On June 24, 1876, the Battle of Little Bighorn began as U.S. forces approached a large Native American encampment. Tensions had escalated over U.S. efforts to force tribes onto reservations. General George Custer misjudged the size of the Native coalition. The conflict intensified the next day, leading to Custer’s defeat. The battle remains one of the most famous Native American victories. It highlighted the complex conflict over land and sovereignty.
