C-SPAN Cities Tour - Billings: Battle of the Little Bighorn

Hear the stories of Custer's last stand as the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry fought against the Sioux and Cheyenne. See the battlefield that looks almost as it did on June 25, 1876, and hear what happened that day from site interpreter Steve Adelson.
Visit: http;//www.c-span.org/LocalContent/Billings

[@user-uh1fm7oj9c]

I taught school in Columbus, MT (the county seat) in 1965-66. I lived in a 26' Airstream in Columbus that year. Each Friday I would go to the county library and check out books about Custer and the battle (of which they had an extensive collection). I read these sitting on my bed, trying to stay warm as the snow blew by outside. In the spring, I drove out to the battlefield on a cold day when I was almost the only visitor there. Almost 70 years later I can still feel what I felt standing there, looking out at the terrain and the markers ---- there was a presence there that I could sense around my body and in my body. A truly remarkable place.

[@louis3451]

The subject is already epic by itself but how about this masterclass in storytelling. Bravo!

[@clarencegreen3071]

The best I've ever heard!

[@KZIGGYZIG]

Bravo to this Ranger. This was a fantastic presentation of actual events. It gave me chills.

[@niallfitzpatrick7001]

I'm Irish and from Dublin and have been to the Little Big Horn myself. A descendent of mine was Pvt Thomas O'Neill who served in Company G and escaped with Lt De Rudio after keeping their heads down in the trees after Reno and the remnants of A, G and M escaped to Reno/Benteen hill. Both of them were very lucky to survive! I'm also very familiar with Captain Myles Keogh. The father of a friend of mine owns the farm beside his family farm. His home, the Orchard, still exists, in Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow (ya have to be a local to pronounce "Leighlinbridge" correctly though!!!) This was a lovely, concise and non-partisan description. Bravo Steve Adelson! From visiting Gettysburg I've come to the conclusion that the rangers know as much, if not more, than most historians about their subject matter!

[@japhfo]

I think you might be a descendant of Thomas O'Neill.

[@COMB0RICO]

This might be the best story telling I have heard.

[@crmatlockIII]

Hats off to Steve Adelson, you did a great job!

[@________o6474]

Amen!

[@blessedandhappy3921]

Agreed.

[@Master-Ganja]

I concur

[@jonathanc4166]

This guy almost takes you back to 1876. Great job.

[@TheSpritz0]

Reminds me of 1976, I was there!!!

[@bobpontes1947]

I'm ashamed for what we did to these people who were really free and made them give up everything that they loved and had a right to. FREEDOM

[@tritontransport]

US still doesn’t own the black hills. Nobody ever agreed to the treaty. Not even in 2022 when the inflation price is now worth like $10 billion.

[@Jack51971]

@@bobpontes1947 True but then these tribes all had enemies and fought each other. Killed each other quite often. The Blackfeet were the meanest! But remember, the introduction of the HORSE from Europe by the white Spanish led to an increase in native populations. Mobility to chase bison. Fight other tribes and increase territory. The horse changed the whole native cultures.

[@ffhj3349]

dawfwa133

[@theearl1477]

American history was my favorite subject in school. Steve Adelson suddenly became Picasso by painting a memory in my mind that makes me feel like I was actually there.

[@IanBillen]

Excellent speaker and expert on the battle. You can't ask for any better.

[@cyric28]

I'm from Alberta Canada, I've walked this battlefield. It was such an eerie experiance. Much respect to the natives that fought and died.

[@m80dadfireworks]

This guy likely isn"t paid nearly enough...Hes's awsome.

[@longclaw3844]

@Justice Sutton your a lying piece of shit it’s a scam

[@________o6474]

Amen!

[@drstrangelove4998]

He’s good but I bet he wouldn’t want any other job Gary. A vocation, it isn’t all about money, but I know what you mean.

[@joshlock4627]

He left out a lot of negative aspects of the natives behaviour - post battle !!!

