Following the Fetterman massacre in December 1866, Congress, in July 1867, authorized President Johnson to establish a Peace Commission to work with the plains Indian tribes and attempt to negotiate a treaty of peace. The purpose of this “Indian Peace Policy” was to provide safety for the white settles and to attempt to civilize the Indians. The Commission wanted to establish reservations for the tribes in the plains area north of Nebraska. Following the abandonment of the forts along the Bozeman Trail in 1868, the Commission prepared the “Sioux Treaty of 1868” and had more than 150 signatures from the chiefs of ten Sioux bands. It is doubtful that any of the signers of treaty had any idea of its contents. The Sioux would be forced to give up large areas of their hunting grounds in turn for permanent reservations that would exclude whites.

In June 1869 General William T. Sherman directed that an order be issued stating that Indians found off their reservations would be considered hostile. Indians found hunting or roaming in the unceded territories, even if peaceful, would be subject to harsh measures – either being returned to their reservations by force or killed. By the summer of 1871, as the building of railroads progressed westward, Indians harassed the surveyors and continued to hunt off of the reservations. An 1873 expedition along the Yellowstone River, led by General David S. Stanley and including Custer’s 7th Cavalry, escorted the railroad surveyors. During the campaign several pitched battles between the 7th Cavalry and the Sioux occurred with only limited casualties to both sides.

            General Alfred H. Terry, commanding the Department of Dakota, ordered Custer’s 7th Cavalry to explore the Black Hills of what is now South Dakota. The Black Hills were part of the Sioux reservation and were their principal hunting grounds. Several prospectors accompanied the expedition and their discovery of gold was soon national news. Quickly goldseekers headed into the Black Hills in ever-increasing numbers much to the displeasure of the Sioux. All attempts to stop the prospectors proved futile. The government tried to negotiate with the Indians for the purchase of the Black Hills but was unsuccessful.

Unable to prevent prospectors and settlers from moving into the Black Hills President Ulysses S. Grant decided his only choice was to drive the Indians back to their reservations and away from the Black Hills. If the Indians failed to return to their reservations Grant could brand them “hostiles” and seize the Black Hills for the government. Grant ordered the Department of the Interior to issue an ultimatum to the Indians to return to their reservations by January 31, 1876, or be declared hostile. If the Indians did not return to their permanent homes on the reservations by the stated date, the problem would be turned over to the War Department.

Although many of the tribes may have received the notification to return to the agencies, many were in winter camps and either unable or not inclined to make the required journey. Sherman was directed to take immediate measures to compel these Indians to return to and remain upon their reservations. A winter campaign was planned to strike the “hostiles” before their ponies were up to full strength after the long winter.

The campaign would be developed with three major movements: 1) General George Crook would bring a column consisting of up from southern Wyoming Territory, 2) Colonel John Gibbon would move companies of cavalry and infantry east from Fort Ellis, Montana Territory, and 3) General Terry would proceed west from Fort Abraham Lincoln with companies of cavalry and infantry.

Only Crook’s column was able to take to the field during the winter, leaving Fort Fetterman on February 27 with 12 companies, five of the 2nd Cavalry, five of the 3rd Cavalry, and two of the 4th Infantry. A battle with the Indians on the Powder River on March 17 resulted in an initial victory for Crook’s forces but was immediately followed by the Indians forcing a withdrawal of the army troops. Crook returned to Fort Fetterman on March 26, thoroughly beaten by both the weather and the Indians.

It would not be until April 3, 1876, that the expedition (Montana column) under Colonel Gibbon left Fort Ellis. His force consisted of four companies of the 2nd Cavalry and six companies of the 7th Infantry. Gibbon’s command proceeded east along the north side of the Yellowstone River with the intent of preventing the Indians from escaping in that direction.

Terry’s command (Dakota column) left Fort Lincoln on May 17 and consisted of 12 companies of the 7th Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer, one company of the 6th Infantry, two companies of the 17th Infantry and one company of the 20th Infantry with three Gatling guns. Terry was to move west and force the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne into an area where they could be contained and returned to their reservations.

General Crook reformulated his command (Wyoming column) and left Fort Fetterman on May 29 with the largest of the three columns. His command consisted of ten companies of the 3rd Cavalry, five companies of the 2nd Cavalry, three companies of the 9th Infantry, and two companies of the 4th Infantry. Crook moved his command north and on June 17 encountered a strong force of Sioux and Cheyenne on Rosebud Creek and was forced to withdraw from the area. The three-pronged expedition was now down to two!

