Battle of the Little Bighorn - Custer's Last Stand | History |

[@historyradar9654]

My apologies for the two errors that slipped through editing but here's the correct edits - * Edit: Custer was a Lt. Colonel not Lt. General at the time of the battle. * Edit: The quote of Custer's final message to Benteen should say big village not valley which is corrected with the onscreen quotation. Thanks again

[@robertbishop5357]

Noted and Custer was not a well respected leader.

[@jameslongstreet9259]

Custer was as you noted a Lt. colonel in the regular US Army during the battle, but as he had been a major general of volunteers during the civil war it was customary to call him general Custer. The book "Crazy Horse and Custer" by Stephen E. Ambrose is a highly recommendable book about the life and death of these two great American warriors :o)

[@nealfairbanks5340]

@@robertbishop5357 he was good at what he did as a part of a larger, being the brash and daring cavalry. Great gor disrupting formation and plans then quickly retiring while more heavily armed and equipped soldiers would take advantage of the confusion and hold the ground taken. Cavalry, even if their just basically mounted infantry like dragoons, generally don't have the numbers and supplies to hold out against a determined and numerous opponent. If cavalry isn't out scouting or in raids and attacks away from their logistical support their really not doing their job, unfortunately the horses quickly tire and ammo runs out after a short while. Standing your ground is not an option.

[@paultyson4389]

Yes, but there obviously was some confusion as to his rank perhaps because of his larger than life public image. I am sure I can remember an article from the time about him and it referred to him as a "general".

[@perkinsvalentine]

Custer was great...at self promotion, which he taught to Lilly. He knew how to use the Fox news outlets of the time, and almost made himself President. It sure helped him get pardoned for his screw-ups, except of course by the Sioux/Cheyenne, who sent Custer to the "Happy hunting grounds" where they could whup him again.

[@scottlouis1064]

The site of the last stand is a VERY spooky place. We visited there some years ago, it was mid July and the temperature was right at 100 degrees. Once you got away from the visitor's center and got on the "path" that talked about the battle, I mean it got DEAD quiet. No animals moving, just the wind whooshing through the prairie grass, very eerie.

[@yungbackshots]

This makes me want to go visit it won't even lie

[@bone3594]

The spirit of those fallen warriors and soldiers are still there.

[@kowalski3769]

Yeah, felt the same when I visited there around the same time of year you did. There's definitely some odd vibe there. You see those markers well away from the other ones and you have to wonder what was going thru that man's mind? Out in the middle of nowhere, with a bunch of people hunting you who you know are going to make you suffer in your death. Doesn't matter which side you were on, it had to be terrifying.

[@DeclanAethelwulfPryce]

It’s such a huge area. That’s what surprised me. And when you get away from Last Stand Hill and see the white and maroon markers, with how quiet it is can be chilling.

[@hamishanderson6738]

Thumbnail looks like Ben Stiller of Siouxlander 😅

[@colwilliamnoydb4134]

As a member of the Sioux, I listened to my great grand father tell me about this. He was just 14, but a warrior.

[@petersonlafollette3521]

If I was alive then as an American, I would have thrown in with the Sioux tribes, their courageous response to the thievery was glorious- even though very short lived...

[@Junkman2008]

@@petersonlafollette3521 Amen.

[@petersonlafollette3521]

@@Junkman2008 Except Sioux would not have us- the Crow and Shoshone were their mortal enemies probably because those tribes were too docile with white invasion.

[@Junkman2008]

@@petersonlafollette3521 And in all honesty, I don't blame them. Nothing good has come from trusting the European settlers.

[@TheBatugan77]

Custer should have Siouxed.

[@colwilliamnoydb4134]

Another point is that of the weapons they used. Custer's men used single shot Springfield rifles and 45 pistols. The Indian's used Winchester and Henry and Spencer repeating rifles. 14 shot rifles in a .44 caliber more effective than a single shot rifle. They were outgunned from the beginning.

[@HowardKuzalinski]

There were a good number of the Sioux and Cheyenne that had the repeaters, but nowhere close to all.

[@Bynk333]

@@HowardKuzalinski But still more indians have guns then there were whites anyway....

[@michaelhill9262]

The question no one has asked, where did the Indians get all these advance weapons from and if anyone can find the party's that gave this weapons to the Indians they should be charged with treason against the United States government. They had better weapons than the United States soldiers had, Indians had Winchester repeating rifles, how many we will never know and where they got them from and the ammo and who trained them to use them will probably be another mystery that goes down as unknown? For Historian to wonder about.

[@Drrayoldman]

It was NOT a massacre, it was self defense. Wounded Knee was a massacre

[@0johnirving162]

Very true...it was purely self defense from the white's aggression.

[@SH__69]

100% correct!!

[@TheLAGopher]

While the Indians were defending themselves, they didn't take prisoners. It was a massacre.

[@SH__69]

@@TheLAGopher Thanks for your contribution. Made me think about the battle again and I realise you are partly right. The killing by Reno and his men of children, men and women was indeed a massacre. To bad Reno didn't get what he deserved that day.

[@laurencefox5884]

@@TheLAGopher Those were the rules of war at that time. No prisoners were ever taken. A massacre however, is when defenceless civilians were murdered without provocation. Wounded Knee.

[@bobmarchinetti9808]

"Hellbent on furthering his reputation Custer departed from his orders and decided to attack without the aid of the Terry/Gibbon column." That comment omits significant details. On the morning of June 25 Custer ordered the men to camp for the day and attack the following day on June 26, which was the earliest day the Terry/Gibbon column would be in position. But after resting several hours it was discovered that some supplies had fallen from the pack mules and troopers who went back to retrieve them saw Indians carrying off the supplies. Everyone connected with the planning of the campaign (Sherman, Sheridan, Terry) was of the opinion that the Indians would scatter across the plains in countless smaller groups, which would defeat the purpose of the campaign to capture them when they were all together. When Custer was informed that Indians now knew of his proximity to the village he decided he could not wait until the following day to attack, fearing the Indians would use that time to scatter. So even if he was "hellbent on furthering his reputation" he initially gave orders to attack in coordination with Terry/Gibbon and only decided to attack without their participation when he reasoned that waiting another day was no longer practical.

[@petersonlafollette3521]

That was both a ludicrous and historically inept military strategy.

[@davidjohnson8793]

This is truth. Custer had discretionary orders. Terry, Sheridan, and Sherman covered this up to place all the blame on Custer. Custer was always supposed to be the striking force and the Terry-Gibbon force was a blocking force. it is the reason for Terry's offer of Brisbane's companies. Besides, Terry was late anyway, not arriving in position until the 27th.

[@PatriciaNewhart]

Custer had his eye on the Oval office. His men paid with their lifes for his.ambition

[@formerparatrooper]

During a road trip on our Harley Davidson back in 1975, we visited the site of Custer's demise. It was quite eerie as it was in July very close to the 25th. We spoke with several visitors but we did not meet any rangers on the field. I had not studied the campaign much before then but in the years since I have looked into it. This particular history offering is well done.

[@thegadflygang5381]

that is great, as I imagine 40 years ago the access was much greater. I too enjoy battlefield walks, very eerie as you mention but I like to pay respect to my heroic ancestors. Usually only Gettysburg and Civil War fields of battle where I say a prayer for all my Johnny Rebs and the poor Union lads conscripted to fight. Going to Gallipoli and seeing the final resting place of the 7th Cavalry is definitely on my bucket list

[@davidkinsey8657]

I hate it when people say we don't know how Custer's Last Stand played out because there were no survivors. There were over 1,000 survivors but they were all Native American. The accounts of the Battle of the Greasy Grass handed down in their oral traditions are consistent with modern battlefield archeology.

[@MuadDab]

“How the battle unfolded” is actually not a current debate. All of Custer’s men died, but plenty of Natives lived to pass the story on. The “secrecy” stemmed, for a very long time, from an unwillingness to accept Native accounts of the battle.

[@TheIblis2u]

That is true. When I was younger, I met Chief Joe Medicine Crow, Joe's grandfather was the famous Custer scout and Crow war chief, Medicine Crow. Custer actually told his Crow Scouts to leave after they stripped down to their own clothing and sang their death songs. It infuriated Custer, and he dismissed them. Curley was the Scout who stayed with Custer. The Crow feared and respected the Lakota, and all were ferocious riders, courageous fighters.

[@natecrosman9506]

The American Gov't has completely ignored the accounts of the first people's. Every thing we were taught about this is a lie. Custer was shot in Medicine Coolie and drug up to "last stand hill." It's been passed orally and is known.

