Battle of the Little Bighorn
Near Little Bighorn River, Montana, U.S.
What happened
Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors, with leaders including Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and Gall, fought the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. The conflict grew from white encroachment into the Black Hills, which the Lakota consider sacred. In June 1876 a large camp gathered along the Little Bighorn River in Montana, inspired by the visions of Sitting Bull, and the 7th Cavalry attacked it. Custer's battalion of five companies was surrounded and defeated, and Custer fell.
Why it matters
Result: Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho victory. Leaders: Sitting Bull / Crazy Horse against George A. Custer / Marcus A. Reno. Why it matters: It was a major victory for the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho. The Lakota call it the Battle of the Greasy Grass.
What came next
In May 1877 Sitting Bull went to Canada, and soon afterward Crazy Horse surrendered at Fort Robinson.
Did you know?
The battle was inspired by the visions of Sitting Bull.
Timeline
- June 25, 1876The 7th Cavalry attacks the camp on the Little Bighorn River.
- June 26, 1876Fighting ends with the Army's defeat.
- May 1877Sitting Bull goes to Canada, and Crazy Horse surrenders.