Little Bighorn: Crazy Horse, Reno & A Valley of Death (w/ Jocko!) | History Traveler Episode 342

(Part 2 of 4)
Following the splitting of his forces, Custer would split his force again and send Major Marcus Reno into the Little Bighorn valley where a mixed tribe encampment under the leadership of Sitting Bull are situated. What Reno didn't know is that he had just been fed into a valley of death. We're exploring this battlefield with Jocko Willink, Leif Babin and the crew at Echelon Front to learn more about the history of what happened here in 1876 and what lessons we can learn from it.
NOTE: THIS WAS FILMED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE OWNER. THIS PLACE IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.
Learn more about Echelon Front here: echelonfront.com
And if you liked this episode, check out Leif Babin's breakdown of The Battle of the Little Bighorn here: • Navy SEAL Breaks Down ...
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
Map animations by @SandervkHistory
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originusacom and jockofuel.com!!!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- Little Bighorn: Prelude to the Last Stand w/ Jocko & Leif | History Traveler Episode 341: • Little Bighorn: Prelud...
- A German Village DESTROYED By Artillery Fire in WWII (with a WWII Vet!!!)| History Traveler Ep. 338: • A German Village DESTR...
- Heroes of the Ardennes American Cemetery | History Traveler Episode 337: • Heroes of the Ardennes...
- What's Up With That Knocked Out Tank in Bastogne??? | History Traveler Episode 335: • What's Up With That Kn...
- Attack of the Bloody 28th Along the Hürtgen's Kall Trail | History Traveler Episode 327: • Attack of the Bloody 2...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🌟If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com.

[@GateXC]

The markers were the most moving aspect of the battlefield for me. It made it crystal clear how the battle unfolded and makes it very easy to imagine the (horrible) scenes. Especially the stand of Myles Keogh on the way to Last Stand Hill where the markers are together with then a string of them so you can see the initial line and then guys running for the hill only to be cut down. Sobering and moving.

[@Chiller11]

I was fortunate in that my high school American History teacher was one of the best teachers I ever encountered including university, medical school and post graduate degree. His thesis was on the American Revolution but he made all aspects of American History come alive. Many thanks James Fleet.

[@JeffreyGlover65]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO. Please do more videos about famous battles between Native Americans and American forces. Tecumseh...Daniel Boone...Wounded Knee, etc. You do a wonderful job JD. 😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. You may like this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3Kbp3WDmJJgicUsi=I0t0QKfkrpaTFh3D

[@JeffreyGlover65]

@@TheHistoryUnderground starting it now. Thanks!

[@mgway4661]

**White forces. They were all Americans

[@andrewgreeneyes7398]

Native American history is what lacking the most, love this "live" style of explanation, feels like I'm at The Little Bighorn myself

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@MrBradleyDavid]

Nice! I wish it were that warm and that I was there. It’s not lost on me you are in a fodder field. The hay wagon tracks give it away. What books are you reading to brush up on this battle? I read Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee, but decades ago.

[@andrewgreeneyes7398]

@@MrBradleyDavid I'm about to read "The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn"

[@tarahcole7784]

It's because it's been throughly washed. American genocide doesn't live a great feeling in our mouths and victors tend to write more history books.

[@dukecraig2402]

Lacking? If you think it's lacking you must not be looking around very hard for sources for it, because whether it's books, videos or all out documentaries you can't swing a dead cat without hitting one.

[@ljoraanstad]

I said this last video, but again what beautiful countryside. I love the sound of the crickets. I am so excited for the rest of this series! As a North Dakota resident, this story is "close to home" in many ways.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@idotroger88]

A few years ago I asked if you might come out to this part of the country for a few episodes. I never anticipated these incredible history lessons like this. Thank you JD, great work.

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

I always loved the bit in The Last Samurai when Tom Cruise is in captivity and the Samurai is interesting hearing more about Custer, with almost a look of admiration on his face. Then Tom says no, he was a man who fell in love with his own legend. That always stuck with me.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I’ve thought about that scene a lot.

[@mgway4661]

Great film!

