Battle of the Little Bighorn

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== Battle of the Little Bighorn ==

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, was an armed engagement between combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. The battle took place on June 25–26, 1876, along the Little Bighorn River in the Crow Indian Reservation in southeastern Montana Territory.

Background

The conflict was part of the Great Sioux War of 1876, also known as the Black Hills War. Tensions had been rising between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes due to the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, which were considered sacred by the Lakota. The U.S. government attempted to purchase the land, but the tribes refused to sell, leading to increased military presence and eventual conflict.

The Battle

The battle was led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who divided his forces into three battalions. Custer's battalion was overwhelmed by the combined Native American forces, resulting in a decisive victory for the tribes. Custer and all the men in his immediate command were killed, a total of 268 dead and 55 severely wounded (six died later from their wounds).

Aftermath

The defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn was a significant event in the Great Sioux War of 1876. It led to a strong military response from the U.S. government, which ultimately resulted in the defeat of the Native American tribes and their forced relocation to reservations. The battle has since become a symbol of Native American resistance and a subject of extensive historical research and popular culture.

Legacy

The site of the battle is now preserved as the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. The battle has been depicted in numerous books, films, and other media, and it remains a topic of interest for historians and the general public.

Related Pages

• George Armstrong Custer
• Great Sioux War of 1876
• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
• Lakota people
• Northern Cheyenne
• Arapaho