to 1874)

The mutilated body of an English immigrant, Sergeant Frederick WThe mutilated body of an English immigrant, Sergeant Frederick Wyllyams, Troop G,yllyams, Troop G,77thth U.S. Cavalry, who was one of seven soldiers killed in a skirmisU.S. Cavalry, who was one of seven soldiers killed in a skirmish with Cheyenne,h with Cheyenne,Lakota, and Arapaho warriors on June 26, 1867. A friend who hadLakota, and Arapaho warriors on June 26, 1867. A friend who had been visitingbeen visitingWyllyams at a nearby fort took this picture the next day and theWyllyams at a nearby fort took this picture the next day and then forwarded it to n forwarded it to President Andrew Johnson. Although the lack of blood indicatesPresident Andrew Johnson. Although the lack of blood indicates the ritual slashingthe ritual slashingwas done long after death, sights like this hardened the hearts was done long after death, sights like this hardened the hearts of frontier people who of frontier people who sought revenge on innocent as well as guilty Indians.sought revenge on innocent as well as guilty Indians.

Among theAmong thePlains groups Plains groups who practiced who practiced it were the:it were the:

Arapaho Arapaho Arikara Arikara Assiniboine Assiniboine Cheyenne Cheyenne CrowCrowGros Ventre Gros Ventre HidatsaHidatsaLakotaLakotaOjibwa Ojibwa OmahaOmahaKiowaKiowaBlackfootBlackfoot

The Sun DanceThe Sun Dance——““SelfSelf--TortureTorture””

The sun dance was the major communal religious ceremony celebratThe sun dance was the major communal religious ceremony celebrating renewal, ing renewal, the spiritual rebirth of participants, and the regeneration of tthe spiritual rebirth of participants, and the regeneration of the living earth.he living earth.

““A Man Called HorseA Man Called Horse””Richard HarrisRichard Harris

19701970

Last in his class of 32 at West PointLast in his class of 32 at West Point

Brilliant Civil War recordBrilliant Civil War record

Later courtLater court--martialed for going AWOL martialed for going AWOL to visit his wife, Elizabethto visit his wife, Elizabeth

Became an Indian fighter who attacked Became an Indian fighter who attacked ““peacefulpeaceful”” Cheyennes and killed Cheyennes and killed noncombatants (thought Indians were noncombatants (thought Indians were ““savagessavages”” yet noble living in their yet noble living in their traditional ways)traditional ways)

Opinions are polarized about him, either Opinions are polarized about him, either hated or admiredhated or admired----but his wife wrote but his wife wrote three books after his death that helped three books after his death that helped stem the criticism.stem the criticism.

George Armstrong Custer George Armstrong Custer (1839(1839--1876):1876):

II. II. CUSTER AND THE U.S. PUSH CUSTER AND THE U.S. PUSH FROM EAST TO WEST:FROM EAST TO WEST:

(Cheyenne)

Washita River

Battle of WashitaBattle of Washita(Washita BattlefieldNational Historic Site)

Custer andCuster andthe Battle of Washita, 1868,the Battle of Washita, 1868,

““somewhere north of Texassomewhere north of Texas””::

Indian TerritoryIndian Territory

KANSAS

INDIAN TERRITORY

TEXAS

Washita R.CheyenneCheyenneCampCamp(Chief(Chief

Black Kettle)Black Kettle)

Ft. Cobb

Ft. Sill

(OK City Cheyenne, OK: 150 miles)(OK City Cheyenne, OK: 150 miles)

Black Kettle (a Cheyenne chief) went to Fort Cobb in November 1Black Kettle (a Cheyenne chief) went to Fort Cobb in November 1868 to petition the 868 to petition the commander there for peace and protection. Gen. Hazen told commander there for peace and protection. Gen. Hazen told them only Sheridan or Lt. Col. them only Sheridan or Lt. Col. George Custer, had that authority. George Custer, had that authority.

Returning to his camp on the Washita River, Black Kettle resisteReturning to his camp on the Washita River, Black Kettle resisted urgings to move d urgings to move downriver closer to larger camps of Cheyennes, Kiowas, and Adownriver closer to larger camps of Cheyennes, Kiowas, and Apaches wintered there, paches wintered there, refusing to believe Sheridan would order an attack without frefusing to believe Sheridan would order an attack without first offering an opportunity for irst offering an opportunity for peace peace

Before dawn, Custer and 800 troopers attacked the 51 lodges, kilBefore dawn, Custer and 800 troopers attacked the 51 lodges, killing ~ 100 men, women, and ling ~ 100 men, women, and children. He also slaughtered the entire Cheyenne pony herdchildren. He also slaughtered the entire Cheyenne pony herd estimated at 800+ animals, estimated at 800+ animals, burned their lodges, and destroyed their winter supply of foburned their lodges, and destroyed their winter supply of food and clothing.od and clothing.