[@CycoWarriorx]

Great explanation by Jocko on what’s available to learn here… it’s so much to unpack… one thing’s for certain… we learned the value of effective leadership - and the outcome from a lack of it… 🥃

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@robertmiller1556]

I visited the grave of Thomas J Stowers, in Baxter Tennessee, listed as the “sole survivor” of Little Bighorn. He didn’t fight, really, but the history of his story just adds to crazy reality of what happened. Very interesting series!!

[@GinaDAuria]

Going to see this battlefield is on my "bucket list". May they ALL rest in peace.⚔️🪓

[@striperking6083]

Been there 4 times 1964 , 1968 , 1997 and 2015 . It gets better every time .

[@user-kt8yd6we4e]

First presenter was right on target about the importance of history to the human experience, and experiences to come.

[@marklettow6610]

I was at the battlefield in 2001 for the 125th anniversary celebration. The 90+ year old daughter of one the troopers with Reno's command was in attendance. she was born in 2010, as I remember. She had brought a container of hardtack with her for the museum that her dad had kept since the battle. She was from PA as I recall.

[@masonparr8950]

Loving this series. I been obsessed with battle of Little Bighorn for a long time

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@sabresix7933]

Same here since I was about 8 or 10, bout 46 or so years..going back to the battlefield in bout 8 weeks for my second visit. Can't wait.

[@ddandthegirls]

Loving this new series!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@bobreece5842]

Yes, a great series. Thanks for going all the way to Montana, JD. Cinematography is absolutely beautiful.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@sweeper2890]

Did the Chattanooga staff ride and JD was our guide, awesome person to hear from. Love these series!

[@cosmokramer5387]

Probably the most fascinating videos I've seen of yours.

[@madmaxit2]

I suppose my great, great grandfather is tied to this in a way. He fought in the kill deer mountain battle (and other skirmishes/territories) against Sitting Bull in the Dakotas. He was in the Iowa Calvary, 7th division. I have his original release/discharge papers that’s been passed down. I’m glad his division didn’t have to go to Little Big Horn otherwise I wouldn’t be here now. Granted, he and his division were released 10 years prior to this battle. Love the series and channel. Keep up the fantastic work in educating the generations.

[@davidschlageter5962]

Glad part two dropped, the first episode was great!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@m.k.9405]

Great series, you are great at storytelling. You make it very interesting. Can't wait for next episodes.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@dGaMeR-pb1wj]

Love your videos! So informational

[@soursamurai]

Ive visited the Little Bighorn twice & its breathtaking

[@johnhaley9942]

Great series.Did you know the natives were a lot better armed than the trooper's.The natives had a lot of Henrys and Winchesters repeating rifles, while the troopers were armed with the1874 trap door sharps which is a single shot rifle,and to make it worse it had a tendency to jam up when it got to hot, because of the copper bullets.Another interesting note,when my Grandpa was a young cowboy at the turn of the twentieth century, spent a lot of time on the Sioux reservations and got to know a lot of the warriors who fought that day and knew that my grandpa uncle was killed there. So one old warrior who liked my grandpa gave him a 1874 trap door sharps rifle with a 7th cav marked on the stock from the battle to honor his uncle. Another little fact Lonesome Charlie Reynolds was the Custer scout who rode,to Ft Laramie to spread the news of gold in the Black Hills

[@charlesbiddle7179]

Thats amazing. Is the rifle still in your family?

[@mikehunt-fx7sf]

That "old warrior" fooled your grandpa then!! The 7th Cavalry all had model 1873 45-55 Springfield Carbines at the Little Bighorn. They were accurate long range rifles and packed a lot of punch! The natives actually had a couple Spencer 50 cal. long range single shot rifles among Henry and Spencer and Winchester repeating rifles that didn't have the range or accuracy of the Springfields. NOT 1874 Spencers.

[@kennethclaar922]

I thought I was up to my neck on Custer battle history . But after watching yours I am biting at the bit till each one of these comes out . Way to go …Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@marctremblay8087]

Excellent presentation highlighting the skirmish and individuals as the battle unfolds. cant wait for the next one .

[@slimfire5475]

Awesome video and great start to a fantastic series J.D. Thank you and looking forward to the next.