[@DSPHistoricalSociety]

None of the good guys survived

[@saldelcastillo1067]

More like "Custer's last jaunt" since he was mowed down. A Buffalo run.

[@Bynk333]

@@DSPHistoricalSociety They were good cause they killed indians right? So how many good killed americans... hm.

[@cjrudd]

Great video! I really appreciate how you edited the scenes from Son of the Morning Star together to make it enjoyable to watch while also representing what was being portrayed on the screen.

[@reality-cheque]

Thanks for the video - excellent graphics showing what happened. We British had a similar experience three years later at Isandlwana when some 1200 troops were all but wiped out by over 15,000 Zulus. Chelmsford made the same mistake as Custer - under-estimating his enemy, not knowing where his enemy were and splitting his command - in hostile territory!

[@brucewayne3602]

absolutely ... Custer lived with his belief of being infallible the cost of which was disaster !!!

[@williamfreeman9356]

Sad so many native Americans had to die In this battle. Troops trying to exterminate the native population were evil in the future I hope they learn the difference.

[@154rjr]

Custer was a fearless warrior. But he was also reckless and foolhardy. He never should have attacked. His scouts told him how many Indians were there, but his massive ego would not allow him to consider the fact that he could be defeated.

[@samcolt1079]

You got it. He should have thought this out better. He had no chance. Just about the only win for the Indians. By this time there were millions of indians dead. All over America.

[@bone3594]

Never underestimate the enemy, Custer did just that; also made many strategic mistakes and the natives capitalize on that.

[@williambotha5864]

Custer had a reputation for being too aggressive (aka having a too high tolerance for risk) during the Civil War. His unit had one of the largest rates of attrition throughout that conflict. I visited the battlefield in February. Snow lay thick across the hill and in the overcast I could follow the course of his small groups' destruction by the headstones littered across the ridge. Somber indeed. His body was found at the top of the hill, in the middle of a small group of fallen that contained the last members of his family that had been in the column.

[@wespenn7243]

15:29 I would argue there was many survivors. The Native Americans that wiped them out could have and did give 1st hand recollections. Like it or not, they were victorious and can write that portion of history as they saw it!

[@tomjones2202]

You are absolutely right! There were MANY survivors! The US just didn't want to recognize the surviving Native Americans who fought that day who could very well tell them EXATCLY what happened! And in later years they did start saying, well ,, maybe they do know what happened,,, Curly knew! just ask him ,, or Two Moons,,, or any other warrior who fought valiantly that day! Thank goodness there are surviving records from those great warriors who fought that day to protect themselves and their families.!

[@wespenn7243]

@@tomjones2202 You are probably right. Sad event all the way around!

[@patriciarouse2801]

Actually forensic achiologists excavation of the site confirmed the evidence supports the accounts of Lakota survivors.

[@benclanton6392]

That's not the point he was making. There were no survivors from Custer's formation. You could ask anyone in the battle what happened and you will get different details that add up to a bigger picture. Sadly, without the details from inside Custer's ranks, the perspective from the US troops will never be revealed. Was it a state of confusion, despair, or just grim resolve? We'll never know first hand.

[@tomjones2202]

@@benclanton6392 I think the perspective was pretty obvious by ALL accounts even the troopers that tried to get to Custer,, The perspective from them would be " we're all about to die!" and they did. What other perspective could they possibly give? Compare it to Reno... what was their perspective,, they were in the same boat! Reno chose to get to higher ground and survive and tell about it. He said he felt if he stayed where he was he and all his men would be killed so he moved to the safety of the high ground. So, yeah, the perspective was really there.

[@wes326]

Custer's tactics worked until they didn't. Thanks for sharing. Excellent presentation.

[@petersonlafollette3521]

You mean cowardly tactics- twice previously he attacked woman and children, killed and taken hostage which was his strategy- to leverage. Read up...

[@wes326]

@@petersonlafollette3521 I wouldn't say using the women and children as hostages to end the fight is cowardly but probably morally wrong. War crimes from our present day standards were pretty prevalent.

[@bone3594]

Custer's luck just ran out.

[@darrylg7600]

I walked the battlefield two years ago. It truly is a solemn place. It is also a lot larger than I thought it was.

[@ThunderHaus]

It also has era photo's on site that look the same now as they did in 1876.

[@davidcardone2141]

THE WHO WERE COMING

[@davidcardone2141]

WHO?

[@davidcardone2141]

RUN WAR SUCKS

[@orion6251979]

I was on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation on June 25th, 2004. The Lakota tribe still celebrates this victory to this day.

[@michaelotten2724]

Came at a great price

[@martinkirby3100]

And so they should celebrate it it was the end of a mass murderer ie G A C he was no hero heroes don't kill woman and children

[@kjboulard]

@@martinkirby3100 Nits make lice.

[@Jason-hg1pc]

😱

[@Jason-hg1pc]

I'm not Lakota, but I AM Native, so I was ambiguous when I read about it while enrolled in public school school, but I have definitely celebrated it independently, and I have learned to assess a minor but crucial element of peoples' psyche from their perceptions of that day, their descriptions of the people involved, and the amount of time and effort spent describing it.🏹🤠⚰️

[@Thunderchild-gz4gc]

The Black Hills were used by the Sioux for hunting game and the trees were useful for housing and whatnot. They had practical reasons to want to keep them.

[@tflynn2400]

When you make a treaty, stick by it. If you don't value your word, nobody else will either. No amount of gold is worth your integrity.

[@Nocturnal808]

I bet you’re integrity will be compromised if a gold worth 50 million is offered to you

[@tflynn2400]

@@Nocturnal808 You would lose that bet.

[@youngking2503]

@@Nocturnal808 The Sioux still have over 1 billion dollars sitting in a account waiting for them to access it. They haven't touched it

[@rogeeeferrari]

What you say is true, but we're talking about the US Government which has never had an ounce of integrity...

[@OttoMattak]

@@youngking2503 And they won't unless the United States relinquishes control of the Black Hills. It's a matter of principle.

[@billmasters385]

One of the clearest explanations ever for what happened on that fateful day.

[@-Isaac-]

Fateful? That was a Victorious day 😂

[@brucewayne3602]

@@-Isaac- absolutely !!!

[@petersonlafollette3521]

"General, you go down there...There are thousands of Indians...and when they get done with you, there won't be nothing left but a grease-spot.This ain't the Washita River, General, and them ain't helpless women and children waiting for you. They're Cheyenne braves, and Sioux. You go down there, General, if you've got the nerve." (Little Big Man)

[@AbrahamLincoln4]

This channel is so underrated!

[@historyradar9654]

Thank you Mr President!

[@patrickdaniel4050]

@@historyradar9654 lol, nice work. Thanks

[@historyradar9654]

@@patrickdaniel4050 XD

[@killerbee3794]

Custer died for your sins! Hoka Hey! Hehanni waniyetu opawinge wanje wikcemna zaptan sam zaptan ehantanhan Lakota oyate kin hena Shahiela oyate kin Pehin Hanska akicita sica kilena wichaktepti yelo! He lila wakan yelo! By the way only four Arapaho warirors were present at the Battle of the Little Bighorn and they were kept apart under surveillance for a while because the Lakota thought they were spies. Anyway when the battle started and Custer troops tried to storm the northern end of the village where the Cheyenne camp was located these Arapaho warriors fought alongside the Lakota and their Cheyenne relatives. To this day there is an oral tradition that says that probably the first of two shots that killed General Custer was shot by one of this Arapaho warriors. This video is an excellent researched historical document.

[@riazhassan6570]

What language was that in the beginning of your comment? Did it have a writing script of its own? Is the pronunciation of words rendered properly in the Latin script?

[@ejcheli]

@Don2615 Hahaha! You got me in the first half... XD

[@markknivila8383]

I really liked how you used film clips from "Son Of The Morning Star." Over all, I thought it was a very entertaining video! Thank you!

[@aledakivett9255]

Mark Thought I saw some from Little Bighorn Man too. One of my favorite movies.

[@HB-forensics]

Definitely read "Son of the Morning Star" by Evan S. Connell. Exquisite writing and well researched.

[@HB-forensics]

@paul Provenzano excellent book!

[@davidcardone2141]

i ALL SAID WAS GOD WE TOLD YOU NOT TO

[@davidcardone2141]

THATS WHERE IT ALLSTARTED AGAIN

[@texhaines9957]

I lived in this area for 2 years. The Native American "camp" was over 6 miles in length. Interested parties might want to read their version, "Save The Last Bullet for Yourself" More information came after wild fires revealed more relics on the battle field.

