Little Bighorn Battlefield
In June 1876, Sitting Bull saw victory in a dream. Soldiers would fall like grasshoppers into his camp.
Three weeks later, at Little Bighorn, his vision became reality as Lakota and Cheyenne warriors crushed Custer’s 7th Cavalry.
Here’s what happened, preserved as a National Battlefield you can visit today.
How Flesh Cuts Revealed Victory in a Vision
Sitting Bull led his people through spiritual guidance in early June 1876. He joined the sacred Sun Dance ceremony near today’s Lame Deer, Montana, to seek wisdom from the Great Spirit.
During this ritual, Sitting Bull cut 50 small pieces of skin from each arm as sacrifice. The pain, blood loss, and fasting put him in a trance. He saw soldiers falling upside down into the Lakota camp “like grasshoppers.”
A voice told him the soldiers “had no ears” – they wouldn’t listen to Native concerns. The warriors took this vision as a sign they would soon defeat U.S. forces.
Thousands Gather for the Summer Hunt
By late spring 1876, about 7,000 Native Americans camped near the Little Bighorn River. Families from Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes joined for hunting and ceremonies.
Many had left government reservations despite orders to return by January 31, 1876, or face military action. The discovery of gold in the sacred Black Hills drew them together. Hundreds of tipis stretched nearly three miles along the valley.
Hunkpapa Lakota camped at the north end, Oglala in the middle, and Cheyenne at the south end. This became the largest gathering of Plains Indians ever recorded.
Winchester Rifles Outgun Springfield Carbines
Native fighters carried about 200 Winchester repeating rifles that could fire multiple shots without reloading. The cavalry used single-shot Springfield carbines, putting them at a serious disadvantage.
Warriors got these better guns by trading buffalo hides for ammunition and horses for rifles. The soldiers didn’t know about this firepower gap when planning their attack. Many fighters also used traditional weapons like bows and arrows, which worked well up to 30 yards.
War clubs, lances, shields, and knives proved deadly in close fighting. This weapons edge plus greater numbers helped create the historic victory.
Oglala War Chief Leads Counterattack
Crazy Horse, the 36-year-old Oglala Lakota war leader, changed the course of the battle. Known for his courage and smart tactics, warriors followed him without question.
When soldiers approached, he gathered fighters and led them straight at Custer’s forces.
Crazy Horse organized a surprise charge that broke apart the cavalry formations. His warriors struck so hard that the military command fell apart.
Hunkpapa Leader Turns Personal Loss to Victory
Chief Gall joined the battle after finding his family killed during the first attack. Two wives and three children died when Major Reno’s troops charged the village.
His grief turned to fierce determination as he organized warriors for battle.
He led the main attack force, according to many accounts. Witnesses saw Gall moving throughout the fight, placing warriors where they could best attack the cavalry units. His decisions helped surround isolated groups of soldiers.
Working with Crazy Horse, Gall helped defeat Captain Myles Keogh’s battalion, leading to complete victory.
Warriors Rush to Defend Their Families
Word of approaching soldiers spread quickly through the camp at midday. Women gathered children while men prepared to fight. Sitting Bull focused on camp safety rather than fighting directly. He reminded warriors of his vision while helping protect non-fighters.
Cheyenne leader Two Moon shouted: “I am Two Moon, your chief. Don’t run away. Stay here and fight.” His words gave courage to younger warriors facing their first battle.
Dust and gunsmoke soon filled the valley as hundreds of mounted warriors rode toward the soldiers, creating confusion that worked to their advantage.
Warriors Count Coup in the Buffalo Run
Native fighters described parts of the battle as a “buffalo run” when cavalry soldiers broke ranks and fled. Warriors chased them across the landscape like they would during buffalo hunts.
Fighters showed bravery through “counting coup” which involved touching enemies with hands or special sticks before killing them.
This earned more honor than killing from a distance. The fighting lasted about one hour. One warrior later said the whole battle took only “as long as it takes a hungry man to eat a meal.”
Native forces lost about 50 fighters while killing around 268 cavalry soldiers, including Custer and his entire command.
Woman Warrior Strikes Down Custer
Buffalo Calf Road Woman rode into battle alongside men. Cheyenne stories credit her with knocking Custer off his horse during the fight.
She had already earned respect at the Battle of Rosebud on June 17, where she rescued her wounded brother, Chief Comes in Sight.
This brave act earned her the name “Woman Who Saved Her Brother.” Several women fought directly when their families faced danger. Some finished off wounded soldiers with clubs or knives.
Celebration Ends as Army Response Begins
After winning, warriors collected weapons and supplies from dead soldiers. Some celebrated with victory dances while others mourned their fallen fighters. The celebration didn’t last long.
Tribal leaders knew they couldn’t stay in one place. News of Custer’s defeat reached eastern cities during July 4th celebrations, making Americans furious. The government sent more troops to the region.
Within two days, the large camp broke apart as families split into smaller groups. Food shortages for people and horses made staying together impossible, forcing bands to scatter despite their historic win.
Leaders Face Consequences of Victory
Sitting Bull knew more soldiers would come after their victory. He led followers to Canada in May 1877, seeking safety beyond American control. Crazy Horse fought for several more months before surrendering at Fort Robinson, Nebraska.
Four months later, he died from a bayonet wound during a struggle with guards. Chief Gall first fled to Canada with Sitting Bull but later returned to surrender. He eventually became a judge on the Standing Rock reservation.
Within five years, hunger and military campaigns forced most Plains Indians onto reservations, ending tribal freedom despite their greatest battlefield victory.
Visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield
You can visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument at I-90 Exit 510, Crow Agency, MT 59022. The park opens daily 8:00 AM-6:00 PM (summer) and 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (winter), closed on major holidays.
Entrance fees are $25 per vehicle or $15 per person, and there are walking trails that lead to battle markers and the Indian Memorial.
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