Custer’s Advance

From the Crow’s Nest, a vantage point 14 miles away in the Wolf Mountains, Custer’s Crow and Arikara scouts saw evidence of the massive Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho encampment. Convinced that he was discovered, Custer abandoned plans for a reconnaissance and a delayed attack. He divided his forces into four groups along Reno Creek and decided to strike the village before it could scatter. As Custer’s battalions approached the Little Bighorn Valley, he ordered Major Marcus Reno with approximately 175 soldiers and scouts to cross the river and charge. Custer, with approximately 225 soldiers and scouts, veered to the northwest and appeared on the ridge to the left for their first view of the village, while the pack train followed and Benteen’s battalion was ordered to the left and front.

Crow Agency, Montana · United States