[@hoffert17]

It was not "6 miles in length" that is such a common misnomer. The village stretched for approximately 3 miles, probably in concentric tribal circles as was customary. The village actually moved further north the afternoon of the 25th and that's why it's size has been greatly overstated. "Save the Last Bullet" is a joke of a citation to use as it's source material is far out there in terms of reality that it should be listed in the fiction section. Lakota Noon by Greg Michno is by and far the best resource for the Lakota and Cheyenne accounts of the battle

[@texhaines9957]

@@hoffert17 thank you for the clarifications. Yes, that is a better reference book.

[@johnjohnson8812]

@@hoffert17 Hey, Chris! What are your best estimate of the size of the warriors that were in the camp? I've seen so many different. I've kinda settled on 2,500 to 3,500. Whatever number we come up, it was still too vast a number for a group of exhausted troupers to overcome. When they went into a pitiful defensive position with what they had to fight with, that was the beginning of the end.

[@hoffert17]

@@johnjohnson8812 based on Greg Michno’s studies, which are probably the best to date, 1,800-2,000 Warriors. TBH, the “exhausted” troops claim is a bit over stated, usually by people who have never experienced combat. Adrenaline alone is enough to carry a human being forward for several hours regardless of fatigue-firsthand experience on that one. Ultimately it boils down to terrain. The terrain Custer found himself on played to the Native strengths, albeit the Achilles Heel of gullies was not known until too late.

[@johnjohnson8812]

@@hoffert17 Interesting, Chris. Still a formidable gathering. The 'exhausted' comes from Indian eye-witness accounts later. Custer drove them hard to be the first to fight - and die!

[@sirridesalot6652]

Country singer Johnny Cash had a song Custer with this line in it: "Custer split his men. Well he won't do that again". Another line is: "It's not called an Indian victory but a bloody massacree. There might have been more enthusin' if us Indians had been losing".

[@billalumni7760]

Who else thought Custer was being played by Ben Stiller when he looked like White Goodman in 'Dodgeball'?

[@randyripley7356]

ME ! ... lol ... :'D

[@davefnewell]

Me Too! That’s why I almost didn’t watch. I thought it would be some sort of parody.

[@bigbillivlogs6589]

I was thinking the exact same thing!

[@DickCarlsson]

Spot on!!!!

[@davidcardone2141]

WE DIDNT KNOW WHO WHO WAS HE

[@andygossard4293]

Gary Cole as Custer. If you Indians could just line up over here, that would be terrrrrrrific. Mkayyy?

[@tannerghost5136]

History teaches a lot

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

Son of the morning star

[@airmackeeee6792]

Before the battle Custer failed to correctly fill out his TPS reports.

[@loisbell6517]

My late husband and his horse were part of the 7th cavalry reenactors who were filmed in those scenes near Billings, MT..

[@reuterromain1054]

Great, the authentic battle-site is very close to Billings. I went there in 1997.

[@razorshark9320]

I went to the Little Big Horn when I was about eighteen. I made a life study of this Battle when I was fourteen and still learning more about it. This battle needs to be on film again.

[@Taiko-THC349]

Can you recommend some good books?

[@razorshark9320]

Crazy Horse and Custer, Custer's Last campaign, and A Terrible Glory.

[@Taiko-THC349]

@@razorshark9320 Thankyou.

[@numbnumbjuice3375]

@@Taiko-THC349 read black elk speaks , black elk was at the Little Bighorn battle when he was twelve and talks about it as well as a couple others in the book

[@Taiko-THC349]

@@numbnumbjuice3375 I will. My thanks.

[@Mike12522]

Custer's _own Indian scouts_ ( Crow and Arikara ) told him they had sighted *" the biggest and most populated Indian camps they had ever seen in their lifetimes, "* , some 6,000 to 7,000+ persons. These camps stretched for MILES. 2,000+ of the people there were warriors. The scout's advice to wait was ignored by him. Custer decided to attack without re-inforcements. But then again, the scouts were telling this to someone who had graduated *LAST* in his class at West Point. Custer's worst subject was ' cavalry tactics '. Custer attacked a minimum of 2,000 warriors with 210 men. That's right. They were outnumbered ten to one. I can only imagine that Custer stupidly thought they would all immediately surrender, not fight, and follow his orders. Sadly, at least 6 of Custer's Indian scouts were killed during the battle. ( An estimated half of the Indians were equiped with a large variety of repeating rifles and handguns. They had much earlier traded for them with ......... white men. )

[@davidtuttle7556]

Second to last. Pickett bested him for those honors I believe.

[@Mike12522]

@@davidtuttle7556 - Strange how your sole opinion differs from the rest of the entire Internet. Pickett finished last in his class of 59 in 1846. Custer was last in his class of 34 in 1861.

[@davidtuttle7556]

@@Mike12522 i stand corrected.

[@Mike12522]

@@davidtuttle7556 - I will take the time to congratulate you. I make mistakes, too. It takes a BIG man like you to admit he's wrong, or sorry, or even cry. Ask your wife about that. I think she'll agree.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Always the racial angle from youtube historians like you

[@paullatu8132]

A incredible impartial and unbiased account of what really happen on that fateful day to Custer and his troops and not a victors account wrote history,

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

Custer was never a Lieutenant General. He was a Brevet (temporary) Major General in the Civil War and commanded a Cavalry Division under Philip Sheridan. After the war he, like countless other US officers, reverted to their regular army rank of Lieutenant Colonel. That was his post war rank although he was often called General by his men, many of whom had been with him in the Civil War.

[@michaelewert8310]

His post war rank was captain. Only when the 7th was organized was he made second in command as Lt. Colonel.

[@stephenburke5967]

Incorrect.For Custer to revert to his initial army rank he would have reverted to 2nd Lieutenant but Sheridan put in place before wars end the rank of Captain.Custer became Lieutenant Colonel of the newly formed 7th cavalry at Fort Reilly,Kansas.

[@michaelewert8310]

@Stephen Burke June 2nd, 1862 promoted by Gen. McClellan as aid de camp with regular rank of Captain. April 9th, 1865 at wars end assumed his regular rank of Captain before accepting assignment to newly formed 7th at Fort Riley, KS.

[@bradleymiles671]

No he wasn't a general he was a lieutenant colonel at the Battle of the Little Big Horn

[@ronaldherrington2832]

Actually Custer's permanent rank was Captain. After the war he was appointed a Lt Col and given command of the 7th Cavalry Regiment.

[@rogerross6583]

This is the best movie portraying Custer’s Last Stand! For once Hollywood comes real close To getting it right.

[@wezab]

What was the movie? Because the clips I saw in the presentation were not so accurate. The Indians had traded for years and they acquired Winchester rifles for hunting. The rounds were heavy and took down game with the advantage of a quick rate of fire. For a light cavalry this was an ideal weapon and much superior to the single shot Springfield rifles used by the 7th. There was a lot of detail left out of the presentation but it was a very good overview.

[@explosiverex5023]

Really good take on this using the footage and using maps,couldn't even imagine the panic them men went through,but to be fair to the natives they were backed up in a corner like a wounded animal and fighting for there way of life and seen many atrocities before it was pure blood lust for them,just hope they are all at peace!

[@TheRounder1980]

I see the NA like bees or Hornets. Custer attacked the nest when they were awake and came out like hell to protect there queen and kids. One hornet might not do much but if they stay together 100 of them can. The NA stayed together and fought for each other. Whites didn’t period and had too. Custer Benteen and Reno should all get blame

[@davidcardone2141]

AN ORGHY WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF THE QUESTION THEN

[@davidcardone2141]

THATSOK JUST SO YOU DONT LOVR RCHJ OTHER THATWOULD HAVEBEEN A LITTLE BETTER OFA TIME

[@petersonlafollette3521]

There were smoldering memories of Washita not very many years before- customary slaughtering of women and children

[@rastapete100]

@@davidcardone2141 What the fuck?

[@johnadams5489]

This is the best explanation of the battle of the Little Big Horn. Great Video.

[@premierhoner614]

WOW, you guys have a rich history.. Treasure it for the years to come.. From Capetown South Africa...

[@aledakivett9255]

Custer ordered a forced March before the battle. His men and horses had little rest or food for over 24 hours. The weather was very hot for June. They were exhausted going into the fight. I had the pleasure of visiting the Little Bighorn Battlefield last summer. The topography is much rougher and steeper than depicted. There are small markers where soldiers and Indian bodies were originally found. Army horses were interned around the base of the monument . The ... I'm going to call it a monument... for the Native Americans was so moving I litterly staggered as I entered its circle and would have likely fallen if its wall hadn't caught me. Wish I could post photos here.

