Custer’s Last Stand, also known as the Battle of the Little Bighorn, was a significant event in American history. As teachers, it is essential that we equip our students with knowledge about this event to help them better understand its impact on Western expansion and Native American relations. This article will provide educators with an overview of the battle and suggestions on how to teach students about its importance and location.
Background of Custer’s Last Stand:
On June 25, 1876, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led a force of roughly 700 U.S. Army soldiers against a group of Nebraska, Lakota Sioux, and Northern Cheyenne tribes in what is now Montana. Historically named “Custer’s Last Stand,” this battle resulted in the complete annihilation of Custer and his men. It is crucial to teach students that this was not a simple win-lose scenario; rather, it was a bloodbath with lasting consequences for Western expansion and Native American sovereignty.
Teaching the Location:
- Utilize Visual Resources: Show students maps or satellite images of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. This will give them a clear understanding of the geographical location where the event took place.
- Discuss Nearby Landmarks: Identify important landmarks near the battlefield such as the Little Bighorn River, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and Crow Indian Reservation to contextualize historical events in relation to their surroundings.
- Create a Timeline: Develop a timeline spanning from early American westward expansion to present-day Montana that includes significant events like the discovery of gold, establishment of reservations, and development of local communities.
- Encourage Field Trips (if possible): If close enough, arrange a field trip to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument so students can experience first-hand the location and surroundings of this iconic event in American history.
- Connect to Larger Themes: Custer’s Last Stand was not an isolated event; the battle took place within the context of the larger Indian Wars and westward expansion. Teach students about other significant events that impacted Native American populations, such as the Sand Creek Massacre and Wounded Knee.
Closing Thoughts:
Teaching students about historical events like Custer’s Last Stand requires a comprehensive approach that emphasizes both the big picture and specific details. By giving students a sense of place through visualizations, connections to local landmarks, timelines, and if possible, field trips, they will have a richer understanding of this crucial moment in American history. Additionally, situating Custer’s Last Stand within a broader historical context will allow for productive discussions and deepened understanding of the event’s broader implications.