[@Cabmaker]

I have been to this battlefield twice and it is fascinating and remains remarkably unchanged from that time in 1876 except for some modern highways you kind of get the feeling of the way it must have looked and felt. Anyway very interesting series

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Loved my time there. Thanks!

[@bobreece5842]

What is interesting is how quickly things change. I-90 was once a wagon road, which appeared there in the 1870s.

[@michaelthomson8065]

Great presentation. Great message for business,and personal life.Love the location. I could almost smell the sagebrush.

[@gregoryweis5836]

I would like to clarify a few things about the valley fight battle based on overwhelming testimony by Reno’s own troops and by credible Indian accounts of those that actually participated in the fight. Crazy Horse was actually late to the valley fight and did not engage Reno’s troops by pushing the skirmish line back to the timber. When he arrived, Reno’s battalion was already in the timber area next to the river. Crazy Horse made a few bravery runs drawing fire from the soldiers but was never hit. He also participated in the rout of Reno’s men in the flight from the timber to the river crossing. About the skirmish line: The three companies only skirmished about 15-20 minutes before the three companies withdrew to the timber area. Interestingly, Reno disappeared into the timber a few minutes after the skirmish line was formed and never returned. The action on the skirmish line was not only short-lived and insignificant, but was fought at long range and resulted in only one soldier death. Private Thomas O'Neill of Co. G stated, “The men were in good spirits, talking and laughing, and not apprehensive of being defeated.” The long-range cavalry carbines were doing their job keeping the Indians at bay. Despite the lack of pressure from the Indians, the skirmish line began to withdraw when Reno ordered 1st Lt. Donald McIntosh’s Co. G into the woods to check on reports that Indians were infiltrating from across the river. This left a sizable gap in the line. Next, 1st Lt. Charles DeRudio of Co. A and a few of his men entered the woods on their own volition. This basically left Capt. Thomas French’s Co. M on the line. Without many of the commanding officers in sight (Reno, McIntosh, Moylan and DeRudio) other remaining officers and soldiers started to withdraw. Capt French and his men who were alone and very exposed on the left flank soon followed. As I stated above, Reno never returned to the skirmish line and did not give the order to withdraw. From the timbers he found himself under pressure to make a decision on what course of action to take. Indians were infiltrating and firing on the scattered command. Should he stay or leave? The bullet that splattered Bloody Knife’s blood and brain matter all over Reno’s face made the decision for him.

[@dougmartin1723]

My great great grandfather was in the seventh Calvary directly underneath custard, but however, he was on leave when custard last stand took place due to the birth of his son

[@simonsmith1974]

Fortunate for your great great grandfather. He avoided a clusterbuck

[@aperson7754]

Great series!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@rupertcrokerpoole2246]

I'm really enjoying this series. My great great great uncle was Lt. Francis Marion Gibson, second in command of H Company under Capt. Benteen. McIntosh, whose marker you show and story you tell, was Gibson's brother-in-law. This is the first time I've watched any videos about the battle and seen the terrain. Makes what I've read feel so much more real.

[@stephenrrose]

Great series JD, loving the History and learning every time I watch your videos. Inspiring me to dig deeper. I can relate to JP when he said he wished he studied History even deeper in High School. I'm so playing this for my Granddaughter who is struggling in US History right now! Take Care.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Tell her to be looking up stuff on her own. Maybe something that connects with a movie. Much to learn out there.

[@moobaz8675]

One of your best. Really enjoyed that and could picture what was happening.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottmcaroo2445]

JD, again I just want to say wow. Such great videos.

[@patriciaglennon5660]

Beautifully filmed.

[@ronmoore5827]

Loved the video with the map graphics explaining the battle. Little Big Horn is for sure on the bucket list. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@eclipsehorse8693]

Awesome series JD! Thx for taking us along, giving us a feel of what the lay of the land, the participants, and the events leaning up to the battle must have been like. It's important everyone understand what lead to the battle, the kind of ground they had to cover, and the many many problems that lead to it's eventual outcome. You and the entire team do an outstanding job of delivering it in a clear, concise, easy to understand way. Much appreciated! :)

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!!!