[@historyradar9654]

I definitely need to visit the battlefield one day

[@snowblind9065]

been there a few times my self what i was astounded by is that the battlefield is about 6miles long and the coulees and ravines are deep and overgrown,I was their a second time in may and the temperature was hot,hot.Glad there was a motel and casino across the street after spending half a day on the battle grounds

[@gerthie]

What was Custer thinking

[@johnjohnson8812]

Aleda, correct! Some Indian eye witnesses later said that when the troopers got off their horses to fire their carbines, their legs were trembling. They were exhausted! Custer had to be first! He was and paid for it with his life and his men!

[@aledakivett9255]

@@gerthie He needed a big win. He hated Ulysses Grant and had plans to run in the next election.

[@geoluc2357]

Excellent documentary! Greetings from France 🇨🇵

[@historyradar9654]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@trumpsmessage7777]

I've been tracing old wagon trail ruts between Dodge City Kansas and Oklahoma which Custer used to attack the Cheyenne in the Battle of the Washita. They also cut off SW into the Texas Panhandle where the Red River War of 1874 was fought.

[@devonmccallum7130]

You may enjoy this book. I have nothing to do with it, but thoroughly enjoyed seeing the difference between the Custer Expedition's photographs and modern day ones.

[@jamesbednar8625]

I also did that in the very early 2000s!!! I was at Fort Larned National Historic Site in Larned, KS, I was taking a college class about the American West, and we had to do a term paper about a battle from the Plains Indians War, so I chose the Washita Battle. While at Fort Larned, I was talking with one of the park rangers about what I was doing. He was gracious enough to show all kinds of artifacts that were supposedly from the Washita battle site - something that regular visitors do not really get to see unless on display. He also showed me an actual map that one of the officers from 7th Cavalry used - he was kind enough to give me a facsimile copy of it. Afterwards, I went down to Fort Dodge, KS, (east of Dodge City) and picked up the trail from there. By using that facsimile map and an actual modern-day map, I was pretty much able to follow the path that the 7th Cav took to Washita (was also surprised how accurate that facsimile map was). Yes - did have to make a few detours because of modern-day farms and roads and such, but those detours were not as bad as expected and was able to require the trail rather quickly and lots of those roads were gravel, dirt, or quite questionable. Do remember crossing into Oklahoma and making it to Fort Supply. From Fort Supply to the battlefield, it was more or less a direct drive south. Was a great experience being able see what the troopers may have seen back then (minus all the modern houses, roads, signs, snow, etc,). Also, on a visit to the battlefield last year, as I was driving home north along US HWY 283 north of Cheyenne, OK, and came to an intersection with a sign for a cemetery out in the middle of nowhere. Followed that sign and turns out that cemetery was where Custer had Major Elliott and his command buried - more of just finding an acceptable spot and dumping the bodies there. The cemetery popped up for regular use later if I remember the historical signs properly. At the cemetery entrance there are historical markers explaining the immediate area, the battle, and such. You will have to walk roughly 1/4-mile south of the entrance gate to get to the actual cemetery - it is on private property, but the landowner allows visits. Once there, you will find a historical marker for each of the soldiers that were killed in Maj. Elliott's command - thought that was an awesome touch. I planned to visit the cemetery and spend about 10-minutes there but ended up staying about 2-hours!! A few of those signs had blown over and I was trying to restore them as best as possible. Think the cemetery had about a dozen or so other graves there as well of the local people.

[@jerrygerza7565]

A very clear and lucid explanation of the battle. Thank you. 👍

[@BattalionCommanderMK]

Nice vid man.

[@johnrogan9420]

Custer was a hero at Gettsburg in 1863 when he stopped Jeb Stewart's cavalry attack on day 2 of the battle...a decisive move that allowed the North to prevail!

[@eXcommunicate1979]

The battle would have been super interesting if the Confederate cavalry maneuver had rolled up behind the Federal lines, opening another front for Meade to deal with.

[@petersonlafollette3521]

Your point? Custer should have left that glory there- not paraded it into eternity..

[@MrChickennugget360]

@@petersonlafollette3521 point is that most people don't know anything about Custer other than the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

[@DSPHistoricalSociety]

​@@petersonlafollette3521 You sound like a whiny loser.

[@petersonlafollette3521]

@@DSPHistoricalSociety Why is that Sunshine- because many here are not a Custer apologist like you? Why do you think the tribes gathered, joined forces and struck like a cornered snake never releasing it's jaws? Read REAL history...

[@mikefournier2601]

That was the best last stand movie out son of the morning was well done closed to true life good 0ne

[@radrook2153]

He refused to take along sabers, Gatling Guns or cannon because he said that they would slow him down.

[@Timelord2001]

Very true...and very foolish on his part.

[@BigBri550]

Custer was used to making surprise mounted attacks on unprepared villages whose hapless inhabitants would scatter and run. Custer, Reno, and Benteen weren't anticipating such large scale resistance at Greasy Grass.

[@oldhippiejon]

Perhaps the biggest regret was not taking along the extra companies from the other cavalry unit who knows what an extra 100 rifles would have done.

[@martinalarcon3108]

He could had use Apache helicopters 😮

[@rcspaintserviceandgaming]

Which movie are the clips from?

[@scottwalker2980]

hmm nice vid BUT around 6:00 you seem to make the picture seem as if the 7th calvary was not up to scratch for the battle ? its ok to say that but you also need to balance it out with a positive.---- just saying.

[@billy1858]

crazy horse ,a true warrior!

[@DSPHistoricalSociety]

Not really, he lost.

[@martinalarcon3108]

Crazy horse a great warrior 😮and what does he get ? A malt licor alcoholic drink named after 😮

[@bad74maverick1]

Son of the Morning Star is a great movie. A lot of it is a bit historically incorrect but it got a lot of smaller details right on. I still enjoy watching it with my father. We nit pick it a bit, but that's part of the fun sometimes.

[@bondoly66]

Happy you can watch it with your father.

[@bad74maverick1]

@@bondoly66 Oh yes, it's something almost a family tradition!

[@jamesbednar8625]

Always kind of imagined what was going through Custer's mind as portrayed by Richard Mulligan in that movie "Little Big Man".

[@bad74maverick1]

@@jamesbednar8625 Oh man that movie!.... Still not the worst portrayal of Custer. That title goes to Robert Shaw and Custer of the West.

[@hoffert17]

8:08 "hell bent on furthering his reputation." Lol please. While vain and ambitious, he was not stupid. If you actually read primary source accounts, Custer wanted to wait to attack until the 26th. This would give him time to rest troops and horses and give Terry/Gibbon a chance to be within striking distance as they were estimated to arrive on or around the 27th. What pushed Cuter to attack was the intelligence coming in that they had been spotted. Initially at the Crow's Nest, the scouts urged Custer to "attack at once" that the the "Sioux had seen the dust of the command" and that they needed to "capture the horses of the Sioux." Custer completely argued this point stating "this camp hasn't seen our army, we will wait and attack tomorrow," which was met with more rebuttal comments and arguments, but nonetheless, Custer had no intention of attacking at the moment. This was further reinforced by primary source accounts during the subsequent officer's call where Custer also stated his opinion and thoughts. It wasn't until after leaving the Crow's nest that SGT Curtiss reported finding Natives going through items left behind on the previous halt and chasing them off and Herendeen's report of finding unshod horse tracks in over watch positions that Custer began to believe they had been spotted. If they had been spotted and the camp was alerted, then could expect the entire gathering to scatter, which of course would result in the entire campaign ending in failure. This was not a good position to be in. On one hand Custer wanted to wait, and he probably needed to wait logistically speaking, but the possibility of being spotted pretty much forced his hand. Custer ordered Officer's Call and met with all the officer's of the regiment minus Varnum. He expressed his desire to wait but that "all hope of surprise had been lost and we must march at once." No officer in the regiment countered or argued this change of plans either. The greatest fear for everyone in the field was that the natives would scatter. Custer didn't ride into the LBH valley for vain and glory on the 25th. He did so out of military necessity. He knew that if nothing else, he needed to find and fix the native force; win a battle if able, but keeping them from scattering was a must. He probably hoped to reap glory from the field, but that wasn't his motivation. Read Strategy of Defeat by Fred Wagner, Where the Rivers Ran Red by Michael Donahue, and Lakota Noon by Greg Michno. If you haven't read all three of those books, then you probably aren't up to speed on the battle.