Battle Battle of Washita, of Washita,

18681868

““Strike One Strike One Against Custer!Against Custer!””

Cheyennes, Kiowas,Cheyennes, Kiowas,and Comanchesand Comanches——unlike some otherunlike some othertribestribes——refused torefused tolive on reservations.live on reservations.Their young menTheir young mencontinued to attackcontinued to attackwhite settlers inwhite settlers inKansas Kansas ……

Quote of a contemporary Sioux man whose grandfather wasQuote of a contemporary Sioux man whose grandfather was10 years old when the U.S. 710 years old when the U.S. 7thth cavalry attacked Sitting Bullcavalry attacked Sitting Bull’’sscamp , was shot at by the troopers and remembered bulletscamp , was shot at by the troopers and remembered bulletswhizzing around him as he ran from them (from Violawhizzing around him as he ran from them (from Viola’’s s Little Bighorn RememberedLittle Bighorn Remembered):):

““General Sheridan would remind the raw recruits signing up for General Sheridan would remind the raw recruits signing up for Indian fighting: Indian fighting: ‘‘Always remember that nits grow into lice.Always remember that nits grow into lice.’”’”

[he was referring to killing non[he was referring to killing non--combatants, in this case children]combatants, in this case children]

Custer divided his forces into four and proceeded on his own outCuster divided his forces into four and proceeded on his own out of sight of of sight of Major Joel Elliott and his men.Major Joel Elliott and his men.

Elliott was cut off by the Indians and decimated. Custer, fElliott was cut off by the Indians and decimated. Custer, following the battle, ollowing the battle, withdrew from the area without ascertaining Elliott's fatwithdrew from the area without ascertaining Elliott's fate.e.

The mutilated bodies of Elliott and his men were found seveThe mutilated bodies of Elliott and his men were found several months later ral months later when the 7th Cavalry returned to the scene. when the 7th Cavalry returned to the scene.

In In My Life on the Plains, My Life on the Plains, Custer devotes two chapters, 10 and 11, congratulating Custer devotes two chapters, 10 and 11, congratulating himself on how well he did, denying that he knew where Ellhimself on how well he did, denying that he knew where Elliott was, and iott was, and [mentioning] but few other words as to Elliot.[mentioning] but few other words as to Elliot.

Custer and Custer and the Battle the Battle

of Washita, of Washita, 1868 1868

““Strike TwoStrike Two……!!””

CusterCuster Major ElliotMajor Elliot

Officers ofOfficers ofthe U.S.the U.S.77th th CavalryCavalry

Osage ScoutsOsage Scoutswho helpedwho helpedCuster find Custer find Black KettleBlack Kettle’’sscampcamp

Black KettleBlack Kettle

Some of theSome of the50+ Cheyenne50+ Cheyennetaken taken prisoner prisoner during the during the BattleBattleOf WashitaOf Washita

Battle of WashitaBattle of Washita

HEROIC DEATH OF WALTER KENNEDY – AT THE BATTLE OF WASHITA RIVER, I.T.Sergeant-Major of Seventh U. S. Cavalry.—Gen. GEO. A. CUSTER, Commanding

“During the engagement, Maj. JOEL ELLIOT, with a detachment of 16 men, was dispatched to reconnoiter an Arapaho village [down] stream, when they were suddenly confronted by the whole tribe on their way to help the Cheyenne.”

U.S. SETTLERS

U.S. SETTLERS

Treaty of Ft. Laramie (1868)Treaty of Ft. Laramie (1868): U.S. Govt. : U.S. Govt. to keep settlers out of Indian territoryto keep settlers out of Indian territory

Custer expedition into Black Hills in Custer expedition into Black Hills in 1874 was a violation of the treaty1874 was a violation of the treaty

Mark Kellogg, a Mark Kellogg, a Bismarck TribuneBismarck TribuneReporter, saw him in action on 14 May: Reporter, saw him in action on 14 May:

““Gen. George A. Custer, dressed in a dashing Gen. George A. Custer, dressed in a dashing suit of buckskin, is prominent everywhere suit of buckskin, is prominent everywhere ……flitting to and fro, in his quick eager way, flitting to and fro, in his quick eager way, taking in everything in his command taking in everything in his command …… with a with a keen incisive manner keen incisive manner …… The General is full of The General is full of perfect readiness for a fray with the hostile of perfect readiness for a fray with the hostile of red devils, and woe to the body of scalpred devils, and woe to the body of scalp--lifters lifters that comes within reach of himself and brave that comes within reach of himself and brave companions in arms.companions in arms.””

