Battle Of Little Bighorn River Summary

The Battle of Little Bighorn River was on June 25, 1876 in the Montana Territory and was a pivotal change in the Plains Indians wars. On the day of the battle the federal troops were lead by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his seventh cavalry, the indian tribes were represented by the Lakota, Sioux and, the Cheyenne indian tribes. The indians were lead by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The story of the battle actually begins after the Civil War ended. The government was trying to force the native people onto reservations with the westward advance of the white men. In the period of the government forcing the natives onto reservations there were continuous battles and confrontations between the waring parties all through

Frederick Benteen, a three company force(140) commanded by Maj. Marcus Reno and a 5 company force (210) commanded by Custer.(10) Benteen was to march southwest to cut off any indians they found and “pitch into anything” he found and report to Custer. Reno was ordered to advance into the village from the south with the assurance from Custer that he would be supported by the regiment. Reno crossed the river about two miles south of the village and began advancing downstream toward the southern end.(11) the surprised warriors quickly rushed to fend off Reno’s assault. Reno halted and dismounted his troops to form a skirmish line which began firing at the advancing warriors. Mounted warriors pressed their attack against the skirmish line and endangered Reno’s left flank. Reno withdrew to a stand of Cottonwoods beside the river, for better protection. A second retreat was ordered to the bluffs east of the river. The warriors pursued the fleeing troops and killed many at close range. Reno’s shattered command recrossed the river and struggled up the steep bluffs to regroup atop high ground, to the east of the valley fight. In just 45 minutes Reno lost half of his command in dead , wounded and missing. Benteen having found no evidence of indians or their movement south, had returned to the main column, and met with Reno’s demoralized

The captain began to ease his way down the bluff to the river. Benteen and Reno grudgingly followed. Crazy Horse and Gall turned to destroy Reno and Benteen. They chased the troops back to their bluff. The troops fought well to save their lives, but many were killed and wounded. Enemy fire continued until night fall of the 25th. At first light of dawn the siege tightened. Benteen and Reno fought back 2 assaults during the day. That evening the indians withdrew setting a grass fire to screen their movements.(13) their scouts had spied the approaching relief column of Terry and