[@MrSpudz2]

Looks like someone here is hero worshiping Custer… plain and simple, if Custer didn’t have a “ego” why did he insist on being recognized by his brevet rank? And he also had Presidental ambitions, and he saw a major victory against the Lakota and Chennane as a means to his candidacy for President

[@hoffert17]

@@MrSpudz2 bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaha….thanks for the laugh. Based on what you just wrote, I can deduce beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have done literally zero research on this topic. What I hate about the internet is just how much idiocy can be passed and learned so freely, without repercussions. You see research is enlightening. Regurgitating something you heard once, is a disservice to history. First off, it’s not worshipping. It’s called studies, something I’ve done for the better part of twenty years. I won’t even mention the fact that some of the leading authors and historians on this subject are good personal friends of mine, oh wait I just did. I know it’s hard to fathom that there are people out there that are smarter than you, but there are people out there smarter than you. You just met one, congratulations. Now to answer your pathetic attempt at a rebuttal. Custer didn’t insist on anybody calling him by his brevet rank, it was common military courtesy in those days; and as for aspirations of presidency…lol. Textbook mythos garbage. If you actually took the time to study the man, you’d know that he was a terrible public speaker and avoided putting himself in those kinds of positions. Would he have authored a few more books, probably. Here’s some free advice. Do some actual research before making yourself look stupid in public again.

[@TWS-pd5dc]

@@hoffert17 Well put. The constant myths that are pushed to this day by PC ignorant dolts is amazing. "Custer disobeyed orders!" Custer stupidly split his forces!". "Indians had better rifles!". "Reno saved his men!" Among the many that are still repeated today. Minimal research would dispel all those myths.

[@hoffert17]

@@TWS-pd5dc why spend the time researching when you can just spout BS. Armchair historians…lol.

[@vivians9392]

He was an ambitious narcissist. He wanted the glory for himself, without waiting for backup. He was totally responsible for all the deaths of the soldiers, including his own brother....

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

One of the better editorials of this Historic piece of History

[@josephmulvihill3353]

Impressive research. That was very good work. My hat is off to you.

[@halibut1249]

Hollywood Custer. Not a smudge or drop of sweat on his face. Perfectly coiffed hair, shampooed and blown dry. Clean hat and uniform. Must have taken a stagecoach while his men rode horses.

[@tomservo5347]

Shout out to John Gibbon, a hero of the Civil War and a man who recognized the Native Americans' plight. He didn't like fighting against them but the Army was his career and he later became an agent for them as the Natives learned when he gave his word it was good, regardless of any career repercussions that might happen. To Benteen's credit, he'd seen plenty of horrific combat during the Civil War and IMHO he knew they were in way over their heads. For a hardened combat commander to order his men to dig in it means he knew things looked grim. He also knew from experience just how nearly impenetrable dug in rifle pits were to attackers. He didn't lose his cool-he just knew trying to rescue Custer would have left him completely exposed and probably would have led to his command getting cut to ribbons. He knew Custer's ego would eventually be his undoing. In an odd twist, the Natives had better rifles in the form of 1873 Winchesters while the troopers still used single shot breech loaders thanks to the penny pinching War Department.

[@snowblind4009]

you are wrong about the rifles. In the following 2 days of battle after the little bighorn fight,200 Calvary troopers held of more than 1000 natives with their single shot 45-70 rifles, which was much easier loading and more accurate than the Unreliable and more expensive Winchester.I suggest you read about the about the battle of Roark,s drift in which the British army with single shot rifles defeated a vastly superior Zulu force. The Decision of US army to army its soldier with the Springfield had more to do with tactics than with economics. Also Custer ego had nothing to do with his defeat he was following the tactics of the day by splitting his command to prevent the natives from scattering.

[@johnjohnson8812]

@@snowblind4009 The army rifle at the time was the 1883 Springfield carbine for the cavalry in .45 caliber. Supposedly accurate up to 600 - 800 yards (depending on the source you read) in the hands of a skilled rifleman. Custer's men were not even close to being skilled in anything. The carbine had a tendency to jam if overheated at times, and the soldier had to pry out the jammed cartridge with a knife. Tough! You are correct about the Battle of Rorke's Drift in Jan., 1879 in Natal, South Africa. 140 regular British troops fought off a Zula force of 3,000 to 4,000 natives. Two British regular army Lieutenants were in command. The troops were regular British army troops and had served the empire all over the world. Rifle used was the single shot Martini-Henry .454 caliber. A superb weapon of the time. 17 British soldiers were killed, and 11 Victoria Crosses (equivalent to our Medal of Honor) were awarded. This battle is still studied today, as it shows what good leadership, well-trained troops, and good tactics can do in the face of an overwhelming, determined enemy.

[@Jason-hg1pc]

I ask you please share your knowledge of rifles with another commenter on this named "Ed"

[@oldhippiejon]

@@johnjohnson8812 And 1000 odd men were wiped out earlier in the day ay Isandlwana using the same weapons, the truth is one battle was fought from behind mealy bags and biscuit boxes the other open plain, the effect of the rifle did kill and injure many Zulu but could not turn the battle the 24ths way in such exposed conditions being attacked by a fast moving enemy.

[@wes326]

Benteen and Reno held off the Indians with Springfields. The Springfields had a longer range and were more powerful in order to stop a calvary charge. They could also be shot from a prone position. The lever actions were less powerful but did fire faster until they had to be reloaded, which could be done behind cover. Both had advantages and disadvantages.

[@cliffmays442]

Custer had been demoted and was not a general at the time of the battle. Also Sitting Bull had another part of his vision. He warned Crazyhorse not to mutilate the bodies after the battle. Crazyhorse did not listen.

[@johnkersey2365]

He was a Lt. Colonel his promotion to General was temporary, he got just what he deserved, and as it turns out there was no big gold strike so all the inhumanity inflicted on the original American's was for nothing by those so alleged good Christians.

[@johnjohnson8812]

Custer was awarded the rank of MGen in the Civil War - Brevet Rank. That mean the rank was only for a temporary assignment for particular tasks. When those were completed he reverts back to the rank he held prior.

[@esbolenlocos]

What is the name of this movie I must have it

[@josephmulvihill3353]

Son of the morning star is the title

[@mlbowen6476]

Bit of trivia. Gary Cole is the actor who played Custer. Cole was supposed to have been given the role of Crockett in Miami Vice, but he turned it down and Don Johnson got it. And as they say, the rest is history.

[@shaggyrumplenutz1610]

I read a book talking about the atrocities Custer's men committed on the native men, women and children they came across. They were some of the grossest war crimes I have ever had the displeasure of learning about. He and his men DESERVED everything they got.

[@BobSoltis1]

Ask the Pawnee about the atrocities committed by the Sioux on their women and children.

[@trumpsmessage7777]

Both sides committed genocide.

[@HawklordLI]

Are you familiar with the Sand Hill Massacre in Colorado? It will really turn your stomach.

[@shaggyrumplenutz1610]

@@HawklordLI no I am not. After reading the one I mentioned I will pass. Thanks though.

[@rimshot2270]

Don't blame his men. Many of their atrocities were in retaliation for the "war crimes" the native warriors inflicted on cavalrymen and white settlers, including women and children. They also did it to native men, women, and children of rival tribes. Neither side was saintly.

[@wwolfe1478]

Your layout of the battle was sublime. Good job! Subbed!

[@icefoxline9361]

I just got done visiting the battle and to be honest it gave me the creeps because almost all of the soldiers are buried in a mass grave right on top of last stand hill. And seeing where they were found ( White markers that said U.S. soldiers fell here June 25-26 1876)and how the 95-degree heat made the soldiers untraceable made me feel sick.

[@johnzeszut3170]

Thank you - the presentation simplified what sometimes turns into a confusing battle.

[@davidcardone2141]

gOD WELL AT LEAST U CONFESSED

[@davidcardone2141]

COULDNT JUST DRAW STRAWS

[@davidcardone2141]

THEY MUST HAVE ALL LOVED KILLING EACH OR THEY WOULDNT BE ALL DEAD

[@sliderule5891]

My father was in this battle in Puller’s First Regiment and was wounded, on D+4. His company hooked up with Capt Hunt who was isolated and about to be over run by counter attack. The fighting was brutal. My father never talked about it in detail with us children. I’m learning this all second hand by service records, books and KZbin videos like this. Thanks for putting this history together. We need to remember their sacrifice.

[@jerryseinfeld4513]

How old are you?

[@JR-jf4ok]

Jajaja what? From 1870s ?

[@derektan8792]

Good excellent detailed commentary

[@historyradar9654]

Glad you liked it!

