Battle of Little Big Horn

(Gen George Custer v. Sitting Bull)

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/WE-LittleBigHorn.html

-Causes-

Led by Sitting Bull, the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians left their reservations after multiple intrusions of whites.  The white men were seeking gold in the territory promised to the Native Americans by the U.S. Government. The Sioux and Cheyenne gathered together to discuss what should happen.  While they were camped out Gen. Custer decided to send scouts ahead and report the situation.  The scouts came back speaking of a very large Indian camp, but Custer ignored the scouts thinking the Indians would run as soon as he attacked.  Custer split his regiment into four groups trying to surround the Native Americans.

-The Battle- 

On June 25, Gen. Custer ordered the first battalion, commanded by Major Marcus Reno, to attack the southern tip of the Indian camp.  Reno quickly realized the Native Americans had no plans of fleeing and greatly outnumbered his soldiers.  After Custer gave him no other orders, Reno attacked and was forced to retreat.  The first battalion was only spared by a squadron commanded by Captain Frederick Benteen. Banteen's force had been sent by Custer to prevent Indian escape through the upper valley of the Little Bighorn River.  Custer's plans were to strike the northern end of the encampment; simultaneous with Reno’s attack from the south, but Custer did not realize the terrain he must cross to get to striking distance.  The Native Americans saw the attack coming from the north after the attack from the south which enabled them to develop a counter attack.  Crazy Horse led a group of Cheyenne behind Custer as the other Native Americans attacked from the front.  This put Custer at a place with no retreat.  Custer ordered his men to use their horses as shields, but it took less than an hour for the total destruction of Custer's two hundred and ten men.  The Indians continued to fight the remaining men until General Terry came from the north.  The Native Americans then retreated south.

Back to Sitting Bull

-Sources-

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/WE-LittleBigHorn.html

Page created by:  Jon S.

Avon High School, Avon, Indiana

Date created: March 21, 2008