'Custer Battlefield: A History And Guide To The Battle Of The Little Bighorn' Summary

Custer Battlefield: A History and Guide to the Battle of the Little Bighorn by Robert Marshall Utley is a comprehensive and authoritative account of one of the most pivotal events in American history. The book covers the lead-up to the battle, the battle itself, and the aftermath, while also providing a guide to the battlefield itself.

In the lead-up to the battle, the United States government was determined to force the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne onto reservations. In 1876, General George Crook led a three-pronged expedition against the Native Americans. Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer commanded one of the prongs.

On June 25, 1876, Custer and his 7th Cavalry encountered a large combined force of Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne warriors at the Little Bighorn River. Custer divided his command into three battalions and attacked. However, the Native Americans were well-prepared and fought fiercely. Custer and his entire battalion were killed.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn was a major victory for the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. It was also a major defeat for the United States Army. The battle helped to galvanize public support for the Native American cause and led to a change in US policy towards Native Americans.

Utley's book provides a detailed and balanced account of the battle. He draws on eyewitness accounts, archaeological evidence, and the latest scholarship to reconstruct the events of the day. He also examines the causes of the battle, the strategies and tactics of both sides, and the aftermath of the defeat.

In addition to its historical narrative, Custer Battlefield also serves as a guide to the battlefield itself. Utley provides detailed descriptions of the key sites and monuments, such as the Last Stand Hill, the Reno-Benteen Defense Site, and the Indian Memorial. He also offers insights into the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne cultures, helping readers to understand the perspectives of the Native Americans who fought in the battle.

Custer Battlefield: A History and Guide to the Battle of the Little Bighorn is an essential resource for anyone interested in this important event in American history. Utley's clear and engaging writing style makes the book accessible to a wide audience, while his scholarly expertise ensures that it is accurate and informative.

The essence and spirit of the book can be captured in the following passage:

"The Battle of the Little Bighorn was a complex event with no easy answers. It was a product of many factors, including the US government's policy of forced assimilation, the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne desire to maintain their traditional way of life, and the individual decisions of key leaders on both sides."

Conclusion

Custer Battlefield: A History and Guide to the Battle of the Little Bighorn is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or Native American culture. Utley's book provides a comprehensive and authoritative account of the battle, while also serving as a guide to the battlefield itself. Utley's clear and engaging writing style makes the book accessible to a wide audience, while his scholarly expertise ensures that it is accurate and informative.