North American Archaeology

The Secrets of the Little Bighorn

Video Study Guide

1992, 22 minutes, color, The Learning Channel Archaeology Series

Summary

Custer's Last Stand was an American myth, an ironic symbol of the domination of the Plains Indians. Yet in 1983, a prairie fire over the battlefield gave archaeologists an opportunity to examine the truth of the myth. Indian oral tradition and ledgerbook drawings contradicted the military versions, telling of soldiers in disarray and flight, in tactical breakdown, but until the archaeology was done there was no proof. Archaeologists were able to scour the field with metal detectors, locating nearly 9,500 artifacts from the battle.

Shell casing and other artifacts gave detailed information about the nature and number of armaments of both sides, as well as movements. These could be tracked by firing signatures on casings and on bullets. A computer simulation showed that essentially the Indian version was more accurate.

Questions

1. How did Custer get to be a legend? How was this legend ideologically in support of American policy and attitudes toward Indians?
2. What did Indian versions of the battle say?
3. What archaeological techniques were used on the battlefield and what scientific techniques were used to analyze the remains?
4. How did archaeology at the battlefield change attitudes toward the legend?

 For additional information see Archaeology, history, and Custer's last battle: the Little Big Horn reexamined. by Fox, Richard A., 1993 Norman: U of Oklahoma Press

Custer image from Militaria: Civil War and Indian Wars with thanks.

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larry-zimmerman@uiowa.edu
University of Iowa Anthropology
08.20.98