Yes, many US soldiers survived the Battle of Little Bighorn, although no human soldiers from Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer's immediate command at "Custer's Last Stand" did. The battle, fought on June 25-26, 1876, in Montana Territory, involved several detachments of the 7th U.S. Cavalry.
The Broader Battle and Soldier Survival
While the segment of the battle often referred to as "Custer's Last Stand" resulted in the complete annihilation of Custer's immediate detachment, the larger engagement saw many US soldiers survive. The 7th Cavalry was divided into three battalions under the command of:
- Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer: Led five companies (C, E, F, I, and L).
- Major Marcus Reno: Led three companies (A, G, and M).
- Captain Frederick Benteen: Led three companies (H, D, and K).
Major Reno's and Captain Benteen's commands, comprising hundreds of soldiers, endured intense fighting but successfully defended their positions on what became known as "Reno Hill" (or the Reno-Benteen defense site) over two days. These troops, though suffering casualties, were ultimately relieved by General Alfred Terry's column on June 27, 1876.
"Custer's Last Stand" and its Sole Army Survivor
The popular understanding of the Battle of Little Bighorn often focuses on the dramatic and tragic end of Custer and the 225 soldiers under his direct command, none of whom survived the fighting. However, a lesser-known fact surrounding this specific segment of the battle is that there was an "Army survivor" from Custer's immediate force. This unique survivor was Comanche, Captain Myles Keogh's horse, who was found severely wounded on the battlefield but nursed back to health. Comanche became a celebrated symbol of the 7th Cavalry and the battle, serving as a reminder of the immense loss.
Breakdown of Survival by Command
The table below illustrates the fate of the various commands during the Battle of Little Bighorn:
| Command Division | Commander | Outcome for Soldiers (Human) | Notable "Army Survivors" (Non-human) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custer's Column | Lt. Col. George A. Custer | All approximately 225 human soldiers were killed. | Comanche, Captain Keogh's horse |
| Reno's Battalion | Major Marcus Reno | Many soldiers survived; engaged in intense fighting and retreat to hilltop. | Several horses, though many perished |
| Benteen's Column | Captain Frederick Benteen | Many soldiers survived; provided crucial support to Reno's command. | Several horses, though many perished |
| Overall 7th Cavalry | Various Commanders | Hundreds of US soldiers survived the overall battle. | Many horses |
In conclusion, while the famous "Last Stand" claimed the lives of all soldiers under Custer's direct command, the larger Battle of Little Bighorn did indeed have many US soldiers who survived.