[@eclipsehorse8693]

@@TheHistoryUnderground anytime! keep up the good work...

[@hannahsimon5847]

I am really enjoying this series 😊 I have always wanted to make it out there but haven't yet and this is nice to have it broken down and shown. Thank you for doing this. I enjoy your videos and you make history very interesting and enjoyable 😊

[@gaylewright8270]

Excellent as usual, JD! You get us right there where it happened.

[@allengrant]

Thx JD. I'm learning something new every day.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@irishpride1186]

Another great video J.D!

[@Chris-Nico]

Thanks for this history lesson. I’ve driven by the Little Bighorn monument off I-90 many times and never stopped! I will later this year.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@Wileybird03]

Love the history of this battle! Thank you👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@camdodge9891]

Thanks JD Great video & omg how beautiful is that countryside & keep up the good work JD

[@jasonblair2081]

Great series. Do you know what book J.D. Baker is quoting from when he quoted Sitting Bull? I'd like to learn more about the Indians' perspectives, especially about the treaties (i.e.what they were and how they were broken)? thx

[@mikewatson5281]

Digging this series I’m so into it when the to be continued thing comes up it’s like oh come on man ! 😂 can’t wait for the next one

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@JamesWoodring-mu2iz]

thanks jd im really enjoying this series!

[@tomo9613]

I have always wondered when you would cover the Bighorn. Great info. This battlefield is the last in my bucket list to visit. Hopefully get there if the wife lets me. Great program keep up the great work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@yanzhao7298]

I always learn something watching your channel… excellent

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad to hear that! Thanks.

[@DP90263]

Thank you for this series with Jocko, Leif and JP! I just went to FTX in Texas and spent a couple of days with JP.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Nice!

[@AngelCastro-yq1kb]

Excellent video. Great views! Is a beautiful landscape. Keep going!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@jenniferseals3642]

I love your videos! I hit the like button even before the talking starts! Doing this with Jocko and Leif- AWESOME!!! Jocko is right, working with the “natives” wherever you are is very important. The locals are a great source info and most often, willingly to learn. The seals have many skills, but the local cops would have local info. Work with people, not against them. Life goes much easier.

[@StevenJeNova]

Brilliant content, as always!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated!

[@brianford8493]

Great stuff! Made my day.

[@MichaelGleason-xu3rw]

Love all your stuff glad your now on a subject I don't know as much about ready to learn more about this

[@pauldouglas3084]

Really enjoyed the video mate can't wait for the next one

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertpapalia]

Good presentation of the battle. Good job.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@RealBanz]

Great video JD. I always love your content. Taking my mother on a vacation to gettysburg in a few days. I owe my passion for history to her. along with the battlefield, I am Looking forward to visiting The gettysburg museum of history for the first time. Hopefully meeting Eric but regardless, im exited for the trip.

[@cindymcmurray6879]

Cool about markers. I never heard of markers. Thank you for walking this for a good view.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! Much to learn here.

[@DanielBobay]

Not the history perspective I've come to expect from this channel. You main guy is gold all the other winning and opinions I fast forward through.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Sorry that it isn’t measuring up for you.

[@Stubbypuppy]

Agreed

[@danferrell674]

Good video JD. My knowledge of this time period isnt good so this will help educate me!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad to hear it!

[@ezekielhook1870]

Is there a part 3 to this series if so when is it coming?! Fantastic work no one else has done this much as an in depth look!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

And a part 4 🙂

[@MrEaglesfan40]

Great video and History lesson JD outstanding Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.

[@johnpierce2095]

its safe to say, custer didnt bring enough men and got a little bigheaded

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yep

[@JonathanSparks-ht4vq]

Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse spanked the fuck out of Custer’s arrogant ass

[@laurienichols1209]

Great job on this , very interesting!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@250sabre]

Excellent show thanks ! Can’t wait for the rest sir !!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@joepipito7431]

GOD BLESS THE TROOPS

[@soupson3]

Awesome videos of the Little Big Horn! When you complete this series, could you possibly put them all together in a single video? Thank s again for the great content!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hmmm. That’s an idea that I hadn’t considered. I might do that.

