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Soldiers' Bones from the Battle of the Little Bighorn: Uncovering the Hidden History

Corey Hayes

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Published in They Died With Custer: Soldiers Bones From The Battle Of The Little Bighorn

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They Died With Custer: Soldiers' Bones from the Battle of the Little Bighorn

by Douglas D. Scott

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	55796 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	444 pages

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, is one of the most infamous battles in American history. Fought on June 25, 1876, between the U.S. Army and a coalition of Native American tribes, the battle resulted in the annihilation of the 7th Cavalry Regiment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. In the years since the battle, the remains of many of the fallen soldiers have been discovered and studied, providing valuable insights into the events of that fateful day.

The Discovery of the Bones

The first soldiers' bones from the Battle of the Little Bighorn were discovered in 1877 by a group of soldiers led by Captain Myles Moylan. The bones were found scattered on the battlefield, and many of them bore evidence of severe trauma. It was clear that the soldiers had died in a brutal and violent battle.

Over the years, additional soldiers' bones have been discovered at the Little Bighorn battlefield. In 1984, a team of archaeologists led by Dr. Douglas Owsley conducted a systematic excavation of the site and recovered the remains of over 100 soldiers. These remains have been the subject of extensive study, which has provided a wealth of information about the soldiers' identities, wounds, and the circumstances of their deaths.

The Identity of the Soldiers

The identification of the soldiers' bones from the Little Bighorn has been a complex and challenging process. Many of the bones were found without any identifying marks, and the records of the 7th Cavalry Regiment were destroyed in the battle. However, through a combination of DNA analysis, dental records, and other evidence, researchers have been able to identify the remains of over 50 soldiers.

The soldiers who died at the Little Bighorn came from a variety of backgrounds. They were from different parts of the country, and they had different ethnicities and religions. Some were veterans of the Civil War, while others were recent immigrants. They were all united by their service to their country, and they all paid the ultimate price on that fateful day.

The Wounds of the Soldiers

The soldiers' bones from the Little Bighorn bear witness to the intense and brutal fighting that took place on that day. Many of the bones show evidence of gunshot wounds, while others show evidence of sharp force trauma. Some of the soldiers were killed instantly, while others died from their wounds over a period of time.

The study of the soldiers' wounds has provided valuable insights into the tactics and weapons used in the battle. It has also shed light on the medical care that was available to the soldiers in the field. In many cases, the soldiers were treated with rudimentary first aid, but it was often not enough to save their lives.

The Significance of the Bones

The soldiers' bones from the Battle of the Little Bighorn are more than just historical artifacts. They are the remains of real people who died in a tragic and unnecessary war. They are a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by our soldiers throughout our history, and they are a testament to the importance of remembering and learning from our past.

The study of the soldiers' bones has helped us to understand the events of the Battle of the Little Bighorn in greater detail. It has also helped us to appreciate the humanity of the soldiers who fought and died in that battle. These bones are a valuable part of our national heritage, and they deserve to be preserved and studied for generations to come.

The soldiers' bones from the Battle of the Little Bighorn are a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. They are a testament to the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers, and they are a reminder of the importance of learning from our past so that we can avoid the mistakes of the future.

We owe it to the soldiers who died at the Little Bighorn to remember their sacrifice and to honor their memory. We must also learn from their experience so that we can build a more peaceful and just world.

They Died With Custer: Soldiers' Bones from the Battle of the Little Bighorn

by Douglas D. Scott

4.4 out of 5