Ooh, I remember this from my AP History class last year!

He was a commander during the Civil War and the Indian Wars. He’s most well-known for his association with the Native Americans. In 1868, he established a supply base for his cavalry’s winter campaign on Indian territory, and then led his cavalry (the 7th U.S. Cavalry) in an attack on Black Kettle, a Cheyenne encampment (the Battle of Washita Creek). In 1873, he was sent to the Dakota territory to protect a railway survey from the Sioux, and ended up clashing with them there; one person was killed.

More well-known is the Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand. Custer commanded a U.S. Cavalry in battle against the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne, and Custer’s force was completely annihilated.

The Historian is not totally correct. They did not mention that Custer died in the Battle of Little Big Horn. Carlton was correct. I’m not sure if he was shot, speared, clubbed or scalped by the Lakota – Northern Cheyenne Indians. Although many refer to Custer as General Custer he was actually a Leutenant Colonel at the time of the battle which is also known as Custer’s Last Stand. Also he graduated last in his Graduating class of 1861 at Westpoint military acadamy. 34th out of 34 graduates. The only survivor on the United States of America’s side was a horse named Comanche. The remainder of the Indians’ enemy including all the other horses were killed. Two decades later the Indians were not as powerful a force and the Masacre at Wounded Knee was the result, perhaps a revenge for Little Big Horn.

Custer graduated last in his class at West Point (known as the goat) and is most remembered for leading his troops into the Massacre of Little Big Horn, against the advice of his scouts and officers.

Several years earlier his led his troops in the battle of the Washita, another massacre but this time his was on the winning side.

He fought well and bravely in the Civil War, decorated and brevetted, but most of his fellow officers considered him an ambitious jerk, risking people around him for his own glory.

For maps google maps Little Big Horn.

http://www.friendslittlebighorn.com/custerslaststand.htm

this has pictures and maps.

even though he lost, the battle field was named for him. only time a loser got the naming rights. really ticks people off.

being renamed to honor the winners