The Fights on the Little Horn: 50 Years of Research into Custer's Last Stand

by Gordon Harper

Winner of the 2014 John Carroll Award, presented annually by The Little Big Horn Associates, as their Literary Award for the best book/monograph during the preceding year.

Winner 2014 G. Joseph Sills Jr. Book Award

This remarkable book synthesizes a lifetime of in-depth research into one of America’s most storied disasters, the defeat of Custer’s 7th Cavalry at the hands of the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians, as well as the complete annihilation of that part of the cavalry led by Custer himself.

The author, Gordon Harper, spent countless hours on the battlefield itself as well as researching every iota of evidence of the fight from both sides, white and Indian. He was thus able to recreate every step of the battle as authoritatively as anyone could, dispelling myths and falsehoods along the way. Harper himself passed away in 2009, leaving behind nearly two million words of original research and writing. In this book his work has been condensed for the general public to observe his key findings and the crux of his narrative on the exact course of the battle.

One of his first observations is that the fight took place along the Little Horn River—its junction with the Big Horn was several miles away so that the term for the battle, “Little Big Horn” has always been a misnomer. He precisely traces the mysterious activities of Benteen’s battalion on that fateful day, and why it could never come to Custer’s reinforcement. He describes Reno’s desperate fight in unprecedented depth, as well as how that unnerved officer benefited from the unexpected heroism of many of his men.

Indian accounts, ever-present throughout this book, come to the fore especially during Custer’s part of the fight, because no white soldier survived it. However, analysis of the forensic evidence—tracking cartridges, bullets, etc., discovered on the battlefield—plus the locations of bodies assist in drawing an accurate scenario of how the final scene unfolded. It may indeed be clearer now than it was to the doomed 7th Cavalrymen at the time, who through the dust and smoke and Indians seeming to rise by hundreds from the ground, only gradually realized the extent of the disaster.

Of additional interest is the narrative of the battlefield after the fight, when successive burial teams had to be dispatched for the gruesome task, because prior ones invariably did a poor job. Though author Gordon Harper is no longer with us, his daughter Tori Harper, along with author/historians Gordon Richard and Monte Akers, have done yeoman’s work in preserving his valuable research for the public.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Military History, Biography

567 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2013

About the author

Gordon Harper was born in Toronto in 1939 and was raised there. His interest in the Little Bighorn began in 1959 when, as a minor league baseball player, he mistakenly got off a bus at the battlefield instead of his intended destination. He immediately became captivated by the site and its history and thereafter lived near the battlefield for several months, exploring it thoroughly and becoming familiar with Cheyenne, Crow, and Lakota Indians who imparted information to him not available elsewhere. The avocation became a passion and he devoted half a century, until his death, to studying the battle. A member of Mensa, he worked as a Private Investigator, corporate security consultant, and a musician. He became well-known and highly regarded among other Little Bighorn enthusiasts and scholars, made numerous trips to the battlefield as part of research for what he intended as a complete source book on the battle, but passed away on May 17, 2009, shortly before finishing the manuscript for this book and the accompanying 1700 pages of primary source appendices on which it is based (which are available to readers, online, through his estate). He is survived by his daughter, Tori Harper, and his son, Clay Harper.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well researched account of the action around the Little Horn during Custer's last battle. Be prepared for an extensive study as the author didn't leave much to be debated; he certainly did his homework. In the latter parts of the book, there was a very in depth description of the mutilation of bodies after the battle. I'm amazed that both sides practiced this technique after a victory; seems unfathomable in today's world but who knows when one is pressed hard in battle. Lastly, I found it very interesting when the author went line by line of the Army's inquiry after the battle. Having been an investigating officer on numerous occasions, I was amazed to hear the line of questioning as well as the given responses by the Soldiers. Tough business to determine whom is telling the truth, versus who is not. Overall, a great book that gives the reader great insight into the battle that took Custer's life in addition to all of his troops.

[Jim Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of if not the best book on Custer

Great analysis of the battle and great detail. Written so you can form your own opinions. Changed my opinions of Custer. Everyone should read and come to their own conclusions.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this telling of Custer's Last Stand, author Harper compiled all the best known documents and books related to the topic and developed a full length book on this well known event. The book is organized in two sections, with the first part giving a chronological treatment of Custer's Last Stand and the time leading up to it. The final two chapters of part one were written by other Custer enthusiasts following Harper's death, changing the feel of the book slightly. Part 2 includes individual chapters that examine different issues related to the topic. This treatment is really helpful and something that is often left out of history books (both the chronological and thematic treatment in one text). Images of all the key players are also included. While parts of the text are fairly conversational and summarize previous work, the extensive notes and bibliography show how well Harper did his homework when he put this book together.

