Battle of Little Bighorn - Alison's Textbook

Battle of Little Bighorn

The Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as "Custer's Last Stand" was fought on June 25th and 26th of 1876. near the Little Bighorn River; hence, its name. The battle was fought between three native tribes and the 7th Cavalry Regiment (the U.S. Army). The tribes consisted of the Cheyenne, Lakota, and the Arapaho. Today, various ideas have been developed about the battle according to the perspective. 

According to the Treaty of Laramie of 1868, the Black Hills were rightfully within the Sioux's reservations borders. However; when gold was discovered by the Americans near the border of the Sioux reservation (the Black Hills), tension grew between the Natives and Americans. 1874 was when the Black Hills Gold Rush officially began. According to Kate Bighead, a Cheyenne Indian, the American Army attacked the CHeyenne campsite near the Washita River. Not only did they destroy their food, belongings and shelter, but they also killed Chief Black Kettle. Driven by hatred and ambition, the Americans broke their peace treaty with the natives ultimately resulting in the natives conducting raids against the whites. 

After the American settlers and gold-miners first attack on the Cheyenne, they were forced to seek help from other tribes. The Sioux, led by Sitting Bull,  aided the Cheyenne and they camped together. As time passed, and danger approached, more natives came together. In 1876, six tribes camped near the Little Bighorn river when American were seen south of their camp. The Battle of Little Bighorn officially started and the natives won. Not only did the natives victoriously win; but the battle resulted in 268 deaths and 55 injuries for the Americans.
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