[@emadbagheri]

Custer 's hair was not long on this day, in fact both the Indians and the Cavalry had difficulty identifying him because they were looking for the one with the "long hair"

[@stephenyoung2742]

Most of the warriors were asleep in camp due to a late night celebration of the battle of the Rosebud and were a number swore to die in battle and this is the group who made a suicide attack that broke in among Custers men before remanants were forced to last stand hill almost since Crazy Horse showed up behind them. It was thought that braves were off on a buffalo hunt by Custer also.

[@jamesstuart3346]

Very well done. Liked and subscribed.

[@cashstore1]

I have run into many young adults now that have never heard of this. Had no idea what I was talking about. Never heard of Custer. One of them never heard of Pearl Harbor.

[@jamesbednar8625]

Yep - running into that as well. Really want to STUMP someone, regardless of age???? Ask them what was the worst DEFEAT that the US Army ever suffered from fighting the Native Americans - St Clair's Defeat in 1791 (Battle of the Wabash) in western Ohio. Catastrophic defeat where 5 times more casualties suffered from the Army than at Little Bighorn/rosebud combined. Took about 3 years to rebuild/train the army where it finally defeated the Native Americans at the Battle of Fallen Timbers.

[@geoluc2357]

Sad, I'm french and I know the story of little big horn and Custer last stand!

[@cashstore1]

@@geoluc2357 You have better schools in France.

[@BMac-qb8xo]

that is what we get for letting them teach gender studies

[@bencovington1121]

The real sad part is that when you demonstrate how little they know they don’t care

[@wolfsden3812]

Probably the best description of the battle I've ever watched

[@historyradar9654]

Thank you, glad you liked it.

[@wolfsden3812]

@@historyradar9654 I'll go as far as saying a must watch 2x's. FYI I was suprised to find out Custer was a hero a Gettysburg...who knew

[@historyradar9654]

@@wolfsden3812 Thank you so much! I was also surprised to find out that his brother Thomas received the Medal of Honor twice twice for his actions during the Civil War.

[@nicodemusblackbird5617]

The day our people lost a way of life that lasted thousands of years,the fight continues to this day.

[@watchmanschannelofdespair]

Yet, they didn't have horses for all those "thousands of years", you can thank the Europeans (i.e. Spanish) for that, so give credit where credit is due, and take the good with the bad.

[@antjack2602]

Cry some more. Losers

[@normanacree1635]

@@antjack2602 I can't believe the depth of you ignorance.

[@richardpluim4426]

@@antjack2602 Your nation is falling apart as you speak, By 2030, the US will give up Hawaii and parts of Alaska. Your street signs will be in Chinese very soon.

[@phili676]

IV just subscribed.. Loving your content, war history is one of my favourite subjects

[@coredfu8488]

I never knew I needed a documentary about Custer's last stand starring Ben Stiller until I saw this thumbnail. "Nobody makes me bleed my own blood...other than the Lakota..."

[@reekhavoc2932]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jamesbednar8625]

Great video!!! Have had the opportunity to visit Little Bighorn Battlefield numerous times. Have been there BEFORE the Native American markers were put into place AND BEFORE the Native American memorial was built. Also have been there numerous times AFTER everything was emplaced - way better experience and interpretation of the events that happened. It is roughly a 5-mile distance from Last Stand Hill to Reno Hill and have ridden my bicycle that route a few times, as well as, driven. Always learn/see something new. Unfortunately, cannot visit the location where Reno's command crossed the river and started the battle, for that is private property. However, once you enter battlefield-proper, you can drive to an overlook and get a good glimpse of the area. Also, have followed Gen Crook's route north out of Fort Fetterman to the Rosebud Battlefield (Battle Where the Sister Saved Her Brother). That battle was a NEAR DISASTER for the Army, because the army was caught by surprise. Indian scouts detected/intercepted the Indian attack and engaged the enemy long enough for the Army to re-act.

[@historyradar9654]

That sounds amazing, it’s definitely on my list of battlefields I want to visit. Thanks for sharing ☺️

[@jebangelacox9279]

Your knowledge of the battle is superb. I recently read Steven Ambrose's book on Crazy Horse and Custer really good.

[@jamesbednar8625]

@@jebangelacox9279 THANKS!! Have read that book as well. Another excellent book to read that came out a few years ago, "A Terrible Glory" by James Donovan is a good source. Goes in depth of the entire campaign and aftermath.

[@jamesbednar8625]

@@jebangelacox9279 If you have not already seen them, look on You Tube for custerapollo. This guy does an EXCELLENT 36 video series about the battle. Also, he will walk the actual battleground and point out areas of interest, movements of combatants, orientate you to the battlefield, and other stuff. Just an awesome series. He also has maps that will show the battle as well.

[@jameswilliams3241]

Yes Buffalo Road Calf Woman who rode back to save her brother when his horse was shot from under him, many of the people say she was the one who killed Custer

[@blackholeentry3489]

As Johnny Cash sang...."Custer split his men....He won't do THAT again!"

[@31terikennedy]

You divide and maneuver on offence when you have the initiative and concentrate on defense when you don't.

[@juliorosenberg2222]

Hitler made the same mistake in Russia and I believe the Mexican general who took the Alomo also split his Army and lost to Houston

[@user-wp4zh6po3k]

You 'conveniently' left out, that custer raided villages of women and children WHEN THE WARRIORS WERE AWAY ... custer received righteous retribution.

[@Risk_it_all_Reno]

Yes, the history books make Custard out as a hero and the victim to this blunder. What they dont teach people, is that he tried to kidnap the women and children to make the men surrender.

[@geckowss]

Zased custer

[@angava819ers]

Lol😂 General Custer looked exactly like the guy who was in Brady Bunch.😝

[@dmprdctns]

Well done... Thanks... Excellent map work!

[@stratsteveo106]

I am a Custer. My great grandfather changed it from Custer to Kuster and married a native American. Ironic isn't it? You wont read that in your history books. His blood runs through my veins yet i also have native American blood too. Think about it. General Custer is my great great uncle. My brother and uncle look identical to him.

[@clevelandwilliams5922]

That is great Irony my mentor Cleveland “The Big Cat” Williams was of African & Cherokee Indian descent. To why he was a great warrior and boxer.

[@PabloHunE]

Never ever ever think your going to take a mans family and expect it to work out. Once you do that you've now opened yourself up to an enemy that has truly nothing to lose. Nothing will stop them from getting they're family back. You've just made yourself weak because your not willing to fight to the death and they are willing to. Custer was a dam fool. Should of left them be.

[@emilioalexisconcha3285]

Yeap, Custer Indian nickname was women killer or babies killer, he distracted the Indian warriors just to get into the villages to kill women and children so that's the reason they shown no.pitty on him when they had the chance

[@phredphlintstone6455]

@@emilioalexisconcha3285 Custer was an asshole. But, he used this tactic before and held the women and children hostage to get the warriors to surrender. There is no evidence to suggest that his plan was to kill the people in camp. Since this would only enrage the warriors it seems like a really really bad idea.

[@Jason-hg1pc]

@@phredphlintstone6455 I must compliment you for your polite acknowledgement that both sides had ideas, so thanks! I'm not Lakota, but Native Alaskan, and when I was in grade school learning about this it was facts and not racist accusations that I heard in class that gave me some faith that America had improved. This comment thread of balanced viewpoints proves it again, and for that I am not thanking you but saluting you the only way I can 🤘

[@phredphlintstone6455]

@@Jason-hg1pc 🤘

[@JimMorrisonLoL]

Did Custer make it to Last Stand Hill? Some say he died sometime before

[@cherylannemason]

I've heard several accounts, but I suspect it may not ever be confirmed one way or another.

[@D0nnyy]

I doubt it he would have been targeted especially by the Cheyenne who attacked early in the battle and it is well known that most targets such as Bloody Knife fell fast

[@davidjohnson8793]

Yes. If Custer had been killed at the river, then Keogh would have been in command. The command staff would have fallen with Keogh, but instead every single one of them was with Custer's body on Last Stand Hill. Also the Cheyenne are clear, the officer shot at the river was wearing a buckskin jacket, while Custer had taken his off and was wearing a blue shirt. The general consensus is it was Lt. Sturgis who was hit at the river. I, myself, suspect it was Lt. Smith, commander of E. Smith was also in buckskins. I think he was knocked off his horse but not killed and accompanied Custer and E Company to Last Stand Hill. It would explain why his body was found with the command staff and F Company near the body of Chief Surgeon Lord.

[@jonathanhill9453]

15:58 another correction, they were clipping south. Sorry if I’m wrong. Fascinating video. Loved the way they chased those jerks back to their fort.