Major Marcus Reno’s ten-day scout up the Tongue River and crossing over to the Rosebud Creek valley, determined the Indians had moved from the Rosebud area farther west into the Big Horn Valley. Both Gibbon’s and Terry’s commands were committed to bringing the Indians to battle. On June 22 Custer started the 12 companies of the 7th Cavalry up Rosebud Creek while Gibbon’s command was ordered to backtrack up the Yellowstone and approach the Big Horn valley from the north. On the morning of June 25 Custer’s command would turn west and cross over the divide between the Rosebud and the Little Big Horn – it was the beginning of Custer’s final campaign.

 

Books on the Centennial Campaign

          Anders, Frank L., The Custer Trail (Glendale, CA: The Arthur H. Clark Co., 1983). A narrative of the line of march of troops serving in the Department of Dakota in the campaign against hostile Sioux -- 1876 -- Fort Abraham Lincoln to the Montana line. Includes 14 "Historical Trail Markers of Custer's Trail, 1876" edited by John M. Carroll. Hardcover in very fine condition, no dust jacket as issued. Signed by Carroll, Tom Heski and Bob Heski. This is No. 126 of 350 limited edition. Very scarce with the trail markers. (Item No. 4003) .................$400.00

Carroll, John M. (editor), The Papers of the Order of Indian Wars (Fort Collins, CO: Old Army Press, 1975). A rare collection of first hand information from the files of the Army Historical Research Center, Carlisle Barracks, PA. Hardcover in like new condition with like new dust jacket. (Item No. 837) .................$75.00

Donnelle, A.J., Cyclorama of General Custer's Last Battle (New York, NY: Promontory Press, 1965). First published in 1889 this edition contains the full reports of Reno, Benteen and Sitting Bull, as well as a rather lengthy letter from Mrs. Custer defending her husband's actions during the campaign. Included also is a list of officers and men killed during the battle. Hardcover in fine condition with a very good dust jacket. (Item No. 0517) ..........$30.00

Dustin, Fred, The Custer Tragedy: Events Leading Up to and Following the Little Big Horn Campaign of 1876 (Ann Arbor, MI: Edwards Brothers, Inc., 1939). The results of over 30 years of study and research, Dustin is one of the major players in relating the facts about the Little Big Horn battle. Hardcover in very good condition with a good dust jacket. Second printing, 1965. (Item No. 1391) ………$90.00; Another copy, hardcover in fine condition with a good dust jacket (chip in top edge). Second printing, 1965. (Item No. 0194) ...........$110.00: Another copy, hardcover in fine condition with a fine dust jacket. Second printing, 1965. (Item No. 1105) ........$115.00: Another copy (El Segundo, CA: Upton and Sons Publishers, 1987) hardcover in like new condition with a plain white dust jacket. Leather limited edition, No. 31 of 50. (Item No. 3471) .....................$175.00: Another copy, hardcover in very fine condition, no dust jacket. (Item No. 3942) ....$45.00

Gibbon, Maj. Gen. John, Gibbon on the Sioux Campaign of 1876 (Bellevue, NE: The Old Army Press, 1969). Fred Dustin wrote, "Of all the accounts bearing on the campaign that of Col. Gibbon is far and away the best ... we do not have another single authority quite equal." A series of articles by Gibbon. Booklet in very good condition. (Item No. 2526E) .......................$22.00

Gray, John S., Centennial Campaign: The Sioux War of 1876 (Fort Collins, CO: Old Army Press, 1976). The full story of the Sioux War of 1876. It follows the strategy and tactics of all the army columns and Indian forces as they campaigned in 1876.  Hardcover in fine condition, with a fine jacket. Trade edition. (Item No. 3546) ....................$245.00: Another copy, hardcover in very fine condition with a very fine dust jacket, limited edition of 250, signed, includes letter signed by Gray. (Item No. 3662) .......................$325.00: Another copy, hardcover, would be in fine condition but water damaged, very readable, white protective dust jacket. Limited edition of 250, signed. (Item No. 3870) .............$45.00

Greene, Jerome A. (editor), Battles and Skirmishes of the Great Sioux War, 1876-1877 (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1993). Provides accounts of the many battles and skirmishes in the Great Sioux War as they were observed by participating officers, enlisted men, scouts, surgeons, and newspaper correspondents. Hardcover in fine condition with a fine dust jacket. First printing. Signed. (Item No. 3550) ......................$33.00: Another copy, hardcover in very good to fine condition with a fine dust jacket. First printing. Signed. (Item No. 3609) .................$30.00

