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Portrayals of Custer's Demise Were Generally Dramatic

From Robert McNamara, About.com

Heroic Death of Custer

Heroic Death of Custer

New York Public Library

In this depiction of Custer's death, an Indian wields a tomahawk and a pistol, and appears to fatally shoot Custer.

The Indian tipis portrayed in the background make it seem that the battle took place in the center of an Indian village, which is not accurate. The final fighting actually took place on a hillside, which is how it's generally portrayed in the many motion pictures that have depicted "Custer's Last Stand."

In the early 20th century Indian survivors of the battle were asked who actually killed Custer, and some of them said a southern Cheyenne warrior named Brave Bear. Most historians discount that, and point out that in the smoke and dust of the battle it is probable that Custer did not stand out much from his men in the eyes of the Indians until after the fighting was over.

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