Battle of the Little Bighorn: A Forensic Investigation
Overview
Location: Little Bighorn River, Montana
Year: 1876
Key Figures: Sitting Bull (Leader of Northern Plains Indians), George Armstrong Custer (Commander of the 7th Cavalry)
Event: Defeat of the U.S. 7th Cavalry by a combined force of Northern Plains Indians.
Myth vs. Reality
Myth: Custer's Last Stand as a gallant, heroic fight to the end.
Reality: Evidence suggests chaos and panic among the troops; the battle was brutal and disorganized.
Archaeological investigations have provided clarity on the actual events.
Understanding the Context
Indian tribes were viewed as a threat to westward expansion; military campaigns aimed to force them onto reservations.
Sitting Bull rallied various Sioux tribes for a significant confrontation.
After the battle, 268 bodies of soldiers were found, buried where they fell, with unique battlefield markers indicating locations.
Archaeological Evidence
Researchers Douglas Scott and Richard Fox led investigations at the battlefield.
Evidence included bullets, cartridges, and bones, revealing the intensity of the fight.
Analysis of soldier remains showed multiple injuries indicating a fierce battle:
Massive blunt force trauma.
Sharp force trauma from edged weapons.
Weapons Used
Troopers: Used primarily Springfield carbines, single-shot rifles.
Indians: Employed a variety of firearms, including repeating rifles and traditional weapons.
Archaeology revealed over 47 types of firearms used by Indians, overturning the myth of primitive weaponry.
Troopers were outgunned 4-1, leading to their defeat.
Tactical Disadvantages
Custer split his forces, which weakened their effectiveness.
The cavalry’s tactics, developed for conventional warfare, were ineffective against the guerrilla-style tactics of the Plains Indians.
Troopers were poorly conditioned due to lack of rest and nutrition before the battle.
Key Moments in the Battle
Custer’s forces engaged after spotting a large Indian encampment.
Initial encounters were met with light resistance as many warriors were engaged elsewhere.
As Indian forces rallied, Custer’s troops faced overwhelming numbers and superior firepower.
Evidence suggests panic among soldiers led to disorganized fighting.
Last Stand Hill was not the site of a gallant fight but rather the culmination of a chaotic retreat.
Aftermath and Identification
The battle lasted approximately 90 minutes, with significant casualties among the 7th Cavalry.
Forensic analysis has helped identify remains, shedding light on the lives of the soldiers.
The findings also highlight the diverse backgrounds of the soldiers, many of whom were immigrants.
Conclusion
The battle of the Little Bighorn symbolizes a pivotal moment in American history, reflecting the tragic outcome of the clash between U.S. forces and Native American tribes.
The myth of Custer’s Last Stand has been challenged and recontextualized through forensic science and archaeology, honoring the narratives of the Native American warriors involved.