[@nancycurtis488]

This park ranger obviously has a great respect for all of the men, on both sides, who fought and died at the Battle of the Little Big Horn on June 25 and 26, 1876…the year that my grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Corzine Davis, was born. If he did not have this amazing respect, his presentation would be flat and colorless instead of the Academy Award worthy performance that it is making you feel that you…were…there! If every high school history teacher could be half as exciting to our children and grandchildren as this was to these adults…there would be kids standing in line to take history every semester and no one would be wanting to tear down the statues that are being destroyed today because every person would understand exactly why those monuments NEED to remain so that all citizens of the United States could learn from the past…so…that…the…past…would…never…be…repeated and no parent would lose another son as the mothers and fathers have been losing their children in war after war after war after war after war after war…….and on and on…..learn, listen and never repeat it.

[@jonhillier1]

What a great presentation. Thanks for bringing this event so vividly to life.

[@divindave6117]

What an outstanding presentation. It made every hair on me stand straight up!

[@arapahosundancer]

I go every summer to the Battle Field to pay respects to the warriors from my family who fought Custer that day. Because they fought, I am here today. Very proud to be born of the Sky People.

[@carlocohee]

You are kidding... ...right...?

[@carlocohee]

Good for you.

[@njtobin406]

Arapaho Sundancer good for you 😒 f2f e f2f kg gfs fhhdfmgdv jack com done

[@YourGrace_06]

Andy I thank God Everyday I was born Lakota. We’re a warrior ppl. We ain’t farmers. “God made me an Lakota. If he wished me to be a white man he would have made me so. It is not necessary for eagles to be crows” Sitting Bull

[@YourGrace_06]

Cory Many Fingers and it’s still going on today.

[@Cainer444]

I was just there about a month ago. Although I did not see this presentation, it is probably the best explanation as to what occurred there that fateful day in 1876. To anyone who might want to attend and have it explained as to what happened on that fateful day, I would say this summarizes it best. Regardless, to visit this battlefield is quite the experience. If you have the desire to visit, please do so. It is well worth the experience.

[@marksollitt7854]

My grandfather's father was Franklin Sollitt. He fought under George Custer in the Civil war as part of the Michigan Calvary. He later was mustered in to fight the Indian Wars at the Powder River Campaign. He was too banged up, full of injuries to stay in the Union Army so he was unable to continue to fight with Custer.

[@alansalazar9543]

An honor to hear Steve tell this story last week - his very final day with the service and my very first visit to this haunting, magical and moving place. Note: there is no authenticated photograph of Crazy Horse.

[@vladimirvladimir3298]

What a wonderful rendering of the story by Mr. Adelson. It's so nice to see the Native Americans being remembered and honored as well.

[@ig1620]

Saw this ranger just a little more than a week ago. He is great.

[@Prellium]

I'm English so knew about Little Big Horn but not much, the guy doing the talk was absolutely amazing and brought it to life for me. So good, thank you.

[@robertmckinley4825]

I hope the man who delivered this story reads this; I want you to know that I can NEVER appreciate you and your effort enough for telling this story. I can see that you put allot of effort and dedication into studying, learning and eventually telling the story! You are very dearly appreciated! Thank you sooo very much !!!

[@tylermoulton7294]

Ditttttto. He RULES

[@H3DG3xC043]

I’m diñe from 4 corners ,god bless the warriors that fell on those hills and bless the man telling the story of the battle , and when he talked about they native warriors riding out together I felt that in my soul ….. rip warriors !

[@marypettitt9150]

Ranger Adelson, I have visited Little Big Horn, on a day saturated with lightning and rain. I so wanted to go out to the markers but common sense kicked in. Unfortunately for all the people there, Gen'l Custer's lack of common sense caused too many deaths. So there were soldiers who died in the ravine. There are also theories that Custer shot himself rather than be captured. Your presentation has brought the battle alive, and also the breakfasts the women were preparing for their men and children. Thank you. My sister and I visited Wounded Knee the same day. What a difference between the Federally funded memorial at the Horn and the Native remembrances of Wounded Knee.

[@steveg6978]

That is still debatable, recent lidar search came up empty.

[@larryhayes7026]

Steve Addelson tells the story of the Custer Battle like no other. If you have never heard him, even if you have to walk to the Little Big Horn Battlefield, it is worth the effort. He is the very best I have ever heard. What a great experience, and he alone brought the story to life. thank you Steve!

