'a Damned Big Fight': Crazy Horse, Custer and Sitting Bull at the Little Bighorn: June 25, 1876

MONTANA TERRITORY, JUNE 25, 1876: After an all-night ride, the 7th United States Cavalry Regiment under the command of Lt. Col. George A. Custer approached the valley of the Little Bighorn River. There they found the largest gathering of Native Americans in history. Custer was under orders to attack the village, regardless of size, and push the inhabitants down the Little Bighorn toward a blocking force waiting where the Big Horn and Little Bighorn Rivers joined. CAUGHT BY SURPRISE: Custer had divided the 7th Cavalry into three smaller battalions and attacked the village from two different directions. Though caught by surprise, the Indian warriors quickly seized the initiative and drove Major Marcus Reno's force from the valley and onto the bluffs above the Little Bighorn River. Reno's men held off the Indians for two days until relieved by a US Army force moving up river. WHAT HAPPENED TO CUSTER? Over the 140 years since the battle, this question has been asked countless times. Since no one from Custer's immediate command survived, the best witnesses to the battle are the warriors who defeated Custer and then held Reno at bay for two days. 'A DAMNED BIG FIGHT', in an easy to understand format and relying heavily on Indian warrior statements, tells what actually happened on that hot June afternoon on the hills above the Little Bighorn. Was George Custer merely following orders or did he and his regiment dash recklessly into a situation beyond their control? Of course, we'll never know for certain, but 'A DAMNED BIG FIGHT' will be helpful to those curious about the most famous battle of the Indian Wars of the 19th Century.