*I received an e-galley from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[Cliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fine book and I believe if you were to read one book (only) on the Little Horn battle this is probably the one [nb: I haven't read Nathaniel Philbrick's recent account yet]. A wealth of detail is given in a clear, precise, description of the battle, that draws primarily from first-person accounts of the engagement (from both sides). I was drawn into the battle in a way that sparked my imagination and re-kindled a desire to see and walk the field. I was sorry that the ending chapters were pieced together (author had died before finalizing the book) but even so they kept the clarity and sense of space/time. The maps took a few minutes of close engagement to understand, but then I was off flipping back and forth between text and maps in a way I haven't done in years.

This is a very special book and the love of the author for the engagement and participants is always present.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper's book is solidly researched, though the absence of footnotes/end notes or of citations reduces its scholarly value (and requires the reader to work through all of the books he/she might have read anyway). The included chapter and epilog by Gordon Richard are tremendous, sharply written additions.

[Ron Lansverk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not believe the dates on any books I read ... like this example. I completed my read back in August if '15 ... just takes me a long time to update because keeping a running log is not of paramount concern to me.

I totally enjoyed this book ... well researched and very readable.

[Gregory G Young 2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read...

Intended for those with a serious interest in Custer, his men, and their valiant last stand at Little Big Horn. I was interested in this intense detail that Gordon Harper provided. If you are not looking for the debated details surrounding this battle, shop on!

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordon Harper’s Last Stand

Gordon Harper must have lived and breathed Custer and the the Little Horn. He is meticulous in his research which he records in easy to understand English. Although I read The Fights on the Little Horn from cover to cover, I could not help but wonder why? By the end I had an understanding. Perhaps the next step is a trip to South Dakota to stand as close they allow to the foot steps of the participants. If you enjoy American History or the Old West you will enjoy The Fights on the Little Horn. You will walk away with an understanding of the fights

[Lanny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Any mention of Custer and the battle that made him a hero and an American icon will immediately get my attention probably my money if there is book in the picture. I don't know any of the author's work beyond this book but it seemed as if he had a bone to pick with most other people who had tackled this subject. Overall it keeps your attention but the one thing I noticed was the author's tendency to repeat himself. Repetitive descriptions of the aftermath by the survivors and others do nothing to add to the book.

[Steven Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding book on the 7th Calvary’s interactions with Lakota and Cheyenne along the Little Horn Valley in June 1876. Harper used his lifetime of meticulous research on the events to not only explain what he believes the facts are (or at least the facts that can be known), but he details the often contradictory accounts and then explains the analysis of strengths and weaknesses of the evidence used to reach his final conclusions. I have read many accounts of these events, but if only read one, I would recommend this one.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a real treasure if you are interested in Custer. Its a shame the author didn't live long enough to be the one writing the book. The first hand accounts from the soldiers and Indians are so very interesting. Some of the analysis near the end got to be almost too much to follow though.

[Donald Paulsrud · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book on what the author believes happened at the Little Big Horn. He backs up his ideas with some good investigative research but I think he is reaching in some cases. This book deserves to be a part of any Little Big Horn library collection even though I disagree with some of his "conclusions" regarding the Custer wing and what happened in that fight.

[JERRY WEBB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Casual readers of this battle may find it easy to get distracted by the detail. Those who have read, studied, obsessed, and devoured every tidbit of information they could find will be fascinated. I stand with the fascinated group. I will be reading this over and over.

[Roger S Pinkston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Work

This book is an excellent work on the battle. It was very complete and avoids the revisionist view of the struggle as that of an idyllic , peace loving people fighting a racist, hostile army. I loved the detailed analysis.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A labor of love, respectfully presented.
Anyone with an interest in the battlefield would do well starting with this book.

[Will Albers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit technical and dry but filled with fascinating information and data. Recommended if you are an enthusiastic student of this particular battle.

[Zeb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitious summary of contemporaneous accounts and inquiries. Could have used much more contextual and framing material. Lots of info but ponderous to pull out of the text.

[Drpsychorat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written and researched book on the Little Big Horn and what has been said about it since 1876. A lot of historic questions answered but not much analysis.

[Michael Deighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Custer's Last Stand

I have read many books regarding this epic battle and have found this book to be the most interesting & best researched that I have read!

[Debby Phielix · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books about the fights on the Little Bighorn

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I read this on a Kindle, it became impossible to check maps easily so the details became overwhelming. Fortunately, I knew quite a bit about the battle anyway, and I have visited the battlefield. Officers such as Reno and Benteen do not come off well, but that is no surprise. Also on a side note, pictures of Gibbon and Crook were reversed which surprised me. The battle was a tragedy, but many questions remain even after nearly 140 years.

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordon Harper did 50 years of research into Custers last stand. This book is the most accurate and researched of any on the battle. Readers who want a good of a research on it will be happy with the book. Readers who know nothing about the event may be overwhelmed by it. Experts who want even more can find an E-book of 1700 pages.