[@justinacosta9973]

I Believe he has also authored a book or two. Not sure if any of them are about the battle but im sure any content coming from him is worthwhile. There is also a video jere on youtube where he discusses the warrior Chief "gaul" who participated in the battle, that video is also solid content.

[@teessideman.8253]

Sat & listened to this ranger in June 2016. Made our visit from England to this battlefield such a memorable experience. Thank u once again Steve.🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@DINAHLUCIA]

Mister, you are a great great Story Teller. You should travel the world.We have a great festival of storytellers from all over the world here in the Netherlands, in Zwolle you should come and tell this!

[@DINAHLUCIA]

Are you a child?

[@mikefriend1514]

You look down on the peaceful river and the flat green lands and you can see why this was such a good location for the Cheyenne Sioux. Despite the victory, I’m sure it still feels like a place of sorrow for the Sioux.

[@andrewwilliamson1106]

that guy is brilliant, like a Shakespearian actor. totally engrossing.

[@billwhite1966]

What an incredibly talented storyteller and speaker.

[@supersami7748]

We had this same gentleman do his presentation when my wife and I visited the Battlefield. There have been a couple of excellent books written since the late 1980’s which he had obviously read and made an excellent presentation.

[@dannywright1097]

Steve is the best I've seen for sure. He told us when my family went that he used to be a high school teacher. To think we almost didn't stay for his presentation. Wow. So glad we did. Amazing.

[@faustinotrejo6062]

Thank you for presenting both sides of the conflict without bias to either as much as you could.

[@turtlemcclintock5321]

Outstanding performance Mr Adelson,this is a keeper. I am 'like' number 88, you took me deeper than book could.

[@windcroftland]

Excellent presentation. Adelson not only knows his subject well, but gives an outstanding and exciting lecture. Bravo!

[@colinglen4505]

+Michael Shalter yes he does..what I get from his presentation is a sensitivity and due respect for men who had to risk and lose their lives in the most stressful and terrifying manner ..I sense great empathy in the man.

[@nancyestes7506]

What a wonderful man this is who is giving the commentary.He makes you feel like you are there in the middle of the battles.

[@cravinbob]

it is frightening to hear him relate that day with such emotion and knowledge. No one should pass this video up.

[@guerotheband]

Amazing job - CSPAN does it again. I have experienced these NP interpreters and guides across the country and they are truly a national treasure.

[@icetea4me]

The narrator did a great job.

[@kerriephillips7307]

I'm glad they honored the Sioux and Cheyenne as well.

[@Master...deBater]

What were the Lakota doing trespassing on Crow land???

[@Thunderchild-gz4gc]

With today's pc culture you have to demonize the cavalry and put the Indians on a pedestal.

[@JackDiamond21]

Yea but but but hahaha keep crying babies, nothing matters anymore those nukes will be coming soon

[@JackDiamond21]

Indians are from India

[@JackDiamond21]

As a Dakota man, that's the Lakota for you, look at them now doing everything for money. Want a comparison?? Kind of messed up I'm doing this but, Lakota (Russians) Dakota (Ukrainians) the Lakota aren't well loved by a lot of tribes. They would even harass us Dakota people, all the Lakota people are is just cawing crows. And I mean the animal, those little bastards are annoying.

[@jondough4227]

What an excellent presentation... And unlike most of what you hear from government these days amazingly truthful with both 'sides' stories shared with the audience. It is a sobering place; I have sat on the grass there very near a June 25,.. hot dry, and dusty... just thinking of just how thirsty one would be in a very, very short time. Thank you Steve Adelson, you did a great job sir.

[@1927su]

I sat on that grass pondering similar thoughts

[@gerrypowell8839]

One of the best history lessons I have listened to. Great job.

[@DeadPixel1105]

This was fantastic. I could sit here for hours listening to Mr. Adelson talk about the battle - or any historic event at all.

[@kerriephillips7307]

I like how honest Steve Adelson is about the situation and he didn't judge the Natives or make them out to be the bad guy's.

[@moshulum.]

The "Natives" weren't the bad guys, it was their land, which was violently taken from them by the invading, conquering, occupying, Anglo-Europeans!

