“WHERE DID ALL THESE FREAKING INDIANS COME FROM,” were probably not Custer’s last words, but I’ll wager the question was on his mind. And “General” George Armstrong Custer wasn’t really a general — he had been in the Civil War but in the peacetime army he was RIFed back to lieutenant colonel, the rank he held at his death. While we’re at it, George wasn’t the only Custer killed at Little Big Horn. Two of his brothers were among the dead, along with brother-in-law and a nephew.
The Cavalry
The Indians
Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument is 350 or so miles from Deer Lodge, but what the heck. So we took a road trip from our road trip to visit one of the few Indian victories and spent the night in Billings. Custer’s plan was to attack the Indian village when the Lakota and Cheyenne braves were away and they would have to deal only with women, children and the elders. But Georgie violated the first rule of battle — he divided his forces. Twice! And that cost him his life and the lives of 267 of his men. Indian losses were even greater, including innocent women and children, so while Custer’s Last Stand has a place in American history, it is certainly tarnished.
Where they fell
A small white tombstone-like plaque marks the place where each soldier fell, including Custer. Most of the men are buried in a common grave but Custer’s remains were removed to the cemetery at West Point. A few brown markers show where Indians were found.
Big Hole National Battlefield Nez Perce encampment
A little over a year later the 7th Infantry revenged Custer’s defeat at Big Hole Montana, successfully using the same tactics to massacre mostly women and children of the Nez Perce. Then they dogged the survivors for four months and 1700 miles into Yellowstone National Park where Chief Joseph — cold, hungry and battle weary — finally surrendered. Isn’t America wonderful?
Great-great-great grandson and Sittling Bull
While we were looking at the exhibits in the Visitors Center, a young Native American pointed to a photo of Sitting Bull and said softly, “That’s my great-great-great grandfather.” He lives locally but this was his first visit to the Park. We didn’t catch his name I have no reason to disbelieve him.