Discovery of gold on the Custer expediDiscovery of gold on the Custer expedi--tion led to a gold rush into the territory tion led to a gold rush into the territory and settlement of towns like Deadwood. and settlement of towns like Deadwood. (lower right)(lower right)

“…“… as long as the grass was green and the sky was blueas long as the grass was green and the sky was blue””

ssttee

Black Hills Expedition (Custer is lying in the center leaning hiBlack Hills Expedition (Custer is lying in the center leaning his head against his arm)s head against his arm)

““Gold Seekers to the Black HillsGold Seekers to the Black Hills””(H.T.)(H.T.)

LaramieLaramieTreaty LineTreaty Line

(1851)(1851)

(1868)(1868)Little BighornLittle Bighorn

In the fall of 1875, the BIA ordered the Sioux and Cheyenne to rIn the fall of 1875, the BIA ordered the Sioux and Cheyenne to return to eturn to their reservations. The Indians ignored the order and the Utheir reservations. The Indians ignored the order and the U.S. Army was .S. Army was sent to enforce it.sent to enforce it.

Generals Sherman and Sheridan devised a plan to have General GGenerals Sherman and Sheridan devised a plan to have General George eorge Crook enter Lakota territory in 1876. Lt. Col. George A. Crook enter Lakota territory in 1876. Lt. Col. George A. Custer was Custer was sent as well, along with the 7sent as well, along with the 7thth CavalryCavalry

Campaign Campaign of 1876of 1876

LITTE BIGHORN VALLEY: By June 25, 1876, largest known gatherinLITTE BIGHORN VALLEY: By June 25, 1876, largest known gathering of Indians g of Indians ever to occur on the northern plains (8000 total in the camp, moever to occur on the northern plains (8000 total in the camp, more than 2,500 warriors). re than 2,500 warriors).

LEADERS: LEADERS: Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Gall, et al.Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Gall, et al.

LAKOTA TRIBES: Hunkpapas, Oglalas, Minneconjous,LAKOTA TRIBES: Hunkpapas, Oglalas, Minneconjous, Santee, Santee, BrulBruléés, Blackfoot, Two Kettles, Sans Arcss, Blackfoot, Two Kettles, Sans Arcs

NONNON--LAKOTA ALLIES: Eastern Sioux, Northern CheyenneLAKOTA ALLIES: Eastern Sioux, Northern Cheyenne

Sitting Bull (c. 1831Sitting Bull (c. 1831--1890):1890):Hunkpapa Sioux Hunkpapa Sioux …… Counted coup on his first Counted coup on his first Crow enemy at age 14Crow enemy at age 14

His father gave him name of Tatanka Iyotake His father gave him name of Tatanka Iyotake ((““Buffalo Bull Sitting DownBuffalo Bull Sitting Down””))

Joined the Strong Heart warrior society at age Joined the Strong Heart warrior society at age 20 which he came to dominate20 which he came to dominate

Waged war only against Indian enemies until Waged war only against Indian enemies until 1862, the year the Santee Sioux, angered by 1862, the year the Santee Sioux, angered by governmentgovernment’’s failure to provide food, rose up to s failure to provide food, rose up to massacre hundreds of white settlersmassacre hundreds of white settlers

Camping with the Santee, his group and theirs Camping with the Santee, his group and theirs were attacked by the U.S. army; from that point were attacked by the U.S. army; from that point on Sitting Bullon Sitting Bull’’s Hunkpapas were at war with the s Hunkpapas were at war with the palefaces palefaces ……

He never broke any treaties, because he never He never broke any treaties, because he never signed any. signed any.

In 1867, he reportedly said:In 1867, he reportedly said:

““I have killed, robbed, and I have killed, robbed, and injured too many white men to injured too many white men to believe in a good peace believe in a good peace …… I I had rather die on the field of had rather die on the field of battle battle …… The whites may get The whites may get me at last me at last …… but I will have but I will have good times until then.good times until then.””

Sitting BullSitting Bull’’s depiction of a fight he had with a Crow warrior. His shield ws depiction of a fight he had with a Crow warrior. His shield was a gift from his father.as a gift from his father.

