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  • HOME
  • Discover the Black Hills
  • Attractions
    • Crazy Horse Memorial
    • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
    • Needles Highway
    • Sylvan Lake
    • Badlands National Park
    • Custer State Park
    • Black Elk Wilderness Area
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    • Spearfish Canyon
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​Notorious Figures of the U.S. Army in the Black Hills

George Armstrong Custer: A Controversial Figure

Let's dive into the tale of one of America's most notorious historical figures, George Armstrong Custer. Custer was a man of ambition and grit, with his life journey a testament to his determination and audacity.
First off, let's talk about his education. Custer was a graduate of the esteemed West Point Military Academy. Although he famously finished last in his class, some exploited his potential as a leader, and he did rack up some victories in the Civil War. 
Fast forward a bit, and we find Custer in the Black Hills, a region rich with gold. His so-called surveying expedition into this area in 1874 in search of gold led to significant tensions with the Great Sioux Nation, escalating the conflict between the US government and the Indigenous peoples.

​One of Custer's most famous moments, however, was his defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn, an event that has since been immortalized as "Custer's Last Stand." Here, Custer and his troops were outnumbered, unprepared, and outmaneuvered by a superior coalition of Native American Tribes. It was a fitting end for a man known for his ambitions, ignorance, ego, and lust for attention.  
Now, let's address the inaccuracies written after his death. It's been said that "the victors write history," which was undoubtedly true of Custer. While he was well known for his ambition and courage, the history books have been kind to him after his death. Many have romanticized Custer's life story to create a hero-like narrative that whitewashes his atrocities. 
​Ultimately, Custer and the U.S. Government violated the Treaty of Fort Laramie, resulting in the destruction, theft, and exploitation of the Black Hills and Badlands. His actions contributed to the genocide of Native Americans, the annihilation of his men, and the most humiliating defeat of the U.S. Army in history. He should be remembered for his quest for glory rather than his long blond hair. He wore a hat to cover his thinning hair, a testament to his fragile ego.

Exposing the Truth about Army General William S. Harney

William S. Harney, an army general who served in the mid-1800s, has been lauded for his service to the United States military—but what many don't know is that he left a long legacy of violence and cruelty towards Native Americans.

​Harney's criminal offenses started with an incident in 1855 when his troops attacked a Sioux camp. Amidst the chaos, Harney ordered his men to fire at women and children without provocation. All told, over 300 people were killed, and the survivors were taken as prisoners of war. 
In another incident in 1856, General Harney led his forces into the Spokane Valley in Washington State and ordered them to shoot at every Native American they saw. 75 Indians were slaughtered as a result of this order, and the rest of the tribe was forced to flee from their lands.
In 1857, Harney led an attack on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, resulting in over 300 deaths. This event became known as the Battle of Ash Hollow, and again women and children were among the victims. 
Harney also played a role in creating Indian reservations, where Native Americans were forced to live in small areas with little resources or land. Harney was instrumental in helping create laws that stripped away tribal sovereignty and rights under US law.

​The atrocities committed by General Harney cannot be forgotten or ignored. His legacy is one of violence, cruelty, and oppression of Native Americans—a legacy still felt today. It's time to stop honoring him and recognize the truth about his actions so we can learn from our mistakes and work towards a brighter future for all people. 
​The United States needs to work to rectify the wrongs that have been done to tribal communities in the past. We must recognize their sovereignty and work towards providing them with opportunities for economic development and education. Only then can we truly move forward from the legacy of violence left behind by General Harney. 
​It's time to stop honoring General William S. Harney and start recognizing the truth about his actions: he was an oppressive figure who left a legacy of violence and cruelty that still has repercussions today, and we must all work to bring this truth to light. 
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My XO Adventures Operates Tours on Pine Ridge Reservation Authorized by the Oglala Sioux Tribe
Department of Revenue, Permit Number 23-BL1082
FLA Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41847 ​| Privacy Policy | © COPYRIGHT 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
My XO Adventures, LLC operates under a special use permit on the Black Hills National Forest
  • HOME
  • Discover the Black Hills
  • Attractions
    • Crazy Horse Memorial
    • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
    • Needles Highway
    • Sylvan Lake
    • Badlands National Park
    • Custer State Park
    • Black Elk Wilderness Area
    • Native American Arts and Culture
    • Wildlife of the Black Hills
    • Spearfish Canyon
    • Restaurants Near Badlands National Park
    • Best Views In The Black Hills
    • The Best Dining in the Black Hills
    • Breweries in the Black Hills
    • Weather of the Black Hills
    • Family Fun in The Black Hills
    • Black Hills Culture
    • Badlands National Park Pictures and Photos
    • Movies Made in Badlands National Park
    • The Best Views in Badlands National Park
    • Images of Badlands National Park
  • FAQ's
    • General Questions
    • Custer State Park FAQ's
    • Badlands National Park FAQ's
  • Contact Us
  • MORE
    • Employment
    • Store
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • Notorious U.S. Army Figures
    • Notable Lakota Figures
    • Legends And Bandits of the Black Hills and Badlands >
      • Story of Lame Johnny
    • Metals, Gems, Rocks and Minerals of the Black Hills and Badlands
    • The Story of Calamity Jane
    • Blog
    • About Us
    • Corporate Responsibility