Story of the Little Big Horn

by W.A. Graham

“Custer had been usually effective as an Indian fighter for several years… He was adept in bringing off surprise attacks that crushed and paralyzed resistance. Both his reputation and his experience as an Indian campaigner were second to none; and the Seventh Cavalry…was held one of the best regiments in the service. It was but natural, then, that when the regiment marched proudly away from the mouth of the Rosebud on its mission, Terry could and did feel confident that if he could but catch the recalcitrant braves of Sitting Bull between Custer and Gibbon, he would certainly crush and capture them; and if, perchance, Custer found them elsewhere than was expected, the Seventh Cavalry, under such a leader, would be more than equal to any emergency.” From the Story of the Little Big Horn
In June 1876, General George A Custer was detailed to a column under General Alfred H. Terry. After being sent ahead of General George Crook at the Rosebud River, Custer and the Seventh Cavalry discovered a Souix encampment on June 25. Not realizing that he was far outnumbered, Custer divided his regiment into three sections, sending two, led by Major Marcus A. Reno and Captain Frederick W. Benteen, to attack upstream. Custer’s section stayed to launch a frontal assault, and every man under Custer was killed.
Soon after the massacre, Custer became a tragic hero in the eyes of the American public, and the event achieved an almost mythological reputation. It was not until fifty years later, however, that the first book-length history of the battle, The Story of the Little Big Horn, was published.

Genres: History, American History

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1926

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An pretty good account of the battle. One of the first that called for it to be called a battle and not a massacre. As Graham states "Warfare, however it be savage, is not massacre when when the conquered go to their deaths with arms in their hands."

Although he does not come out and condemn Custer, I personally feel that Custer has always been highly overrated and continues to be so. Too flamboyant and self absorbed. He was often lucky, but nobody could have prevailed against the odds he faced in the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This classic account of the Battle at Little Big Horn was first published in 1926 and was blessed by the army as one of the official histories of the battle. It takes great pains to NOT call it a massacre since both sides were armed. It is a very quick read that focuses on the militaries approach and sticks just to the facts and eyewitness accounts of the time. Pulling from interviews, testimony and army orders it highlights what the army did at Little Big Horn. While more modern accounts like Nathaniel Philbrick delve more into both the army side and the native American side this book sticks with the army’s story. For those really interested in military history or the history of Native Americans this is a good addition to a library. If you want something a little more balanced and wide spread in its view check out Philbrick’s account.

[Drpsychorat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good general discussion of the battle sticking mainly with the know facts. Somewhat disappointing however on such topics as number of new recruits at the battle, the conclusions of the Reno Court and whether anything could have been done to support Custer. Found the book very supportive of the government’s conclusions.

[BIG BOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by one of the premier early Custer researchers, this is a fascinating account of the Little Bighorn and surrounding events.