[@moshulum.]

​@Sean J When I say "their land," I'm meaning Native Americans were here on this land, long before Anglo-Europeans. Personally, our Native Americans lost a lot more than the white man, they lost their way of life, and the white man's life was forced upon them. I learned a long time ago, America's mission...invade, conquer, occupy!

[@Thunderchild-gz4gc]

@@moshulum. Tell that to the other "natives" who fought and lost their land to conquest from other tribes.

[@moshulum.]

@@Thunderchild-gz4gc You sound like the white man's apologist! Next, I guess you'll say Africans chained themselves in holes of ships to be the white man's slaves! This leads me to a comment from one of my Navajo brothers: "They stole all our land, what more do they want." America simply isn't a nice country if you're not White, 18th-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau of Native Americans and other pre-state. Read your history, IF, you're Native American. Otherwise, move on with your bullshit.

[@rspro575]

@@moshulum. At the time of the battle this was Crow land, not Lakota. Lakota's took what the wanted from less powerful groups. Sound familiar?

[@DoojeenDoonican]

Actually both Rangers Adelson & Woody (great name!) are very personable & articulate and present the story in a totally interesting way - greetings from London guys - take a bow -

[@russf6572]

When I was driving semi's over the road I had a chance to walk that battlefield. 25 years later I get chills just thinking about it. I've never believed in ghosts, but there was definitely a _'presence'_ I could feel there, and even though I've been to almost all the major Civil War battlefields? _It was something I never felt before or since in all my 67 years._

[@tootrue6529]

I visited the site in 2014 and I agree that it is a spiritual place of great power. The terrain itself tells much of the story, the river gives it a haunting peacefulness, and the open sky and gentle breeze remind you of the way of life the Indians were fighting to preserve. Americans cherish freedom, but the Plains Indians were the most free people who ever lived. I spent a whole day there, reflecting and meditating on the terror the troopers must have felt and the desperation that led the Indians to fight so fiercely. Powerful stuff...

[@lisaandrew9175]

Great !

[@DoojeenDoonican]

Fascinating - brilliantly and absorbingly presented by a star Ranger

[@semperparatus8163]

Is there anything better than historic history telling? Especially when the story tellers are so passionate about it.

[@simpsonrdlarry4385]

What an excellent job this guy does telling the stories of the battle of the Little Bighorn!

[@KidnapSix]

Great story teller,and rightfully so. The battlefield was shared not only by Americans but also those brave Native Americans fighting for their way of life. Im happy to see they are being recognized with a monument.

[@GlennWW]

Fantastic story teller of a great historical story..... Best yet.

[@tumbleweed6658]

I was born and raised in Aberdeen South Dakota, My grandfather told me stories about the Indian wars. I am in my 50's now but I must say this Park Ranger did a outstanding job by far the best telling of this great battle my Grandfather was born in 1897 so may be he got a real story told to him by old timers. He lived to see the first space shuttle go up in 1981. South Dakota is a special place to me even if the battle of the greasy grass was fought in Montana. My hope and pray is that the US Government would fund the Crazy Horse Monument it's the least the nation could do.

[@dewuster8885]

Your grandfather was lucky to have seen and heard so much history

[@RW4X4X3006]

A true history lesson - impartial, objective and real. The only way historic events should be taught.

[@swtbbyjms3806]

I drove there from Western Oregon a couple years ago and listened to his presentation. So cool to be there looking at each part of the battle as he spoke.

[@jehovahuponyou]

ALL HISTORY TEACHERS SHOULD HAVE THE PASSION THAT GUY HAS AQBOUT OUR PAST!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD VIDEO - BRAVO!!!

[@darrendevey1187]

Oh my, I'm now late for work because I couldn't stop watching this guy. What an excellent job telling this story..

