Garryowen

Garryowen, an old Irish tune, was the regimental marching song of the 7th U.S. Cavalry in General Custer's command. The Battle of the Little Big Horn began in the valley just east of here on June 25, 1876, after Custer ordered Major Marcus A. Reno to move his battalion into action against Sioux and Cheyenne tribes led by Chiefs Gall, Crazy Horse, Two Moons, and the medicine man Sitting Bull. Reno, with 112 men, came out of the hills about 2½ miles southeast of here and rode within ¼ mile of the Indian camp, where he met Indians who outnumbered his soldiers ten to one. After dismounting his men, Reno formed a thin skirmish line west across the valley from the timber along the river. After severe losses, he was forced to retreat to high ground east of the Little Big Horn, where he was joined by Major Benteen's command. Their combined forces held off the Indians until Gibbon's column approached from the north the following day, causing the Indians to pull out. Reno and Benteen did not know Custer's fate until the morning of June 27.

Montana · United States