A chronology of the Little Bighorn battle, with times established by soldiers' testimony.
Related Articles: How the Battle of Little Bighorn Was Won
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1) JUST BEFORE 3:00 P.M. Indians raise the alarm at the sight of approaching soldiers. A detachment of soldiers led by Maj. Marcus A. Reno attacks the Indians' encampment. |
2) ABOUT 3:05 Indians sight a second group of soldiers riding north—Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer's command. | 3) ABOUT 3:15 Indians check the advance of Reno's soldiers and flank their left. Indians also see Custer's soldiers on what will become known as Reno Hill. | 4) ABOUT 3:30 Reno's soldiers begin their retreat into the trees lining the river. Indians see Custer's soldiers on the bluff that will later be known as Weir Point. | 5) ABOUT 4:00 Reno's soldiers are forced across the river and up Reno Hill. Indians see Custer's soldiers in Medicine Tail Coulee. | 6) ABOUT 4:15 The soldiers go back up Medicine Tail Coulee. As Indians advance, a battle ensues: Calhoun Ridge to Calhoun Hill to the Keogh site and to Custer Hill. | 7) ABOUT 4:25 Soldiers on Reno Hill hear the onset of heavy firing as fighting intensifies on the approach to Custer Hill. |
8) BEFORE 5:15 Soldiers on Reno Hill hear the last volley of heavy firing from the Custer battle. |
( Interactive: Cheryl Carlin )
( Map: Guilbert Gates)