[@annelefevre9457]

That man is so good in telling the story. He puts all his heart and soul into the telling of it. I wish I could have been there. My son lives in Billings, but I live in Idaho and don’t get to go often.....but I hope to get to go sometime. I love history......especially about the warriors. I grew up in the day and age of cowboy and Indians.....and have always loved the Indians. Was Custer a very good man? I know he was a good fighter in the Civil War.....and that he loved his wife, but why did they not like they Indians. How harsh was Custer. I will need to see how crazy Horse died. Amazing that Custer and Crazy Horse were 36 the same age. I loved the song when I was a little girl about The Battle of the Bighorn sung by Eddie Arnold. I’m 70 now. Thanks so ver much for the presentation!

[@psatm]

Incredible presentation, one of the best I have ever seen.

[@maloned]

I just visited Little Bighorn. Steve Adelson was the highlight of the visit. I told him how much he reminds me of Robert Forster.

[@rupertvonbraun2029]

I had the honor of speaking with Ranger Adelson after seeing this presentation in person last weekend, during the anniversary. His ability to take his audience back in time and gain a small, but visceral sense of what that terrible day must have been like is nothing short of mesmerizing. The battlefield retains a distinct feeling of anxiety and deep sadness. Ranger Adelson captures this in a way that no textbook or film possibly could. I am grateful.

[@leonardfleet50]

I agree with you Rupert!, Ranger Adelson did a great job, I found it very interesting.

[@j1bc]

excellent presentation from the ranger.give him a raise please!

[@freddiejorge484]

Great job telling the story of Little Big Horn. Never been there, but I enjoy History and I felt like I was there. Thank you sir and God Bless all who fought there.

[@kevinvt4174]

What an Excellent story teller... I felt as if I was there in Battle, Big thumbs up for Steve Adelson.

[@Delekhan]

Excellent presentation! Thanks to all the National Park Service employees for your public service!

[@mailbagman]

The picture they show of Crazy Horse is not him. There never had been a proven picture of Crazy Horse that has shown up. Legend has it that his picture was never taken.

[@wesleystewart8447]

You are correct...crazy horse refused to be photographed. ..thank you for knowing that....would have said so myself, but you beat me to it...lol.

[@darthrevan-]

I had a grandfather who was with reno and he survived the battle he also got shot in the leg with a arrow but still survived

[@georgeparsons7338]

I have had the pleasure to be in the audience of Steve adelson. Great presentation

[@Conn30Mtenor]

I've been there, I remember a similar presentation. The Parks Service does a fantastic job.

[@rsvsbg1608]

Adelson, this is a marvellous presentation, indeed.

[@billlozier5551]

I was there in 1977. Fascinated by the history. Got a great lesson from this. The speaker was awesome.

[@vicb8975]

Just visited the memorial today. What a great story to virtually “relive” the battle. What a humbling experience to walk the grounds where so many great men fought and died on both sides.

[@user-fd7ju5sb6b]

The great men were on the winning side. The rest were either evil, or stupid.

[@michaelgretzky1056]

This was very well told, with one exception. No picture of 'Crazy Horse' exists as depicted a couple times here! Also noted that he did not surrender, but kept his promise to his people from the vision at the tender age of fourteen, and voluntarily walked in because of the elderly and children. 'Wind in His Hair' from 'Dances With Wolves', a good depiction of 'Crazy Horse' from all i've read and heard, but of course, never seen! Lol!!

[@Chief2Moon]

Star Lord I agree with you largely on Costner's acting but I'd recommend "Dances with Wolves" to anyone interested in the Sioux....despite the movie's inaccuracies, it's a worthy spectacle.

[@makoyiniito5383]

Are you Related to the GREAT ONE?

[@fgood22]

Agree. No verified photo of Crazy Horse exists to my knowledge.

[@shelleydavis2004]

I remember being told about this as a kid by my grandmother and as I here him talk he said it right. For all the warriors that caught and died . and it is true. I been there but didn't go thrue the tire . but to see the deals bring the past to life . leaders so proud to fight for the people lives . I wold have loved to here him in person. I haven't, been in so many years. Respect for him telling the story .

[@SOLAscriptura-]

My grandpa (Chickasaw Nation - Korean War Vet) has some of his ashes on this battlefield per his request.

[@theseriousprepper4372]

Just got this on my algorithm feed. This was the best historical explanation of the little Bighorn I’ve ever heard that includes by non ranger professional documentarians. I’ve been there this ranger bought it to life. This should be mandated for kids to watch in school to the Ranger. Well done!

