Battle of Little Bighorn
Proper noun A significant historical military engagement that took place on June 25–26, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory. It was fought between the United States Army's 7th Cavalry Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, and a coalition of Native American tribes, primarily the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Native American forces, who annihilated Custer and his immediate command.
This term is used exclusively as a proper noun to refer to this specific historical event. It is a compound name for the battle. * Historians continue to analyze the tactics used at the Battle of Little Bighorn. * The Battle of Little Bighorn is also commonly known as Custer's Last Stand.
- The battle is a central case study in military history regarding intelligence failures and the consequences of underestimating an opponent.
- It is often cited in discussions about the conflicts between the United States government and Plains Indian tribes during the late 19th century.
- Custer's Last Stand: The most common alternative name for the same battle.
- Battle of the Greasy Grass: The name used by many Native American participants, derived from their name for the Little Bighorn River.
- Custer's Last Stand
- Battle of the Greasy Grass
- "Custer's luck ran out": An idiomatic reference to the end of Custer's famed career and life at this battle.
- The battle is frequently depicted in film, literature, and art as a symbol of both heroic resistance and tragic conflict.
- a battle in Montana near the Little Bighorn River between United States cavalry under Custer and several groups of Native Americans (1876); Custer was pursuing Sioux led by Sitting Bull; Custer underestimated the size of the Sioux forces (which were supported by Cheyenne warriors) and was killed along with all his command