Medicine Tail Coulee

After leaving Cedar Coulee, Custer descended toward the Little Bighorn River through the ravine known as Medicine Tail Coulee and probably again divided his command, with three companies likely ascending to the higher ridges beyond and two companies approaching the river along the coulee. Near here he sent back a message for Captain Benteen to “be quick.” Although most warriors were still engaged with Reno in the valley, some were aware of Custer’s advance. Crow Scout Curley recalled that on reaching Medicine Tail Creek, Custer halted his command, the men rearranged their saddles, and he rode to an officer who seemed to command one of the troops and gave an order, after which that troop turned toward the Little Bighorn while Custer and the remainder of his command continued northward, his trail about 1½ miles from the river. From across the river, Mrs. Spotted Horn Bull recalled hearing the bugle and seeing the column of soldiers turn left to march down to the river where the attack was to be made, while the warriors rushed through the village.

Montana · United States