Custer’s Last Stand
George Armstrong Custer or simply known as General Custer was famous for being a cavalry commander during the American Civil War and American Indian wars. However, he was probably more famous for his actions during the Battle of Little Bighorn which quickly gained notoriety as “Custer’s Last Stand”. Custer graduated from West Point in 1861 at the bottom of his class. However, General Mcellen recognized his aptitude as a cavalry leader and promoted him to brigadier general at the age of 23. He quickly rose to prominence during the Civil War and was known for his fearless calvary charges. In addition, he was a charismatic and flamboyant character.
Tensions quickly rose between the Plains Indians tribes including the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne Indians due to further westward encroachment of land. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills considered sacred land by the West Plains Indians only further bolstered resistance towards westward expansion. The Indians refused an offer by the United States in order to purchase the Black Hills. However, the Indians refused and thus the Commissioner of Indian Affairs issued an ultimatum demanding the Indians to leave to a reservation, or face military forces. Ultimately, they did not respond and thus military forces were mobilized.
Custer’s 7th Cavalry departed from Fort Abraham Lincoln on May 17, 1876 as part of plan to round of the remaining fleeing Indians. During a scouting mission by some of Custer’s Crow Indians, they said that they had discovered a Large indian encampment near the Little Bighorn River. They had also stated that their regiment had been discovered by the Lakota or Cheyenne warriors. Assuming that his presence had been discovered, Custer decided to launch an immediate attack on the Indian camp as to not lose the element of surprise. He split his already meager forces into three groups: one led by Major Marcus Reno, one by Captain Frederick Benteen, and one by himself. Reno, charged with attacking the southern side of the camp, was quickly overwhelmed by Indian forces and was forced to retreat to the east of the valley as his men were picked off like Buffalo.
With Reno’s forces picked off, the Indians were now free to pursue Custer's party. Although Custer’s route and “last stand” position were widely debated. What is known is that Custer put up what was supposed to be a last valiant stand over the course of three days. However, in actuality, his forces were completely scattered and forced into a chaotic battle full of mayhem. Natives account that the battle only took “as long as it takes a hungry man to eat a meal”.Essentially, by not waiting for other military forces to arrive, Custer’s 7th cavalry had marched to its death.
All in all, while Custer was ultimately a fool who marched to his death, American Society would hail Custer as a valiant hero for years to come.
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