dlofting
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2013
- Location
- Vancouver, BC, Canada
As far as I know, the Indians did not know it was Custer as the cavalry had several expeditions against the Tribes that Spring and Summer. They had met General Crook as his troops a few weeks earlier at the Battle of Rosebud and were not sure who was attacking.They should have captured Custer alive, with a few of his men.
Which unfortunately is a vicious circle. If they could raise the money to make the site more interesting for visitors, with decent historical documentation, and make in known in travel guides and tourist magazines etc. they sure could make some money from it.Unquestionably. The Pine Ridge Lakota Reservation is dirt-poor, and has no resources to pay for such things
Nice summary @19thOhio. I've been to LBH twice and found that if you walk the road between Last Stand Hill and the Reno/Benteen hill area you get away from most of the "tourists" and have a chance to really contemplate.
Which unfortunately is s vicious circle. If they could raise the money to make the site more interesting for visitors, with decent historical documentation, and make in known in travel guides and tourist magazines etc. they sure could make some money from it.
But as it is, even in our German TV there are spots l that ask for donations for poor Lakota Children.
When I was there I was shocked how far scattered the gravesites are... and as you said, we were contemplating what these soldiers must have felt and if they were killed while trying to flee from the carnage.
View attachment 389137
When I was there I was shocked how far scattered the gravesites are... and as you said, we were contemplating what these soldiers must have felt and if they were killed while trying to flee from the carnage.
Contrary to Hollywood depictions, it's believed the troops and their officers were attempting to confront an overwhelming situation with conventional military tactics of the time: Custer had five troops or companies consisting of approximately forty men each at his disposal in possibly two battalions, one of two companies led by senior Captain Myles Keogh who apparently formed an extended skirmish line between the Sioux and the other battalion of three companies, possibly led by Capt. Tom Custer. Instead of fleeing, Keogh and his men likely died fighting in line-of-battle along a slight ridge that was their defense position and the one David has pictured here. The other battalion may have been similarly extended when it was discovered that another large group, likely led by Crazy Horse in person, was attempting to encircle them from the north. Custer and his headquarters group were eventually joined by Tom and others on Last Stand Hill where around fifty bodies were discovered. It's possible there were even more there, and according to Indian accounts, toward the end of the battle, a group rose and attempted to flee down a coulee or ravine toward the river and were picked off one by one along the way.@FarawayFriend yes the graves are far apart. Major Fredrick Benten remarked that the dead were scattered like corn. One must remeber that they battlefield was spread over 5 miles in length and not all 200 plus cavlary members were not killed on Last Stand Hill.
Regards
David
The marker (front right) indicates that he fell next to his brother though. George Armstrong Custer's marker is in the center and marked black)Tom Custer was acting as an aide to his brother at the time of the battle and so was with the headquarters group. C company was commanded by Lt. Harrington. Some historians speculate that Tom Custer was killed or wounded during the Medicine Coulee crossing reconnaissance, if that's what it was.
Yes, that's where his body was found, but he may have been carried there.The marker (front right) indicates that he fell next to his brother though. George Armstrong Custer's marker is in the center and marked black)
View attachment 389314
Contrary to Hollywood depictions, it's believed the troops and their officers were attempting to confront an overwhelming situation with conventional military tactics of the time: Custer had five troops or companies consisting of approximately forty men each at his disposal in possibly two battalions, one of two companies led by senior Captain Myles Keogh who apparently formed an extended skirmish line between the Sioux and the other battalion of three companies, possibly led by Capt. Tom Custer. Instead of fleeing, Keogh and his men likely died fighting in line-of-battle along a slight ridge that was their defense position and the one David has pictured here. The other battalion may have been similarly extended when it was discovered that another large group, likely led by Crazy Horse in person, was attempting to encircle them from the north. Custer and his headquarters group were eventually joined by Tom and others on Last Stand Hill where around fifty bodies were discovered. It's possible there were even more there, and according to Indian accounts, toward the end of the battle, a group rose and attempted to flee down a coulee or ravine toward the river and were picked off one by one along the way.
I've read many books about LBH, mostly in english (so I hope to have understood at least 75% of what was writen), the most disturbing fact about these testimonies, studies, reports, etc...is that they are often contradictory, sometimes because of deliberate lying, sometimes because of the will to save the morale of the victim's families, or simply because of a partial view or understanding of the events (even from direct witnesses).
Go to the Shenandoah and imagine everything burned and in ruins.Being the big fan of Custer that I am, I'd really like to see the battlefield. Not sure I'll ever make it. I really appreciate all the information and photos you guys have posted! Thanks to all!
John