Yes, US soldiers did survive the Battle of Little Bighorn. While the segment famously known as "Custer's Last Stand" resulted in the complete annihilation of General George Armstrong Custer and his immediate command, many other US soldiers from different detachments of the 7th Cavalry survived the broader battle.
The Battle of Little Bighorn: A Brief Overview
The Battle of Little Bighorn, fought on June 25-26, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory, was a pivotal conflict in the Great Sioux War. It pitted the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry Regiment against a coalition of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors.
Key Aspects of the Battle:
- Division of Forces: General Custer divided his 7th Cavalry into three main battalions: one led by Major Marcus Reno, another by Captain Frederick Benteen, and his own command, which attacked the Native American encampment directly.
- Reno's and Benteen's Fate: Major Reno's battalion engaged the encampment first, suffering heavy casualties before retreating to a defensive position on a nearby bluff. Captain Benteen's battalion joined Reno's, and together they held their ground against sustained attacks for over a day.
- Custer's Last Stand: Custer's immediate detachment of approximately 225 men was overwhelmed and killed in what became known as "Custer's Last Stand," a tragic and iconic moment in American military history.
Survivors of the Battle
Despite the widely publicized loss of Custer's detachment, a significant number of US soldiers survived the overall Battle of Little Bighorn. These were primarily soldiers from Major Reno's and Captain Benteen's commands who successfully defended their positions on the bluffs until reinforcements arrived.
Survival Outcome by Detachment:
| Detachment | Commander | Outcome | Number of Survivors (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custer's Command | Gen. G.A. Custer | Annihilated at "Custer's Last Stand" | As per some accounts, one Army survivor from Custer's specific command |
| Reno's Battalion | Maj. Marcus Reno | Engaged, retreated, and defended on bluffs | Many |
| Benteen's Battalion | Capt. F. Benteen | Engaged, joined Reno, and defended on bluffs | Many |
The Sole Army Survivor of Custer's Last Stand
While the "Last Stand" often refers to a complete wipeout, a lesser-known fact is that there was an Army survivor specifically associated with "Custer's Last Stand." This unique detail stands out amidst the general narrative focusing on the devastating loss of Custer and his 225 soldiers. This singular survival from Custer's immediate group adds a complex layer to the battle's grim legacy. The exact identity or specific circumstances of this survivor remain a subject of historical interest, often distinct from the many soldiers who survived from Reno's and Benteen's commands.
For more in-depth information about the Battle of Little Bighorn, you can visit the official National Park Service website or explore resources from History.com.
[[Battle of Little Bighorn Survival]]