Greene, Jerome A., Yellowstone Command: Colonel Nelson A. Miles and the Great Sioux War 1876-1877 (Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 1991). Provides the first detailed account of the campaign of Colonel Miles in the winter of 1876-1877 as he moved against the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians in the aftermath of the Custer debacle. Hardcover in very fine condition with a very fine dust jacket. First edition. (Item No. 3297) .......................$50.00

Hedren, Paul L., The Great Sioux War 1876-77 (Helena, MT: Montana Historical Society Press, 1991). The best from Montana The Magazine of Western History. Hardcover in fine condition with fine dust jacket. (Item No. 2273) …………….$35.00: Another copy, hardcover in very fine condition with a very fine dust jacket. (Item No. 3300) ..................$40.00

Hutchins, James S. (editor), The Army and Navy Journal on the Battle of the Little Bighorn and Related Matters 1876-1881 (El Segundo, CA: Upton & Sons, Publishers, 2003). The Journal was an independent weekly newspaper wholly devoted to the interests of the armed forces. Hutchins followed Custer's trail through the yellowed files of this Journal from 1876 to 1881. Hardcover in like new condition with a like new dust jacket. Limited edition, this is No. 47 of 50, signed. (Item No. 2934) ..........$150.00: Another copy, trade edition, hardcover in very fine condition with a very fine dust jacket. (Item No. 3593) ...................$45.00

Knight, Oliver, Following the Indian Wars: The Story of the Newspaper Correspondents Among the Indian Campaigners (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1960). The newspaper correspondents who took to the field with troops have their say about the Indian wars which lasted from 1866 to 1891. Their stories shed new and important light on 25 years of conflict extending over half a continent. Hardcover in very good to fine condition with a very good to fine dust jacket. First edition. (Item No. 0744) ....................... $50.00; Another copy, hardcover in fine condition with a very good dust jacket. First edition. (Item No. 2501) ....................$45.00

Libbie, O.G., The Arikara Narrative of the Campaign Against the Hostile Dakotas June, 1876 (New York, NY: Sol Lewis, 1973). This is proofing copy, wraps in good condition, few chips. A volume of the Custeriana series by John M. Carroll. This is #1 or 4 proofing copies. (Item No. 1672) ..............$35.00

Mangum, Neil C., Battle of the Rosebud: Prelude to the Little Bighorn (El Segundo, CA: Upton & Sons, 1996). The Indian victory at the Rosebud was a prelude to and directly led to a still greater triumph eight days later on June 25, 1876, when Lt. Col. George A. Custer and his immediate command were wiped out to a man by these same warriors who had opposed Crook on the Rosebud. Hardcover in like new condition with like new dust jacket. Third printing. (Item No. 2162) ...................$35.00: Another copy, hardcover in like new condition with a like new dust jacket. Limited edition in leather, No. 3 of 50. Signed. (Item No. 0980) ...................$125.00

Marquis, Thomas, Custer, Cavalry & Crows (Fort Collins, CO: Old Army Press, 1975). An account of William White, who as a private in the 2nd Cavalry served in the Sioux War of 1876, the Nez Perce Campaign, the Snake River Exploration and many other military campaigns, married into the Crow tribe, and became a guide at the Custer Battlefield. Hardcover in very fine condition, no dust jacket as issued. (Item No. 3272) ......................$90.00: Another copy, hardcover in fine condition, no dust jacket as issued. (Item No. 3836) ..........$80.00

Montana Magazine, Special Custer Edition (Helena, MT: Volume XVI, No. 2, Spring 1966). Contains six articles relating to the Little Big Horn including, "The Little Big Horn: 90 Years Later," "Crook and Crazy Horse," "Legend Was A Man Named Keogh," "Custer's Scouts," "Fred Munn: Memoirs of a Cavalry Veteran," and "The Reno-Benteen Defense Perimeter." Wraps in fine condition. (Item No. 1220E) ................$55.00: Another copy, wraps in fine condition. (Item No. 3158E) .................$55.00

Robinson III, Charles M., A Good Year to Die: The Story of the Great Sioux War (New York, NY: Random House, 1995). This book reveals a great deal about Indian culture, history, beliefs, and personality. Much of the dramatic narrative is based on first-hand accounts of the participants, diaries and letters of American soldiers, and the oral histories of many of the Indians who fought them. Hardcover in fine condition with a very good to fine dust jacket. (Item No. 3637) ................$25.00: Another copy, hardcover in fine condition with a fine dust jacket. (Item No. 3549) ..................$28.00

