I have only been around for two research days for this big project on Custer's Last Stand, and I have some information and a LOT of books, but I need quick, straightforward info that I can work around.
Any solid information you know pertaining to details of Custer's Last Stand and the Battle of Little Bighorn would be very helpful, and all the better if you can site sources for it.
A Wikipedia article is always a good place to start, no matter what anyone else may have told you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custer%27s_Last_Stand
Be sure to make good use of the References and External Links at the bottom of this article.
Certainly! The Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, took place on June 25-26, 1876, in Montana Territory, United States. It was a significant conflict between the Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, collectively known as the Plains Indians, and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer.
Here are some key details about the battle:
1. The Battle: The battle occurred when the U.S. Army attempted to force the Indians back to their reservations. Custer, despite being significantly outnumbered, divided his forces into three separate groups. His battalion, consisting of about 210 soldiers, was the only one to engage in direct combat.
2. Custer's Strategy: Custer's plan was to launch a surprise attack on the Indian village, expecting them to scatter and provide opportunities for capture. However, his scouts underestimated the enemy's size, and the plan quickly turned into a desperate defensive stand.
3. Indian Forces: The Plains Indians were led by several prominent leaders, including Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and Gall. Estimates of the Indian forces range from 1,800 to 2,500 warriors.
4. Outcome: The battle ended in a disastrous defeat for Custer and his battalion. They were overwhelmed and killed to the last man. Custer's body was found far from the main battlefield, suggesting he personally led a charge that was cut off and surrounded.
Sources where you can find more detailed information on Custer's Last Stand and the Battle of Little Bighorn include:
- "The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn" by Nathaniel Philbrick
- "Son of the Morning Star: Custer and The Little Bighorn" by Evan S. Connell
- "Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America" by T.J. Stiles
These books provide detailed accounts and analysis of the battle, based on historical records, eyewitness testimonies, and archaeological investigations. They will offer you a more comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding Custer's Last Stand.