Pictograph by Sitting Bull., ca. 1880. This probably shows an Pictograph by Sitting Bull., ca. 1880. This probably shows an episode in the episode in the killing of the mail carrier, MacDonald, near Fort Totten in 1868killing of the mail carrier, MacDonald, near Fort Totten in 1868. S.B.. S.B.’’s shield s shield evokes the protective powers of the Sioux cosmos.evokes the protective powers of the Sioux cosmos.

HornHorn--handled Bowie handled Bowie knife that belonged to knife that belonged to Sitting Bull. Invented Sitting Bull. Invented in the Americas in the in the Americas in the 1830s, many of the 1830s, many of the knives were later made knives were later made in Sheffield, Englandin Sheffield, England

As one of the Iteshica, or Bad Faces, of Red As one of the Iteshica, or Bad Faces, of Red CloudCloud’’s Oglala band, he led the decoy party s Oglala band, he led the decoy party

which in 1866 lured 80 U.S. soldiers under which in 1866 lured 80 U.S. soldiers under Fetterman into an annihilating ambush by Fetterman into an annihilating ambush by

~2,000 Sioux and Cheyenne ~2,000 Sioux and Cheyenne ……. Never a . Never a formal chief, rather a leading warrior.formal chief, rather a leading warrior.

Crazy Horse (c. 1841Crazy Horse (c. 1841--1877)1877)

A war chief, he refused to accept the treaty of 1868 by which A war chief, he refused to accept the treaty of 1868 by which he would have been confined to a reservation. He was he he would have been confined to a reservation. He was he chief military lieutenant of Sitting Bull in the defeat Custer chief military lieutenant of Sitting Bull in the defeat Custer in in the battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. the battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.

Gall (c.1840Gall (c.1840––1894)1894)

Shield captured by Shield captured by Lieut.Lieut.

Henry Lawton in 1877Henry Lawton in 1877that belonged to Crazythat belonged to CrazyHorse. The decorations Horse. The decorations

on the shield evoke on the shield evoke several desired several desired

protective powers of protective powers of fleetness and strength.fleetness and strength.

Some symbols, however,Some symbols, however,such as the red and such as the red and

black power motifs at black power motifs at left are Cheyenne in left are Cheyenne in

origin. origin. Crazy Horse was a close Crazy Horse was a close

associate of the associate of the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers.Cheyenne Dog Soldiers.

Capt. BenteenCapt. Benteen

Gen. CrookGen. CrookGen. GibbonGen. Gibbon

Major RenoMajor Reno

Gen. TerryGen. Terry

U.S. ArmyU.S. Armyofficers at orofficers at or

near the Battlenear the Battleof Little of Little BighornBighorn

Lt. Col. CusterLt. Col. Custer

33 11

22

LaramieLaramieTreaty LineTreaty Line

11

22

33

Gen. Terry & Custer(from Ft. A. Lincoln

Gen.

Gen. Crook(from Ft. Fetterman)

Gen. Gibbon(from Ft. Ellis)

(MAP DETAIL—NEXT SLIDE)

GIBBONGIBBON’’SSCOLUMNCOLUMN(coming from(coming from

Fort Ellis)Fort Ellis)

TERRYTERRY’’SSCOLUMNCOLUMN(coming from(coming fromFort Lincoln)Fort Lincoln)

Little Bighorn,Little Bighorn,25 June 187625 June 1876

CROOKCROOK’’SSCOLUMNCOLUMN(coming from(coming from

Fort Fetterman)Fort Fetterman)

IndianIndian

3000 men in the 3000 men in the three U.S. Army forcesthree U.S. Army forces

(921 men)(921 men)

Custer: 715 men, including

Major & Capt. Reno Benteen)

(early in the morning ofJune 25, Custer observesa “large Indian camp”on the west side of theLittle Bighorn)

(Custer arrives by about 3 p.m. acrossfrom Indian camp

EncampmentEncampment

(MAP DETAIL—NEXT SLIDE

The 7The 7thth CavalryCavalry’’s Approach to Sitting Bulls Approach to Sitting Bull’’s Camp, June 25, 1876s Camp, June 25, 1876

1 Lt. Col. George A. Custer1 Lt. Col. George A. Custer2 Maj. Marcus A. Reno2 Maj. Marcus A. Reno33 Capt. Frederick W. BenteenCapt. Frederick W. Benteen

11

2 2

33

..

