The Battle of the Greasy Grass, as the Lakota call it, was the ultimate confrontation between the Sioux nation and the U.S. military. The fighting may have lasted less than an hour, but the story continues to live on down through generations of Lakota families. For Americans, it is named "The Battle of Little Bighorn" and perhaps more popularly "Custer's Last Stand."
The 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty grants possession of the Black Hills in North Dakota to the Sioux. In 1874, Colonel Custer announces the discovery of gold in those hills. His announcement causes miners to flood into the area. The Sioux refuse to surrender the most sacred part of their territory and are prepared to fight for it. The following year, federal authorities attempt to contain the Sioux on reservations. Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and others refuse to comply.
On June 14, 1876, Sitting Bull has a vision during a sacred Sun Dance ceremony. He sees a battle that ends in victory for his people. The vision comes with a warning: the warriors must not steal their enemies' possessions. On June 17, 1876, Crazy Horse, an Oglala Sioux war leader, and 500 warriors surprise General Crook's troops on the Rosebud River, forcing them to retreat. This victory does not fulfill Sitting Bull's vision. Eight days later the vision comes to life when George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry spot Sitting Bull's camp on the Little Bighorn River. A group of Crow Indians, longtime enemies of the Sioux, help the American Army. Undeterred by the large numbers of Sioux warriors, Custer plans to attack from several directions at once. He divides his forces into combat units, one led by Major Marcus Reno and another by Captain Frederick Benteen.
Meanwhile, thousands of Sioux and Cheyenne are enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon on the largest encampment ever made by Plains Indians. A little after 3 in the afternoon, they hear the sounds of gunfire. Major Reno's troops ride into the village and open fire on anything that moves. Native warriors, led by Gall, leap into action and quickly overwhelm the soldiers. They could have destroyed all of Reno's men, but under Sitting Bull's orders they spare the soldiers' lives.
Possibly recognizing the magnitude of what his army is up against, Custer alters his plan. He leads his troops to a hilltop where they can wait for the other combat units and some extra ammunition. Upon reaching the hilltop, Custer's battalion finds itself surrounded, caught between Crazy Horse and Gall. By this time, the entire native force gathers to join the attack. Crazy Horse, believing that a bullet will not kill him, rides right through the centre of the U.S. cavalry, breaking the final resistance. The soldiers all fire at once, but Crazy Horse is not hit. A haze of gunfire and arrows fill the air until the lifeless bodies of Custer and every one of his men are scattered across the hillside. Ignoring Sitting Bull's warning, the warriors raid the soldiers' possessions.
News of the ferocious battle and the death of Custer, a Civil War hero, shocks America. General Philip Sheridan sends troops to hunt down the Sioux and force them to surrender. Sitting Bull manages to lead his band to safety in Canada.
The Battle of Little Bighorn is perhaps one of the worst fiascos in American military history. And while it stands as a great victory for the Sioux Nation, the battle now symbolizes the beginning of the end of their freedom.
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This is it guys...
Our chance to MAKE the Sydney Football Stadium OURS once again and re-live that ELECTRIFYING night against the Dragons in 2005!!
This OUR home match!!
WESTSTIGERS EARNT THE HOME GROUND ADVANTAGE!!
It's up to US as SUPPORTERS to reclaim what is rightfully ours!!
I hope you all scream your lungs out for 80mins+ non stop just like that night in 2005 and let the boys know we are right behind them whether they are in front or BEHIND on the scoreboard!!
Don't give those Nancyboy Latte Sippers an inch on Saturday night!!!
FIRE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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