[@trumpsmessage7777]

Visited Custer battlefield in early August 1969. I can remember looking for bullets or shell casings in that area for fun!

[@TTTT-oc4eb]

This is very well done! But I disagree with the "Last Stand" section. Almost everything I have read of recent literature on the battle seems to agree on the following: 1. Only Yates with companies E and F went down to Medicine Tail Ford. 2. Meeting resistance and finding the ground too soft to cross the river, Yates retreats in good order and meet up with the other companies at Calhoun Hill. 3. Custer leaves Keogh with companies C, L and I on Calhoun Hill to wait for Benteen, while he continues further North West to Last Stand Hill and beyond to find another crossing. 4. Keogh deploys L in skirmish line on Calhoun Hill,with C and I in reserve. For about half an hour L keeps the indian warriors at bay. 5. As pressure on L mounts, Keogh sends inn C to counterattack down Calhoun Coulee. 6. C is met by devastating crossfire and flees back to Calhoun Hill with warriors swarming around them. 7. L tries to cover C's retreat, but are attacked by the warriors right in front of them and disintegrates. 8. The momentum carries the indians over to Keogh's own I company which is overrun by the warriors. 9. Panicking survivors flees along Battle Ridge towards Custer on Last Stand Hill, who noe also is heavily engaged. 10. For some time this group of about 100 men (Custer + staff + E + F + Keogh's survivors) keep the warriors at bay, but begin to disintegrate when the warriors start to lob arrows in their direction. 11. The indians close in with bows and repeating rifles and the soldiers are overwhelmed. A group of E troopers flee towards Deep Ravine, but are eventually finished off. From the trashing of C company to the end it only takes about half an hour.

[@richardpluim4426]

That is kind of how I had read the natives account of the battles too. There was a point on Custer hill where these soldiers lost any will to fight on and started to really panic. When the Sioux moved in, Custers men new they were done. Black elk noticed that soldiers moving toward reno hill moved in an odd way and that they smelled like poop. They were walking but moving their arms like they were running. Very Strange. Underestimating your enemy was key.

[@kevinowens6010]

Good job. Yep

[@davidschlaefer8078]

Yes, almost exactly the opposite sequence of how Custer's companies were overcome, according to most contemporary sources. Surprising.

[@davidjohnson8793]

@@davidschlaefer8078 History Radar video follows what was believed to be the explanation since 1907, but has been overturned by archeological evidence in the '80's and the recent research by Donovan and Philbrick as you say. The key is when Lame White Man's charge occurred and against which company.

[@Jason-hg1pc]

@@richardpluim4426 Custer's men "knew"...I point that out grammatically and ironically 🤘

[@cjans2681]

Custer’s men died for pointless greed. The natives won for their families.

[@Kelly14UK]

He'd an ego.

[@TWS-pd5dc]

Which "natives"?? Which "families". Talk to the families of the Crow and Arikara tribes who were there before the Sioux drove them off and took their "land".

[@cjans2681]

Pale face get mad because He’s scalp taken. Big Chief wearing as head dress. And drink his salty tears.

[@TWS-pd5dc]

@@cjans2681 Redskin not do too well later. Lose heap big Black Hills for not many wampum.

[@cjans2681]

@@TWS-pd5dc No they haven’t. But the story not over yet. In 20 to 30 years will whites be in that area. Or will it be Latino. Gringo what you doing in my hills.

[@johntripp5159]

I love this story, justice is rare where gold exists.

[@davidcardone2141]

FOR 2 LITTLE WORDS IS IS U FOUND OUT WHO NO QUESTION MARK

[@davidcardone2141]

THE OWL

[@phredphlintstone6455]

@@davidcardone2141 wtf?

[@hughgrection4205]

Congratulations, a very nice presentation

[@WaltzRitzi]

As an American through and through, this was a fair fight. Custer had an Army that was armed moving through the Indians land. The Indians got together and won a battle. They should’ve done this wayyy before and kept doing it. But instead they stopped fighting and just accepted defeat. You can be an American but still have sympathy for these people and what their ancestors went through.

[@artistaprimus7080]

Custer kept compounding his errors in judgment. After surviving all those reckless charges during the civil war, his luck finally ran out.

[@goober208]

Those reckless charges prevented JEB Stewart from attacking Meades flank. Saving the day

[@artistaprimus7080]

@@goober208 An impressive record during the civil war, no doubt about it.

[@johnwhitworth9074]

His Brother Tom Custer won the Medal of Honor Twice..and of course George was a hero at Gettysberg...so the whole thing is an utter tragedy ..

[@jamesbednar8625]

There is an AWESOME 36-part series by a You Tuber called "CusterApollo". He explains the battle in great detail and also walks the battlefield, pointing out the terrain, significant events, etc. He also has animated maps of the battle as well. Highly recommended.

[@historyradar9654]

Thanks that sounds amazing I will check it out 👍🏻

[@danielwilburn1148]

11:28am

[@danielwilburn1148]

I'm ashamed to hear this last stand information, terrible results.

[@outthere9370]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@ralphgeigner9545]

We did a family vacation out that way, was interesting to walk the battle site, it also was the same time as the Sturgis bike event, we were there the year after Dances with Wolves came out and that was big deal out there, getting to a few movie sites. And some Indian War era forts and battle sites.

[@davidcardone2141]

GOOD WALL A HORSE

[@davidcardone2141]

COULDNT ALL GET AWAY OH WELL LIVE THAT WAY DIE THAT WAY IS THAT U COULD DO FOR ME

[@farnorthhomested844]

it looks like the indian on this video is wind in his hair from dances with wolves.

[@adrianbay1496]

Excellent job ! :)

[@paulhudson4254]

Custer was an “egomaniac” my heart goes out to the soldiers and Indians he took with him to the grave! Custer got what he deserved. The native Americans finished what started in the Civil War!

[@aledakivett9255]

Paul Custer wanted to be President of the United States. He hated President Grant. He needed one more Indian massacre after Washita. The Little Bighorn was to be the one to catapult him into the White House. I feel sorry for the men and horses.

[@martinkirby3100]

Well said

[@chrisholland7367]

3 years later in Natal South Africa in almost simlar circumstances 1,500 British soldiers were anihalted by 30,000 Zulu warriors at mountain slopes of islandwana February 1879 during the opening of Anglo Zulu war.

[@afriendlycadian9857]

@@chrisholland7367 that wasn't exactly the same as little bighorn

[@chrisholland7367]

@@afriendlycadian9857 i stated the circumstances were similar. Both Custer and Lord Chelmsford made similar mistakes that doomed both their armies against native forces. Both failed to get proper intelligence the disposition of the enemy is vital. Both armies were equipped with modern fire arms. But not trained to fight indigenous people's who had tactical advantage. Both Custer and Chelmsford dividend their forces.

[@carlmoeller56]

There are 3 major groups of Sioux. The Lakota are the Western Group. There are many sub-groups of all three main groups. Crazy Horse was Oglala and Sitting Bull was Hunkpapa. Red Cloud was the main Chief of the Oglala, not Crazy Horse. Red Cloud led most of the tribe to Ft. Laramie and established the Red Cloud Agency. He did not partake in the Lakota War. Crazy Horse led a band of hostile Oglala to join forces with the Hunkpapa. A hostile band of Cheyanne followed Crazy Horse as did some Arapaho. In 1874 Custer led a mission into the Black Hills an discovered gold, which eventually created the Battle of the Greasy Grass where Custer was rubbed out. The US Government warned prospectors not tp go the the Black Hills, but never stopped them hoping to goat the Oglala into a new Treaty.

[@TheBatugan77]

What about Neil Young and Crazy Horse?

[@carlmoeller56]

@@TheBatugan77 It’s rumored that they lived together in a cave up by the Muscle Shell for a year or so. But Neil was more like an Old Man and Crazy Horse moved out because A Man Needs a Maid. They say that he wanted to be a Southern Man and he moved to Alabama.

[@charlesamrhien3325]

Red Cloud was the political chief with all it pejorative connotations. Crazy Horse was their spiritual & warrior leader. I think it's very appropriate that the humungous monument in SD is of Crazy Horse; he lived and worked for his peoples , not his stature.

[@jefftheriault3914]

Stopping the prospectors was an impossible task for the Army in the first place.

[@DSPHistoricalSociety]

Who cares? They lost.

[@justinsublett5880]

The thing that always gets me about this is that it happened within my great-grandfather’s lifetime. He was born in 1871. My grandfather was born in 1920. And my father in 1953. If you think about it, this stuff really isn’t THAT long ago in a historical context. People I knew and interacted with knew of this era intimately. Americans tend to forget how young our country is. We also tend to gloss over the grievous and awful genocide of Native Americans that it took to make a nation “from sea to shining sea.”