Little Bighorn RiverLittle Bighorn River

Custer BattlefieldCuster Battlefield

**

**

(curve in the modern road (curve in the modern road leading to the monument)leading to the monument)

Sitting BullSitting Bull’’s camps camp

Map and oblique aerial photoMap and oblique aerial photoshowing the location of theshowing the location of the

Indian camp, the battlefield,Indian camp, the battlefield,and the Little Bighorn Riverand the Little Bighorn River

CusterCuster

Maj. RenoMaj. Reno

Capt. BenteenCapt. Benteen

3:30 message to Benteen: 3:30 message to Benteen: ““Benteen, Come on. Big Village, quick, bring packs. Benteen, Come on. Big Village, quick, bring packs.

P.S. Bring Pac[k]s. W.W. Cooke.P.S. Bring Pac[k]s. W.W. Cooke.””

[[The messenger, bugler John Martin, was the last to see Custer anThe messenger, bugler John Martin, was the last to see Custer and the men d the men in his five companies alive, and Benteen arrived too late to hin his five companies alive, and Benteen arrived too late to help Custer.]elp Custer.]

The Battle of Little Bighorn

The .44The .44--caliber Winchester Riflecaliber Winchester Rifle

Some of the firearms used at the Battle of Little Bighorn:Some of the firearms used at the Battle of Little Bighorn:

The .45The .45--caliber Springfield Carbinecaliber Springfield Carbine

The U.S. Army troopers had The U.S. Army troopers had Springfield Carbines, which had to Springfield Carbines, which had to be cleaned and reloaded after every be cleaned and reloaded after every shot (repeating rifles were not shot (repeating rifles were not issued in 1876). Custerissued in 1876). Custer’’s men, in s men, in order to move stealthily, had left order to move stealthily, had left their sabers behind.their sabers behind.

The .44The .44--caliber Henrycaliber HenryWith their traditional weaponsWith their traditional weapons——tomahawks, clubs, scalping knives, tomahawks, clubs, scalping knives, bow and arrows, and lancesbow and arrows, and lances——the the Sioux and Cheyenne and their allies Sioux and Cheyenne and their allies were betterwere better--armed for handarmed for hand--toto--hand hand fighting than Custerfighting than Custer’’s men; one in s men; one in five also had the Winchester rifle, five also had the Winchester rifle, which was designed to be fired which was designed to be fired from the back of a horse and from the back of a horse and permitted firing 16 rounds in rapid permitted firing 16 rounds in rapid succession at a time. succession at a time.

.45 Colt Peacemaker.45 Colt Peacemaker(single(single--action six shots)action six shots)

77thth Cavalry: only one type of weapon (above)Cavalry: only one type of weapon (above)Sioux et al: 47 different types of guns, including thoseSioux et al: 47 different types of guns, including those

they were able to capture from the cavalrythey were able to capture from the cavalry

Reno Retreats to Cross the RiverReno Retreats to Cross the River

Major RenoMajor Reno’’s retreat across the Little Bighorn Rivers retreat across the Little Bighorn River

At left Wooden Leg grabs the carbine of a U.S. soldier during ReAt left Wooden Leg grabs the carbine of a U.S. soldier during Renono’’s s retreat across the river, and at right he stands over a dead soretreat across the river, and at right he stands over a dead soldier.ldier.

Wooden Leg, counts coup on an Arikara warrior, Wooden Leg, counts coup on an Arikara warrior, one of the U.S. Indian scouts.one of the U.S. Indian scouts.

Wooden Leg talks about his Wooden Leg talks about his role in the Battle of Little Bighornrole in the Battle of Little Bighorn

Meanwhile up on the ridge Meanwhile up on the ridge ……

Meanwhile up on the ridge Meanwhile up on the ridge ……

White view of CusterWhite view of Custer’’s Last Stands Last Stand

White views of CusterWhite views of Custer’’s Last Stands Last Stand

““Strike threeStrike three…”…”

Comanche, Capt. Myles KeoghComanche, Capt. Myles Keogh’’s horse ands horse andsole survivor of Custersole survivor of Custer’’s Last Stands Last Stand

‘‘WhiteWhite--eyeeye’’ views of the Indiansviews of the Indians

IndianIndianviewsviews

of themselvesof themselvesand of and of

CusterCuster’’s forces force

IndianIndianview ofview of

fightingfightingCusterCuster’’sssoldierssoldiers

Red Horse, a MinneconjouRed Horse, a Minneconjouchief (drawings done in 1881)chief (drawings done in 1881)

