The 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Greasy Grass, also known as the Custer Battle, is being remembered through the accounts of Native American tribal members who fought in the battle. The battle took place on June 25, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory.

Native American Accounts

According to reports from the time, including an article in the Cheyenne Weekly Leader, Sitting Bull, a prominent Hunkpapa Lakota chief, shared his account of the battle with a reporter. Sitting Bull stated that he was forced to fight against General George Armstrong Custer’s command in order to protect his camp and people.

Sitting Bull’s account of the battle is supported by other Native American leaders, including Chief Gall, who described the battle as a fierce and intense fight. Gall stated that the Native American warriors closed in on the cavalrymen and killed them all within twenty or thirty minutes.

Another Native American warrior, Rain-in-the-Face, claimed to have killed General Custer, but his account is not supported by other Native American leaders. Rain-in-the-Face’s story was widely reported in the press at the time, but its accuracy has been disputed by historians.

The Battle of the Greasy Grass was a significant event in the history of the American West, marking a major defeat for the United States Army and a victory for the Native American tribes who fought against them. The battle is still remembered and commemorated today by Native American communities and historians.

Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.