The Battle of the Little Bighorn remains one of the most debated events in American military history. In this collection of meticulously researched essays, the author challenges long-standing myths, examines key decisions made by Custer and his superiors, and re-evaluates the evidence surrounding the battle and its participants.Drawing on articles published in leading historical journals, this volume delves into topics such as Custer’s reconnaissance, the accusations that he disobeyed orders, the strength of the warrior force he faced, and the reliability of testimony from the Reno Court of Inquiry. It also investigates the fate of the 7th Cavalry’s horses, the provenance of a multi-million-dollar battle relic, and the distortions of modern internet sources.
A thought-provoking collection of essays that re-examines key controversies surrounding Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, challenging myths and uncovering overlooked facts through decades of research.
1 An Alternative View of the Fight of the Custer Battalions
2 In Custers Boots
3 Custers Luck Runs Out
4 Custer and the Reconnaissance Question
5 Whence the Montana Column?
6 Custer Did Follow Terrys Orders
7 A Reasonable Doubt?
8 The Reno CourtCuster, the Silent Witness
9 Who Speaks for Custer?
10 CusterPersonal Bias vs Reality
11 Custer and the Internet
12 How Many Warriors did Custer Face?
13 Three Indian LeadersThree Controversies
14 A Slip of the Tongue?
15 The Horses Tale
16 A Warning Flag?
Gordon Richard was born in 1935 in Jersey, Channel Islands, where he was educated at Victoria College and gained honours in English History. He took an early interest in William F. Buffalo Bill Cody, whose family originated from Jersey, and through him to George A. Custer, and the Battle of the Little Horn, which he has studied for over 50 years. Gordon has written articles for the Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association, and the Custer Association of Great Britain. He is a member of both associations, as well as Friends of the Little Big Horn. Through the message boards of the Little Big Horn Alliance he became friendly with Gordon Clinton Harper, who was writing a book about June 2526, 1876. When Harper died, Gordon took over the project and co-authored the book Fights on the Little Horn.
