Native American Communities Commemorate 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn

The quiet, wind-swept hills of Montana's Little Bighorn River valley were once again the site of a momentous event, as Native American communities gathered to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn, a pivotal moment in American history that saw the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes triumph over the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry Regiment, led by the ill-fated Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer.

Background & Context

The Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as the Battle of Greasy Grass, was a rare defeat for the U.S. Army, marking a significant turning point in the long and bloody struggle for control of the Great Plains. The battle took place on June 25, 1876, in present-day Montana, near the banks of the Little Bighorn River. The clash was sparked by the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, which had long been considered sacred land by the Native American tribes of the region.

The U.S. government's response to the discovery of gold was swift and aggressive, with military campaigns aimed at pushing the Native American tribes onto reservations. However, the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes refused to be forced off their ancestral lands, and instead chose to fight for their right to remain in the region. This courageous stand would ultimately lead to one of the most famous battles in American history.

Key Details

The battle was a decisive victory for the Native American tribes, with estimates suggesting that over 200 U.S. Army soldiers, including Lt. Col. Custer, were killed. The tribes, led by the legendary leaders Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, had been preparing for battle for weeks, and their coordinated efforts caught the U.S. Army off guard. The Native American warriors quickly overwhelmed the U.S. forces, who were spread out over a wide area and lacked the unity and discipline needed to mount an effective defense.

"Today, I am celebrating the victory of our people, celebrating my life as a human being and my spot on this earth," said William Good Bird, a traditional singer from the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation in North Dakota, who traveled to the battlefield to participate in the anniversary celebrations. "We're still here, and we're still strong," he added, echoing the sentiments of many in the Native American community.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, reenactments of the battle are being held, featuring horse riders from the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota and other tribes. Families are also being encouraged to share their oral histories and stories about the battle, which will help to preserve the memories of this pivotal moment in American history.

What Experts Say

"The Battle of Little Bighorn was a significant turning point in the struggle for control of the Great Plains," said historian Dakota Goodhouse. "The U.S. government's response to the discovery of gold in the Black Hills was aggressive and ultimately led to the deaths of hundreds of Native American warriors. However, the battle also marked a moment of triumph for the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, who fought bravely to defend their ancestral lands."

Key Takeaways

• The Battle of Little Bighorn was a pivotal moment in American history, marking a rare defeat for the U.S. Army and a significant turning point in the struggle for control of the Great Plains.
• The battle was sparked by the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, which had long been considered sacred land by the Native American tribes of the region.
• The U.S. government's response to the discovery of gold was aggressive, with military campaigns aimed at pushing the Native American tribes onto reservations.
• The battle marked a moment of triumph for the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, who fought bravely to defend their ancestral lands.

What This Means For You

The anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often fraught history between the United States government and the Native American tribes of the Great Plains. While the battle was a significant turning point in the struggle for control of the region, it also marked a moment of great loss and tragedy for the Native American communities involved. As we reflect on this pivotal moment in American history, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the memories and stories of those who came before us, and of honoring the sacrifices and struggles of the Native American tribes who fought to defend their ancestral lands.

"We must never forget the sacrifices and struggles of the Native American tribes who fought to defend their ancestral lands," said William Good Bird. "Their bravery and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds is an inspiration to us all, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and traditions."