IndianIndianview ofview of

CusterCuster’’ssdead dead

soldierssoldiers

Account of the Battle of Little Bighorn by the Sioux woman, Account of the Battle of Little Bighorn by the Sioux woman, ““She Walks With Her Shawl,She Walks With Her Shawl,”” 54 years afterward:54 years afterward:

“…“… The morning was hot and sultry. Several of us Indian girls werThe morning was hot and sultry. Several of us Indian girls were digging wild e digging wild turnips. I was then 23 years old. We girls looked toward the cturnips. I was then 23 years old. We girls looked toward the camp and saw a amp and saw a warrior ride swiftly, shouting that the soldiers were only a fewwarrior ride swiftly, shouting that the soldiers were only a few miles away. miles away. …… I I dropped the pointed ash stick dropped the pointed ash stick …… and ran towards my tipi. I saw my father running and ran towards my tipi. I saw my father running towards the horses. When I got to my tent, mother told me that towards the horses. When I got to my tent, mother told me that …… my brother had my brother had been killed by the soldiers. My brother had gone early that mbeen killed by the soldiers. My brother had gone early that morning for a horse orning for a horse that strayed from our herd. that strayed from our herd. …… I knew there would be a battle because I saw warriors I knew there would be a battle because I saw warriors getting their horses and tomahawks.getting their horses and tomahawks.

I heard Hawkman shout, HoI heard Hawkman shout, Ho--kaka--he! Hohe! Ho--kaka--he! (Charge! Charge!) The soldiers he! (Charge! Charge!) The soldiers began firing into our camp. Then they ceased firing. I saw mybegan firing into our camp. Then they ceased firing. I saw my father preparing to father preparing to go to battle. I sang a death song for my brother who had been kgo to battle. I sang a death song for my brother who had been killed.illed.

My heart was bad. Revenge! Revenge! For my brotherMy heart was bad. Revenge! Revenge! For my brother’’s death. By this time the s death. By this time the soldiers (Renosoldiers (Reno’’s men) were forming a battle line in the bottom about a half mils men) were forming a battle line in the bottom about a half mile e away. In another moment I heard a terrific volley of carbines. away. In another moment I heard a terrific volley of carbines. The bullets shattered The bullets shattered the tipi poles.the tipi poles.””

““I heard old men and women chanting death songs for their warriorI heard old men and women chanting death songs for their warriors who were s who were ready to attack the soldiers. The chanting of the death songs ready to attack the soldiers. The chanting of the death songs made me brave, made me brave, although I was a woman although I was a woman …… …… Father led my black horse up to me and I mounted. We Father led my black horse up to me and I mounted. We galloped towards the soldiers. Other warriors joined in with usgalloped towards the soldiers. Other warriors joined in with us. When we were . When we were nearing the fringe of the woods an order was given by Hawkman tonearing the fringe of the woods an order was given by Hawkman to charge. Hocharge. Ho--kaka--he! he! HoHo--kaka--he! The warriors were now near the soldiers. The troopers were he! The warriors were now near the soldiers. The troopers were all on foot. all on foot. They shot straight, because I saw our leader killed as he rode wThey shot straight, because I saw our leader killed as he rode with his warriors.ith his warriors.

The charge was so stubborn that the soldiers ran to their hThe charge was so stubborn that the soldiers ran to their horses and, mounting orses and, mounting them, rode swiftly towards the river. The Greasy Grass river wathem, rode swiftly towards the river. The Greasy Grass river was very deep. Their s very deep. Their horses had to swim to get across. Some of the warriors rode inthorses had to swim to get across. Some of the warriors rode into the water and o the water and tomahawked the soldiers. tomahawked the soldiers. …… The Indians chased the soldiers across the river and up The Indians chased the soldiers across the river and up over a bluff. over a bluff.

The valley was dense with powder smoke. I never heard suchThe valley was dense with powder smoke. I never heard such whooping andwhooping andshouting. shouting. ‘‘There never was a better day to die,There never was a better day to die,”” shouted Red Horse.shouted Red Horse.

Long HairLong Hair’’s soldiers were trapped in an enclosure. There were Indians s soldiers were trapped in an enclosure. There were Indians everywhere. The Cheyennes attacked them from the north, and theeverywhere. The Cheyennes attacked them from the north, and the Sioux encircled Sioux encircled the troopers. Not one got away! The Sioux used tomahawks. It the troopers. Not one got away! The Sioux used tomahawks. It was not a massacre, was not a massacre, but a hotly contested battle between two armed forces.but a hotly contested battle between two armed forces.””

