Major Reno’s Day in Court

Major Reno’s Day in Court

Court Recorder: “State whether it was cowardice or not that prompted you to leave the timber and the bottom.” Major Reno: “There was no use in my staying in the timber as I could assist no one and could make no diversion. When I left there I acted on...
Washita Media War 1868

Washita Media War 1868

In the 1970 film, Little Big Man, General Custer and the 7th Cavalry are depicted charging to the Washita Massacre at dawn to the tune of “Garryowen,” an old Irish drinking song that Custer loved and that he had made the regimental anthem. We know this...
Racing Down the Yellowstone

Racing Down the Yellowstone

Before the dominance railroads in America, rivers were the byways with the longest reach for moving people and goods. With the advent of the steamboat, shallow-draft engine-powered travel was possible over thousands of miles of waterways. River navigation was a tricky...
Frederick Benteen: Many Sided Warrior

Frederick Benteen: Many Sided Warrior

I confess a weakness for Frederick William Benteen, the senior captain of the 7th United States Cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel George Armstrong Custer. I find him fascinating for a number of reasons, not the least of which was his marvelous wit. His actions at the...
The Fighting Irish Pencil Pusher

The Fighting Irish Pencil Pusher

“Let no easy-going journalist suppose that an Indian campaign is a picnic. If he goes out on such business he must go prepared to ride his forty or fifty miles a day, go sometimes on half rations, sleep on the ground with small covering, roast, sweat, freeze,...
Custer’s Wolverines in the Civil War

Custer’s Wolverines in the Civil War

“Come on, you Wolverines!” With this spirited shout, young General George A. Custer led his Michigan cavalry into the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War. After his death at the Little Bighorn, Custer was at first lionized as a heroic martyr. In the...

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