[@julieknowles7063]

This is a fascinating piece of your history. It would be good if you could get it on tv.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Too ugly for tv.

[@ticktock5019]

Good stuff. Hope to see you this weekend in G- Burg

[@OldFrontLine]

Really enjoyed this, JD. Despite being in the UK, my generation grew up on stories like this via comics and even bubble gum cards and I must make it to Little Big Horn one day.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Heck of a place.

[@wayne1097]

Always great!

[@connorsimpson2997]

First comment. Happening to open KZbin to a 30 second old HU video... great morning.

[@pamelaoliver8442]

Cheers!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@SigmaNuHE481]

There's a horse bit and saddle at the Webb Military Museum in Savannah, GA recovered from Little Bighorn you can see and touch. It was a neat experience

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@scotland638]

Excellent, cant wait for the next part.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@oldtanker4860]

Good information as usual with the exception of the echelon interruption. His promotion of the group didn't add anything other than looking at an event from different perspectives.

[@donnaoliver8228]

Really enjoy your videos,.

[@pathamm5834]

By our students not being taught history of our country and the geography of this land it is destroying our country and undermining patriotism….if you don’t know the past you are doomed to repeat it . Also geography also helps you feel a connection to the land if you know what the country is comprised of and what its natural resources are. I have always loved history ….I love to visit historical sites and just ponder what the past people seen and felt ( even though I can’t ever know) but I just love the feelings of awe of these people and times

[@scottsprings9604]

Built a highway right through the battleground. Amazing.

[@edouardrobert160]

Thanks JD

[@edthered1971]

Looking foward to the next eposide 👏👏👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@NormaHird]

JD..... thank you for this great series. Do you believe that the grave of Custer at the West Point Cemetery is actually Custer?

[@markessic6145]

I hope there are more episodes. Please

[@stevemaryellen91]

We went to the reenactment, a few years back, on the Anniversary of Battle. It is hosted by the Real Bird Family. Highly recommended!

[@Armchair_Commanders]

Great episode!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@christophertipton2318]

I have been a history nut, military history in particular, since I was a young kid. I read everything about Little Bighorn that I could get my hands on in the mid-1960s. Not nearly what is out there now. As a youngster, I knew Custer had screwed up big time and had let his ego write checks his ass could not cash. I discussed this battle with my father who had a bachelors in history and was a WWII combat vet as a Marine scout-sniper and later an Army Reserve officer. He fully agreed with my analysis and conclusions. Nothing I have read or seen since has changed my mind.

[@aslooijer]

Marvelous stuff JD. Love it. What a beautiful place. Stunning views there. And then to imagine that a battle took place there. Natives defending their way of life. It’s mindblowing. I hope I can visit that place once.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate it. Quite the place.

[@Jalu3]

Can you do a staff ride of the multiple battles of the California Campaign during the Mexican American War? From the Battle of San Pasqual, to the Battle of La Mesa, it is an often overlooked part of American history.

[@ThicketThunder]

People say we stole this land...But actually...we fought and bled for this land...

[@lappin6482]

those 5 last rolls will always get you....

[@your_royal_highness]

40 plus years ago I was there on my way back from western Montana. I must be a sensitive type as the feeling of violence in the air was overwhelming. I actually had to leave early. It’s the only “paranormal” experience I ever had. About 8 years ago I went back and none of that energy was present. Then I noticed the more recent Indian memorial and figured when they dedicated it the area was smudged or something and the ghosts went to bed! 😊

[@user-ps2ej5dn7r]

@TheHistoryUnderground I've been greatly enjoying your channel and love to see more and even better content coming out. I don't know what your western travel plans are, but a spin-off mini-series on Crazy Horse might be interesting?! My friends and I used to spend some time at Fort Robinson State Park in NE where Crazy Horse was killed. The history there is quite compelling from the time of Crazy Horse up through WWll. Just a friendly suggestion! Thanks.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@bobreece5842]

Fort Robinson, now a state park, is one of our favorite places to stay. It's very busy there during the summer, so I recommend the fall. Leaves are starting to change, mornings are brisk, but the light makes for beautiful photography. *** Hint JD *** You can stay in the cavalry barracks, which is the main lodge. If you have a group of people, you can stay in the officers homes , which is where we would stay back in the day when Fort Robinson had its history conference. Up to 20 people can stay in those officer homes. Everything in the officers homes are functional, large kitchens, quaint bedrooms, and incredible porches.