[@cyndiebill6631]

This was one of the most awesome telling of Custer I’ve ever heard. Amazing story teller.

[@allin4395]

Great history and a great storyteller. Thanks Steve 🇺🇸

[@knockshinnoch1950]

An engrossing spellbinding presentation.

[@fourpatts]

Well done and then some! I could have listened all afternoon. Great job, Steve Adelson.

[@larryrock8142]

Champion Storyteller. A fading skill, and done very well.

[@robinross9400]

Charlie reynolds. custer scout. He is related to my grandmother. she was born in 1880. a man of great courage. I am honored.

[@zekeplacer4340]

+Robin Ross I worked in the same office with a man who was the great/great nephew of "lonesome Charlie Reynolds" His great grandmother used to say that Charlie was kind of a "loner" and quiet but a very nice person overall. This office friend grew up in Kansas, now lives in Colorado. He is in his late 70's now.

[@litodailisan8408]

Excellent video. Mr Adelson's narrative brings you back to that fateful day in 1876 that few presentors can.

[@bougeac]

What an incredible lecture, the passion and knowledge of the subject is very evident in this excellent ranger!

[@timothyernest5971]

Excellent academic exercise .The lecturer was passionate , effective, and explained what happened in a well organized way. Thank you sir for the informative and educational presentation.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

This is a Good educational video, and site interpreter Steve Adelson did a excellent job.

[@miesjk]

Absolutely mesmerizing performance by the park ranger. Better than any professor at a university. I could listen to him all day long. Makes you see and feel what happend there in these days and also the spirit he connected so well to. Thank you very much sir.

[@AJM-timecop]

Nothing better than a great guide. Guy we had in Gettysburg was amazing.

[@andreww9252]

What a great effort by Steve, it felt like I was there experiencing the battle. I'm Australian but feel a great deal of sympathy and empathy for both sides of this conflict. Especially the Indigenous families that lost loved ones, and the families of the young soldiers poorly led. God rest their souls.

[@jamesadams8848]

This Ranger is fantastic, I have visited ,there is a quite and peaceful and strong emotional energy feeling here. Amazing area to visit and mediate .

[@chinadog5380]

Salutes to the Sioux and Cheyenne, Brave warriors.

[@allin4395]

Zako Metereveli Lakota

[@Master...deBater]

@bravo23 delta: Exactly...thank you!!!

[@loricharpentier1654]

That was a great narration of what went on there. Thank you so much!!

[@rolandmarch7717]

I have been to the battlefield and Crow Agency. I was mesmerized by the location. The ranger’s presentation was outstanding! Thank you Soooo Much.

[@steveblast3376]

This guy is awesome! He gave me more info than I learned in high school. I tipped my hat for you sir.

[@gregpeterman1102]

They do not even teach history in highschools anymore.

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Thanks for setting the Scene Steve! You really know how to open our eyes & get our imagination rolling.

[@walterlefferts6297]

Outstanding Commentary and depiction ! I visited the battlefield in the 1950s It still looks as it did then , Other than the Buildings , Visitor center and trails to follow the Battle lines . It was much more stark back then , than today . but the "Spirits" that were present Then , Are still there ...Today Amazing Thank You , and the NPS for Preserving it all ..... For US !

[@terryeustice5399]

This was a wonderful presentation of the Battle of Little Big Horn. ❤️💯

[@edschantz2877]

Great presentation.

[@nmelkhunter1]

This is very well done. He tells it in such away that it makes you appreciate the absolute chaos of the day.

[@donlarson2547]

During his speech you can smell the smoke( that good of a delivery of a history battle)

[@marprox3605]

thank you very much mr Adelson. hope to see the place one day and meet you

[@joebeckwith369]

this ranger tells it interestingly and is detailed , but no one can possibly describe what it really was ... terrifying to those troopers who were overwhelmed by what was going on around them and coming at them and the misjudgement of Custer's tactical strategy .

[@raising5kiddos]

Any 2022 updates? Thank you Steve for the awesome passion in your presentation. I appreciate your telling the Native American history alongside what we usually hear.