453. Custer's Last Stand: The Final Showdown (Part 8)
May 22, 2024
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Dive into the harrowing moments of Custer's Last Stand at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Discover the chaos faced by Major Reno and Captain Benteen as they confront overwhelming odds and dwindling supplies. Explore the gruesome aftermath for the soldiers, including haunting imagery of the fallen. Unravel myths surrounding Custer through contrasting accounts and archaeological evidence. Finally, reflect on the enduring legacy of the battle and the pivotal roles of Native leaders Like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
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Quick takeaways
Custer faces challenges dividing his forces strategically and navigating treacherous terrain during his last stand at Little Bighorn.
The devastating reality unfolds post-battle, raising speculations on Custer's demise and the complexities of engaging with Lakota forces.
Native Americans strategically outgunned Custer's men, leading to chaos and destruction, while themes of blame and heroism emerge in the aftermath.
Deep dives
Custer's Last Stand - Division and Decision Making
Custer faces the monumental task of dividing his forces strategically as he contemplates his next move during the famed last stand. He leaves some of his men on Calhoun Hill, while heading northward along Battle Ridge with additional troops. The topography, with ravines and creeks, poses challenges for maneuvering his battalion. Amidst divisions and maneuvers, the decisions concerning engaging the village or securing hostages remain crucial.
Custer's Last Efforts and Tragic Outcome
As the battle intensifies, Custer possibly makes a daring attempt towards the village, led by a journalist accompanying him. Mark Kellogg's body is later discovered down by the river, indicating a deadly encounter. Meanwhile, Crazy Horse prepares mindfully before engaging in fierce combat, contributing to the surrounding of Calhoun Hill where Keo and his troops are stationed. Tragically, a sense of imminent danger looms over Custer and his men as they navigate the treacherous terrain and face mounting Lakota resistance.
The Aftermath and Unveiling the Mysteries
In the aftermath of the intense battle, the devastating reality unfolds as accounts depict potential events leading to Custer's demise. While conflicting reports and myths surround the historic last stand, archaeological findings shed light on the brutal confrontation and the intricate movements on the battlefield. Speculations arise regarding the fate of Custer, his decisions during the battle, and the complexities of engaging with Lakota forces amidst the challenging topography of Little Bighorn.
Battle at Little Bighorn: Tragic Last Stand
The battle at Little Bighorn reveals the stark contrast in the weaponry between Custer's men and the Native Americans, who possessed modern repeating rifles capable of firing 17 rounds. The Native Americans strategically outgunned the Seventh Cavalry, leading to a chaotic and devastating battle. As Crazy Horse's band surrounds Calhoun Hill, the Seventh Cavalry is exposed, resulting in a rushed and deadly storming of the hill. Accounts depict a scene of terror and chaos as the Native Americans overwhelm and destroy Custer's men.
Aftermath of Little Bighorn: Blame and Heroism
Following the battle, blame and heroism are major themes as survivors and historical accounts analyze the events. Major Reno faces accusations of cowardice and poor leadership, leading to endless campaigns against him. General Custer, initially met with mixed reactions, later becomes a national hero despite criticism for reckless and arrogant command decisions. The aftermath also highlights Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse's remarkable leadership and the significance of the Native American victory at Little Bighorn, setting the stage for further conflicts and tragedies like the Massacre at Wounded Knee.
What happened between the moment that George A. Custer dispatched a trumpeter with his famous final plea for back-up, and the gruesome discovery of his forces at the Little Bighorn? Certainly, the morning of the 26th of June 1876 found the overwhelmed Major Reno and what remained of his men, along with Captain Benteen, gathered atop a hill, bloody, dehydrated, surrounding by putrefying corpses, and mystified as to the whereabouts of Custer. And the nightmarish ordeal of Reno's clash with the Lakota and their allies was not yet over. Gunfire, carbines and the whiz of arrows echoed in the distance, while below them fearsome Lakota warriors were unnervingly draped in the bloodied jackets and hats of Custer’s 7th Cavalry. Finally, at 3pm, the vast encampment of Lakota began moving off, and at dawn the next day they glimpsed a dust cloud in the distance: reinforcements at last. What they saw upon finally descending the hill, was a scene of such horror, that it would resound through the ages…
Join Dominic and Tom as they describe, moment by moment, the events of George Custer’s electrifying last stand at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and its aftermath. What really happened, and what became of Custer, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull? Above all, who was to blame for the events of that shocking day?