Sarf, Wayne Michael, The Little Bighorn Campaign: March – September 1876 (Conshohocken, PA: Combined Books, Inc., 1993). The author describes the personalities and events that led to the disaster at Little Big Horn from a failed attempt to subdue the Indians at the Powder River to General George Crook’s defeat at the Rosebud and beyond. Hardcover in fine condition with fine dust jacket. First Edition. (Item No. 3560) ……………..$20.00

Schneider, George (editor), The Freeman Journal (San Rafael, CA: Presidio Press, 1977). The infantry in the Sioux Campaign of 1876. Captain Henry B. Freeman was commander of infantry with Gibbon's Montana column. A rare infantry account. Hardcover in fine condition with a fine dust jacket. (Item No. 1305) ...................$50.00: Another copy, hardcover in fine condition with a fine dust jacket. (Item No. 663) ....................$50.00

Terry, Alfred H., The Field Diary of General Alfred H. Terry: The Yellowstone Expedition - 1876 (Bellevue, NE: Old Army Press, ND). Terry reveals much about the failure of the Yellowstone Campaign of 1876. On many important issues it is silent, but even its silence is revealing. Booklet in very good to fine condition. Second edition. (Item No. 1811E) ...................$20.00

Vaughn, J.W., With Crook at the Rosebud (Harrisburg, PA: The Stackpole Company, 1956). Here is the complete story of the Rosebud battle on June 17, 1876, and the situation instrumental in bringing about the tragedy at the Little Big Horn eight days later. Well documented, the book is enhanced by the magic pen pictures of Finerty, the Chicago Times correspondent who accompanied the campaign. Hardcover in very fine condition with a fine dust jacket. First edition. (Item No. 3653) ............$90.00: Another copy, hardcover in fine condition with a fine dust jacket. First edition. (Item No. 2612) ....$90.00

Werner, Fred H., Before the Little Big Horn (Greeley, CO: Werner Publications, 1983). Covers Crook's march to the Rosebud and the battle with the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians on June 17, 1876 -- just eight days before the Little Big Horn battle. Booklet in very fine condition, 2nd edition, signed. (Item No. 3536E) ...................$25.00: Another copy, booklet in fine condition. Signed. (Item No. 2814E) .....$25.00

Willert, James, After Little Bighorn: 1876 Campaign Rosters (La Mirada, CA: James Willert, Publisher, 1985). A convenient volume of reference concerning the 75 companies of U.S. Infantry and cavalry -- officers and enlisted men, and others -- who participated in the 1876 Indian War, following Custer's defeat at Little Big Horn. Spiral bound in fine condition. Limited, 1st edition. (Item No. 4100) ...............$150.00: Another copy, hardcover in fine condition, scarce. (Item No. 4500) ........... $250.00

Willert, James (editor), Bourke's Diary: Chronicle of the 1876 Indian War (La Mirada, CA: James Willert, Publisher, 1986). These are the daily entries from the journals of 1st Lieutenant John Gregory Bourke, June 27, 1876 to September 15, 1876. First edition, signed and numbered (#17). Hardcover in like new condition with a plain white dust jacket. (Item No. 4099) ...................$225.00

Willert, James (editor), March of the Columns: A Chronicle of the 1876 Indian War: June 27 - September 16 (El Segundo, CA: Upton and Sons, Publishers, 1994). The day-to-day personal accounts of those who took part in the 1876 summer campaign in pursuit of the recalcitrant Sioux and Cheyenne. Hardcover in like new condition with a plain white dust jacket. Collector's edition, No. 8 of 50 signed. (Item No. 3472) .........$250.00

Willert, James (editor), To the Edge of Darkness: A Chronicle of the 1876 Indian War (El Segundo, CA: Upton and Sons Publishers, 1998). General Gibbon's Montana column and the Reno scout -- covers the period from March 14, 1876, to June 20, 1876. Hardcover in like new condition with a plain white dust jacket. Leather No. 47 of 50. First edition. Signed. (Item No. 2860) ....................$195.00

Broken Arrow Books has a number of other books on this subject – your inquires are welcome. We also provide a search service if we do not have the book in stock and can either obtain the book for you or provide you with the name of the dealer who has a copy of the book.