After the BattleAfter the Battle, by J. K. Ralston,, by J. K. Ralston,in the lounge of the Olive Hotel, in the lounge of the Olive Hotel, Miles City, Montana (hotel datesMiles City, Montana (hotel datesback to 1899)back to 1899)

He is showing them two of theHe is showing them two of the14 Elgin pocket watches that 14 Elgin pocket watches that his greathis great--grandfather gatheredgrandfather gatheredfrom the bodies of dead soldiersfrom the bodies of dead soldiersof the 7of the 7thth Cavalry.Cavalry.

Randy Plume, a member ofRandy Plume, a member ofthe Sioux tribe, sitting withthe Sioux tribe, sitting withhis two sons on the Custerhis two sons on the CusterBattlefield.Battlefield.

Scene of the Scene of the Little BighornLittle Bighorn

Battle one Battle one year later year later ……

CrowCrowScoutsScouts

Archaeological finds made Archaeological finds made since the wildfire of 1983 since the wildfire of 1983 ……

““we chose to view the battleground as a crime we chose to view the battleground as a crime scene scene ……using forensic techniques.using forensic techniques.””Evidence shows that of the IndianEvidence shows that of the Indian

warriors 200 had Winchesters, andwarriors 200 had Winchesters, andanother 375 had muzzle loaders or singleanother 375 had muzzle loaders or single--shot shot

rifles such as Sharps and Ballardsrifles such as Sharps and Ballards

Bullets fired by the Indians from aBullets fired by the Indians from a.50.50--caliber Springfield carbinecaliber Springfield carbine

Bones of a left forearm, belongingBones of a left forearm, belongingto a soldier about 25to a soldier about 25--five years old; five years old; mortally wounded with .44mortally wounded with .44--cal. cal. repeating rifle, finished repeating rifle, finished off with a Colt revolver,off with a Colt revolver,skull later crushed with skull later crushed with war club and knives war club and knives used to hack at his back used to hack at his back in several places as well.in several places as well.

The effect of a steelThe effect of a steel--headed arrow on the headed arrow on the human body. A pierced vertebra found at human body. A pierced vertebra found at

Little Bighorn, 1877, one year after the battle.Little Bighorn, 1877, one year after the battle.

Right leg of a Custer soldier Right leg of a Custer soldier found during recent found during recent

excavations. Remains ofexcavations. Remains ofshoe are still on the foot. shoe are still on the foot.

Assuming that at least 1500 warriors went upAssuming that at least 1500 warriors went upagainst Custeragainst Custer’’s 210 men, then his commands 210 men, then his commandwas outmanned at least 5:1 and outgunned was outmanned at least 5:1 and outgunned at least 2:1. Indian rate of fire approached at least 2:1. Indian rate of fire approached an advantage of 5:1.an advantage of 5:1.

KANSAS

Dear Editor,Dear Editor,““I fought alongside Lieutenant Colonel Custer in the Battle of WaI fought alongside Lieutenant Colonel Custer in the Battle of Washita. I hope that shita. I hope that after this awful Battle of Little Bighorn people can begin to reafter this awful Battle of Little Bighorn people can begin to realize how terrible alize how terrible Custer really was. Not only was he selfish he was also stupid. HCuster really was. Not only was he selfish he was also stupid. He forced his men e forced his men to move ahead to the battlefield of Little Bighorn before the otto move ahead to the battlefield of Little Bighorn before the other parties because her parties because he wanted the Seventh Cavalry to have all the glory. He only carhe wanted the Seventh Cavalry to have all the glory. He only cared about himself ed about himself and often made stupid decisions in order to put himself ahead. Cand often made stupid decisions in order to put himself ahead. Custer was a man uster was a man who lost his head on the battlefield easily and became unreasonawho lost his head on the battlefield easily and became unreasonable. Overall this ble. Overall this battle, along with Custer, was a disgrace to our great army.battle, along with Custer, was a disgrace to our great army.””Sincerely, John CarterSincerely, John Carter

Dear John Carter,Dear John Carter,““I am well aware of Colonel Custer's decisions in battle. AlthougI am well aware of Colonel Custer's decisions in battle. Although some are h some are questionable, his heart was in the right place. Your opinion is questionable, his heart was in the right place. Your opinion is popular around the popular around the army right now but I urge you and your peers to reconsider your army right now but I urge you and your peers to reconsider your position. The position. The mental strain on Colonel Custer at the time of his death was vermental strain on Colonel Custer at the time of his death was very great. He was put y great. He was put into a dangerous position which was out of his control. His deciinto a dangerous position which was out of his control. His decisions were based sions were based on the orders given to him and it is unfair to criticize him.on the orders given to him and it is unfair to criticize him.””The EditorThe Editor