[@martinkirby3100]

Well said

[@davidcardone2141]

IT WILL BE SAFER NOW

[@backwoodsbully9841]

145 years ago

[@decker528]

I think all the time about how US history is all so young and the relativity of historical events

[@jerryseinfeld4513]

There wasn’t a genocide, there are many Indian nations within the U.S.

[@outthere9370]

I think this is the best video I've I've seen yet. Some video's r so confusing with 2 much info thrown at once. This is well done with the current facts acknowledged in a structured way! Thanks. P.S. except for the the trooper depicted with a repeater! 🙄. Regarless of what actually happened on that fateful day be assured Custer & his men got their arses well & truly kicked! 😱

[@StephenLuke]

RIP To the 268 US cavalrymen and scouts (six who were wounded later died of wounds),136 Native American warriors, and ten non-combatant Native Americans who were killed in the Battle of the Little Bighorn

[@chasemurraychristopherdola7108]

I would love to see something like this but on the battle of Gettysburg because that battle really interests me and the reasons that the battle of Gettysburg interests me are I had ancestors that fought in it and they were 2 of my 4x great uncles the first one is William Henry Weikert who fought in a skirmish on June 26th and the other one is George E Kitzmiller who served valiantly in the ranks of Company K first Pennsylvania reserves infantry regiment and on June 22nd 1867 aged 27 6 years before he passed away the war department issued him a brevet promotion to captain to date March 13th 1865 for gallant and meritorious service in the wilderness campaign another reason I am interested in the battle of Gettysburg is that my ancestors lived through it so my ancestor William Henry Weikerts Dad And George E Kitzmillers Father in law my 4x great grandfather Jacob weikert had a house and barn that was used as a Union field hospital for the 5th corps army of the Potomac and during the fighting on the second day of the battle of Gettysburg his saw the famous famous bayonet charge of the 20th Maine infantry regiment against the 15th Alabama infantry regiment and i know that my ancestors house and barn was used as a field hospital because a famous union soldier/ general died there but at my ancestors house was a young girl named Matilda Jane Tillie pierce Alleman and she wrote the only civilian account of the battle of Gettysburg called what a young girl saw and heard of the battle of Gettysburg and I would highly recommend people who are interested in the civilian experience during the battle of Gettysburg to read the book and its on the Pennsylvania state university library’s website and in the book Mrs pierce remembers a promise that she made and she says I hastened down to the little basement room, and as I entered, the soldier lay there dead. His faithful attendant was still at his side. I had kept my promise, but he was not there to greet me. I hope he greeted nearer and dearer faces than that of the unknown little girl on the battlefield of Gettysburg. As I stood there gazing in sadness at the prostrate form, the attendant looked up to me and asked;” do you know who this is?” I replied;” No sir.” He said;” This is the body of General Weed a New York man” And I also know that my ancestors house and barn was used as a field hospital because located within the museum at the Gettysburg national military park visitor center is a table but it’s not just any ordinary table it’s my ancestors kitchen table and if you look 👀 closely you see something that looks like a blood stain but that’s not just any ordinary Blood Stain it’s the blood of union and confederate soldiers who were amputated and treated on the table.

[@mackenzieblair8135]

That’s crazy that he witnessed the 20th Maine’s charge when the Weikert Farm is nowhere close to that action and the family left their farm during the battle. It’s almost like you’re making stuff up.

[@perkinsvalentine]

I often wonder why the Crow and Pawnee wiped out weren't counted among the casualties. 210 officers and troopers They're often called just the scouts, however there were enough of them to lead Reno's charge (as human shields?) with 58 of Reno's men recorded killed, no mention of his lead force of Crow. Indian accuracy itself seemed unimportant, going from 800 anticipated warriors to maybe a thousand when counting reservation deserters. Somehow this totaled somewhere between 1500 and 2500 Sioux and Cheyenne (give or give a thousand or so). Maybe it was like another D-Day Casualties are the same ranging from 31 dead according to "many people", to Lakota Chief Red Horse's claim of 136 killed to 160 wounded came a year later. There's no account of a honorary burial spot for the heroes which would be mandatory. That casualty number is similar to the old people, women and children killed at the Washita river, the great victory Custer manipulated the reporters to write, and for this video to enable. This was also the victory that inspired the attack that killed him. There's an obvious bias of most recounts told by the eventual winners of the Indian Wars and there had to be one of Custer's last stand. The hungry dispirited soldiers who fought off ferocious attacks (according to anthropologists and palm readers), and they followed the shouts of "those who want to live follow me", every ass for themselves. Custer died because of love; his love for the press and his for himself. He died because another treaty was burned because of Black Hills gold, it all culminated in the battle for Little Big Horn, the story I love.

[@TedMason]

There are a lot of excuses on the side of the American soldiers in this video. Custer was genocidal fool and walked in to his made bed with well equipped men, NOT a malnourished poor Calvery White Americans.

[@Montague1428]

I believe there were no Crow deaths at the Little Bighorn, but I believe there were two Arikiara deaths (I may be wrong on that) including Bloody Knife. I don't think there were any Pawnee because they were with Crook.

[@barrygioportmorien1]

Custer is a fascinating subject, whether you like him or hate him.

[@archieherrington9955]

He was a pos just like all the ones that killed Indians in cold blood

[@ssm726]

Didn´t they use the Springfield M1873 instead the "Peabody carabine shown at 20:50 ?

[@brucemoore9708]

Actually, the Indians had the repeating rifles, which had been issued to them by the Indian Bureau, just before the Indians left the reservations. The soldiers had the old single-shot carbines. The carbines would jam after repeated use, and toward the end of the fight, all the soldiers had were their pistols.

[@donaldschmitt4677]

They show wat want! Facts b dammed.

[@randyscott9720]

Interesting, little known fact is Custers 1st Stand at the Pig War in San Juan Islands WA. I lived there for awhile and participated in the reenactments. As a new Lieutenant Custers 1st command was a small outpost on north part of Island. There was a British post on south part. Friction over a boundary line occurred with soldiers on each side when a shot rang out followed by several more. A pig had run between the 2 sides triggering some shots. Only casualty was the poor pig. Look it up, its true

[@retirednavy8720]

My family comes from the Arapaho Tribe. Some of my ancestors fought against Custer in this battle. Custer was a fool that began to buy off on his own hype and he paid the price for his arrogance.

[@brucewayne3602]

truer words were not ever uttered

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Total blunder! All those men lost! One wonders? He may have had political aspirations in mind if he could pull this off

[@brucewayne3602]

@@doctorgarbonzo2525 absolute truth

[@johnvan6082]

Custer was HATED by his men and his officers . They all knew he was only interested in personal glory . This is why Benteen never even tried to come to his aid . One more thing , major general was Custer's civil war temporary rank . He died as a lt , colonel .

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

@@johnvan6082 Indian Folk lore has it that the Native American could have polished off the rest Reno & Benteen, The chiefs spare them so they could to tell the tale, Other accounts? indicate Soldiers & officers committed suicide,

[@watchmanschannelofdespair]

No human being grew from out of the ground, nor from trees in the American continents, everyone migrated here from elsewhere. And throughout human history, all territory has been won, or lost through conflict, even among the native Indians, long before the Europeans came.

[@Theywaswrong]

It is sad but true. No one owns land, no people own a country. While I understand the Indian position on this, I can't help but always fall back to a simple truth. A land is only possessed or occupied as long as you are strong enough to defend it. All over the word its the same. One group wanting to displace another. Democracies will fail, governments will fall and pass into history and it will be the same for the US. While we fight with each other and claim our "rights" and weaken ourselves, there are new governments rising who seek to control and occupy. Their numbers are huge and we will weaken and be overtaken. Just as the Greeks were, just as the Romans and just as the colonial powers of Europe were. We'll keep fighting among ourselves which only makes it easier for rising powers. And it won't matter then who was here first, or second and who migrated from where. We are no longer united and being forced to adhere to one political party agendas is not uniting, its the end of freedom. Right now, we are all writing the final chapters of this country.

[@iamhere8267]

True,you should open immigration to all in USA😁

[@D0nnyy]

@@Theywaswrong the rule of terrorism that the US is will fall

[@maxmccloud8566]

Fun fact, less than 100 years before Little Big Horn, the Sioux conquered the Black Hills from the Crow Indians...the Black Hills are in no way ancient Sioux land.

[@ronaldryder4014]

@@Theywaswrong well written. I agree.