[@user-ps2ej5dn7r]

@@bobreece5842 Spot on, we always stayed in the officer homes which were great during the spring time when it was pretty relaxed.

[@jamesclarksowers7060]

Man, I’m within 200 miles and would have traveled to meet you as. Have studied Custer and the LBH !!!!

[@GinaDAuria]

Heartbreaking for those cavalrymen. They had no choice in that situation. Sad for them, no sympathy for their commander,how ever.

[@davidws6260]

Awesome stuff you do ❤ the ww2 stuff is so interesting/mind blowing... loving the Custer stuff ...is it true he had 11 horses shot from under him in the civil war ? And finished bottom of class at Weast Point ? I do believe in the sole survivor theory too .

[@Pontiacdreams]

With all due respect for the navy seal veterans, you as always, tell a better story.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. I’d have to say that their insight far surpasses anything that I could come up with though.

[@davidpahlka6301]

For some reason, I always had a fascination with Crazy Horse and this battle. It made no sense, for I am part Cherokee and my White ancestors pioneered Arizona where they had dealings with the Native Americans. I found the roles of Custer's men and no name rang a bell. Many of the soldiers were recent immigrants to America largely untrained. Then I discovered the civilian list. Among those who graves were missing was a Marcus Kellogg, the first A.P. reporter killed in the line of duty. Before the battle he dispatched reports of an expected easy victory. Some say he was one of the first to fall although riding next to Custer. Kellogg was from Canada and after his wife died, he left home, leaving his two young daughters with relatives and applied for a job at a local newspaper. The editor was going to go but since his wife was sick, he sent Marcus instead. I don't know if you believe in past lives but the date I was conceived was June 25. I joined the Marines wanting to be a combat journalist, although I disliked the Vietnam War. In my studies of American History, General Crook seemed to be everywhere some of my family were. Crook also disliked Custer although they fought on the same side during Sheridan's Shenadoahan campaign. Crook was more of a peacemaker although it largely forgotten Custer spoke before Congress complaining how the Indian Agents sent by the government were cheating the Native Americans. One of those who were guilty was a nephew of President Grant. Another fact I find interesting is at the treaty of 1868, Custer promised never to take up arms against the Cheyenne and Lakota again. The moral here may be, is if you make a vow to the "Great Spirit" keep it no matter what happens next. His vow can be found in the book "Son of the Morning Star" by an eye witness to the signing. With another of my ancestors, a vow and treaty was broken because greed of our government, and it seemed like the riches they found were cursed. 6 of 8 died premature deaths and my great-grandfather lost his fortune "quicker than he dug it out of the ground." Truth can be stranger than fiction. Lessons can be learned from history. Custer's wife had premonitions of doom as they rode off. I enjoyed seeing the battlefield, riding towards the site was probably boring. General Crook and his aide, John Gregory Burke who wrote about it were shocked at the resistance they encountered at the Battle of Rosebud. It was said in that battle too, the Cheyenne didn't fight like Indians. Crazy Horse was credited with being responsible for that.

[@terryeustice5399]

Just a cluster of errors and Judgment. Lt. colonel. Custer’s pride and mistakes. We’re impossible to correct. After splitting his forces. With Major Reno and Captain Benteen. Not a good day for the 7th Calvary. Thanks for sharing JD. 💯👊👍

[@neilfound3506]

As a Brit I’ve emotive on this battle, I’ve not grown up with this story. No matter what the backstory or the relationships between the officers, if Bentsen had attempted to go beyond Reno’s position and safe Custer it would just have meant the entire command wiped out. The move to Weir Point cost one trooper his life and that was the 7th not engaging the enemy, no way he could move his companies, especially with the packs in tow. And the loss of Benteen’s force would leave Reno’s men no chance.