Member-only story

George Armstrong Custer and Chief Black Kettle: A History of Conflict and Controversy

Mario Simmons

·13.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Coming Through Fire: George Armstrong Custer And Chief Black Kettle

6 min read · 2 weeks before

375 View Claps

50 Respond

Save

Listen

Coming Through Fire: George Armstrong Custer and Chief Black Kettle

by Laurie Segall

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5749 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	315 pages

The Battle of Little Bighorn, one of the most infamous battles in American history, was a clash between the United States Army and a coalition of Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Native Americans, who inflicted heavy casualties on the army under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. Chief Black Kettle, a Cheyenne leader who advocated for peace and cooperation with the whites, was among the Native American casualties.

The battle and its aftermath have been the subject of much debate and controversy, with historians and scholars offering conflicting interpretations of the events. In this article, we will delve into the lives of George Armstrong Custer and Chief Black Kettle, examining their roles in the Battle of Little Bighorn and its aftermath, as well as their broader impact on American history.

Early Life and Military Career of George Armstrong Custer

George Armstrong Custer was born in New Rumley, Ohio, in 1839. He graduated from West Point in 1861 and entered the Union Army during the Civil War. Custer quickly rose through the ranks, distinguishing himself as a daring and courageous cavalry officer. By the end of the war, he had been promoted to brigadier general and was widely recognized as one of the most promising young officers in the army.

After the Civil War, Custer was assigned to the western frontier, where he participated in numerous campaigns against Native American tribes. He gained a reputation as a ruthless and effective Indian fighter, earning the nickname "Yellow Hair" from the Native Americans.

Chief Black Kettle and the Cheyenne People

Chief Black Kettle was born in 1803 in what is now Colorado. He became a respected leader of the Southern Cheyenne people, known for his wisdom and diplomacy. Black Kettle was a strong advocate for peace and cooperation with the whites, and he worked to negotiate treaties with the United States government.

Despite Black Kettle's efforts, tensions between the Cheyenne and the white settlers continued to escalate. In 1864, Black Kettle's village was attacked by Colorado militia, resulting in the deaths of many Cheyenne women and children. This event led to increased anger and resentment among the Cheyenne, and Black Kettle's influence waned.

The Battle of Little Bighorn

In 1876, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led an expedition into the Black Hills of South Dakota in search of gold. The expedition also sought to punish the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes who had been resisting the government's efforts to confine them to reservations.

On June 25, 1876, Custer's expedition encountered a large encampment of Native Americans on the Little Bighorn River. Custer divided his forces into three detachments and ordered them to attack the encampment from different directions.

The Native Americans, led by chiefs Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, launched a fierce counterattack. Custer's detachment was overwhelmed and annihilated, with Custer himself being killed along with all of his men.

Chief Black Kettle's Death and Legacy

Chief Black Kettle was not present at the Battle of Little Bighorn, but he was killed by the army a few weeks later in a separate incident. Black Kettle's death was seen as a deliberate act of revenge by the army, and it further inflamed tensions between the Cheyenne and the whites.

Black Kettle is remembered as a wise and compassionate leader who advocated for peace and understanding. His death at the hands of the army was a tragic end to his life, and it symbolized the failure of the government's Indian policies.

Custer's Legacy and the American Indian Wars

George Armstrong Custer's death at the Battle of Little Bighorn made him a national hero and cemented his place in American history. However, his legacy is complex and controversial. Custer's reputation as a daring and courageous soldier is undeniable, but he has also been criticized for his ruthlessness and his disregard for Native American rights.

The Battle of Little Bighorn was a turning point in the American Indian Wars. The defeat of Custer's expedition showed that the Native Americans were not willing to give up their land and way of life without a fight. The battle also led to a reassessment of the government's Indian policies, and it helped to pave the way for the establishment of reservations.

The lives of George Armstrong Custer and Chief Black Kettle were intertwined in tragedy and conflict. Custer was a symbol of American military might, while Black Kettle represented the peaceful aspirations of the Native Americans. The Battle of Little Bighorn was a clash between two very different worlds, and its outcome had a profound impact on the course of American history.

Coming Through Fire: George Armstrong Custer and Chief Black Kettle

by Laurie Segall

4.3 out of 5