Letters to the Editor, Cavalry Times

1. If you ran out of food 1. If you ran out of food would you:would you:

a. Drink salty seawater.b. Eat little insects that crawl around at the campsite.c. Eat nothing and pray that food comes across your path.2. If it began to rain and you 2. If it began to rain and you

had no shelter would you: had no shelter would you: a. Turn back and go home.b. Find shelter in the woods.c. Be a man and deal with it.3. If you were being attacked 3. If you were being attacked

by Indian[s] what would by Indian[s] what would you grab first?you grab first?

a. The food.b. The tents.4. If Indians were attacking 4. If Indians were attacking

your family would [you]:your family would [you]:a. Run in front of your family and try to protect them.b. Back away and run for your life.c. Stand there and watch your family gets [sic] killed.

[SCORING YOUR QUIZ]:[SCORING YOUR QUIZ]:

• a. (2) b. (3) c. (1)2. a. (1) b. (2) c. (3)3. a. (1) b. (1)4. a. (3) b. (1) c. (2)

First of all,First of all,letlet’’s see hows see how

tough you are!tough you are!

Second, letSecond, let’’sssee how yousee how you

feel aboutfeel aboutbeing attackedbeing attacked

by Indians!by Indians!

QuizQuizHow Well Would You Fit Into the Cavalry?How Well Would You Fit Into the Cavalry?

(on the Cavalry Times website quoted on preceding page)

1. If you ran out of food 1. If you ran out of food would you:would you:

a. Drink salty seawater.b. Eat little insects that crawl around at the campsite.c. Eat nothing and pray that food comes across your path.2. If it began to rain and you 2. If it began to rain and you

had no shelter would you: had no shelter would you: a. Turn back and go home.b. Find shelter in the woods.c. Be a man and deal with it.3. If you were being attacked 3. If you were being attacked

by Indian[s] what would by Indian[s] what would you grab first?you grab first?

a. The food.b. The tents.4. If Indians were attacking 4. If Indians were attacking

your family would [you]:your family would [you]:a. Run in front of your family and try to protect them.b. Back away and run for your life.c. Stand there and watch your family gets [sic] killed.

[SCORING YOUR QUIZ]:[SCORING YOUR QUIZ]:

• a. (2) b. (3) c. (1)2. a. (1) b. (2) c. (3)3. a. (1) b. (1)4. a. (3) b. (1) c. (2)

11--44You are a coward You are a coward and you need to start and you need to start accomplishing things accomplishing things that you start.that you start.

55--88You are not a You are not a coward, but you are coward, but you are also not brave. You also not brave. You need to start doing need to start doing things for other things for other people.people.

99--1212You are way to [sic] You are way to [sic] brave, you need to brave, you need to back down and let back down and let other people have the other people have the glory sometime. glory sometime.

First of all,First of all,letlet’’s see hows see how

tough you are!tough you are!

Second, letSecond, let’’sssee how yousee how you

feel aboutfeel aboutbeing attackedbeing attacked

by Indians!by Indians!

QuizQuizHow Well Would You Fit Into the Cavalry?How Well Would You Fit Into the Cavalry?

(on the Cavalry Times website quoted on preceding page)

Hmm Hmm ……whatwhatyouyou’’rerelikelikeoverall,overall,you you schmuck!schmuck!

U.S. Army dead: 268, including five dying of wounds.U.S. Army dead: 268, including five dying of wounds.Indian dead: 56, including 38 Sioux and 18 Cheyenne.Indian dead: 56, including 38 Sioux and 18 Cheyenne.

Indian Wars Service Medal for the Crow and Arikara scouts who Indian Wars Service Medal for the Crow and Arikara scouts who served in the U.S. Cavalry in the Little Bighorn campaign.served in the U.S. Cavalry in the Little Bighorn campaign.

Former 7Former 7thth--cavalry and Lakota combatants at the Battlecavalry and Lakota combatants at the Battleof Little Bighorn pay a visit to the battlefield on theof Little Bighorn pay a visit to the battlefield on the5050thth anniversary, 1926.anniversary, 1926.

Four generations of descendants of Little Warrior, a LakotaFour generations of descendants of Little Warrior, a Lakotamedicine man who fought at the Battle of Little Bighorn.medicine man who fought at the Battle of Little Bighorn.