Custer's Last Stand | Part 7 | The Battle of Little Bighorn

“You and I are going home today, and by a trail that is strange to us both…”
The Battle of The Little Bighorn is one of the totemic moments of American frontier history. However, it is also mysterious, with the exact events of that blood-soaked day difficult to trace. On the 22nd of June, George Custer marched out with vague orders to drive the vast gathering of the Lakota and their allies, under the leadership of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, towards General Terry’s force, advancing from the South. Custer, keen as ever for a charge, was hoping to score a considerable defeat over the Native Americans in time for the 4th of July centenary. Then, on the evening of the 24th of June, Crow scouts reported that the Lakota’s trail had been found, and Custer launched into action. Marching his men through the night, they arrived at the encampment the following morning, shocked to discover a camp of thousands. At 3pm, the first force attacked, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, in all its horror and gore, had begun…

Join Dominic and Tom they explore one of America’s most mythologised battles, separating fact from fiction, as they build up to George Custer’s last stand.

Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook

Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett
Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor

[Truffle_Pup]

FINALLY! 🙌

Edit: Some parts had me absolutely howling with laughter, Dom's responses to Tom's garishness is brilliant. Please let's not have it be another 4 weeks for episode 8.

[shadowtiger]

Absolutely the most entertaining approach to the history of The Little Big Horne battle with the British touch of humor.

[markkringle]

Don't forget that Gettysburg happened on July 1-3. Custer was there and lauded as a hero. He wants to get done by July and be a hero again.

[isaacatkinson]

It's great to have Custer and the gang back together. I was getting worried!

[jnnyism]

These two are without exception my favourite history podcasters. Brilliant they have a real knack for telling a story

[edwardmurray]

My great grandfather was there with Reno and survived. He received the MOH for actions taken (getting water while under fire for the wounded). He was also wounded and received a pension after retiring.

[retiredcolonel]

I grew up in Oklahoma. I’m a member of the Cherokee Nation. In my neighborhood I had friends that were Cherokee, Arapaho, Apache and Creek. In Oklahoma, the Washita River Massacre is still remembered and Custer is thought of much like Adolph Hitler—he’s hated. I remember bumper stickers in the 60’s and 70’s in our area of the country that stated, “Custer Had it Coming” So why so much hatred for this man, beyond the massacres he participated in, it’s that he represented a nation who failed to keep its legal obligations to the tribes. From 1778 to 1871, the United States government entered into more than 500 treaties with the Native American tribes; all of these treaties have since been violated in some way or outright broken by the U.S. government. I served 30 years in the US Army including the 3rd CAV which has a battle streamer for “OKLAHOMA.” It was hard to look at that and know that I was part of an organization that slaughtered people in my state. But I served the Constitution and that was worth fighting for. Read the book, “Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee.” It’s an eye opener on the history of US and tribal relations.

[KYExtemper]

I just stumbled on this podcast weeks ago and its GREAT stuff. Best podcast out there! Keep up the good work!

[joeparvana]

I've been wanting to visit the battlefield for many years. An amazing place

[pallhe]

I was born in Iceland in 1974 and my first impression of Custer was that of Richard Mulligan in Little Big Man, which I saw probably around the age of 7-8. I remember my stepfather concurring with every pearl of wisdom dripping from the lips of the old chief.

[TheJonnyzeus]

Thanks. I have been waiting on tenterhooks for this episode!

[minechaftgamer]

I have randomly started with part 7 despite no prior knowledge at all on the subject, but this is brilliant, loved the drunken freshly bebrained Reno impression!

[jamesallen]

Hey guys, First time listener. Wow, you sure to get into the weeds. I love your in-depth history. When is episode 8?

[russfranck]

You guys are so interesting, great team, keep it up please, your awesome

[vixendoe]

Even women stood and fought against Custer and the 7th. Oral history tells that it was Buffalo Calf Road Woman who unhorsed Custer at Greasy Grass.

[jamesallen]

hey guys,
I just binged watched chapter 1- 7 as a first time watcher. It is nice to hear the enlisted man's testimony. Part 8???

[jnnyism]

I haven’t been scalped but when I had screws taken out of my skull I ground my teeth too. The feeling of tremendous pressure does make you do that.

[mikeskawin]

This discussion is very good and I enjoy the humor!
Just discovered your sight. Can’t wait for part 8!

[fdavid]

I hope in part 8 or future episodes they cover the story of the Suicide Boys. Young warriors who in a ceremony the evening before pledged to die in the next battle. Not realizing it would be the next day. According to the oral history they were an important factor.

[Ken-nplf]

Brilliant
Just absolutely stunning podcast series