Re: LBH

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: Andrew, I just saw your posting today, so I hope this isn't too late.  In answer to you question as to how long the battle lasted, it all depends on what you define as "the battle," as there were actually three main battles:  The Valley Fight, when Major Reno charged into the southern end of the huge village; Custer's actual last stand, where he died; and the seige at Reno Hill, which took place during Custer's Last Stand and then following Custer's death and continuted into the next day.
:      Reno's charge and formation of his skirmish line began at about 3:15 P.M.  He retreated into the timber, the second part of his fight, at 3:30 P.M., and then retreated across the river at about 3:55 P.M. and finally made it to Reno Hill at about 4:10 P.M., where he stayed until Captain Benteen joined him at about 4:20 P.M.
:      As for Custer's part of the battle, he divided his troops into three battalions at 12:12 P.M., sending Benteen to scout the area to the southwest and ordering Reno the order to attack the south end of the village.
:      Custer continued on, and at about 3:15 P.M. he sees Reno and his skirmish line and figures Reno is attacking the village. At about 3:45 Custer reached Medicine Tail Coulee, where it is believe he tried to for the river and attack what he believed was the northern part of the village, only to find he was attacking the middle of the village.
:      Custer and his men finally die at about 5:30 P.M.  One warrior who was there was asked how long it took them to wipe out Custer at Last Stand Hill.  He replied:  "As long as it takes a hungry man to eat his meal."  It probably took about 30 minutes or so for Custer to be wiped out from the time he reached Last Stand Hill.
:      I'm sorry this is such a long answer to what seems like a simple question.  The times I am giving you are found in a book called Campaign Series, Little Big Horn 1876, Custer's Last Stand, by Peter Panzeri.  It is great reading and felt by some to be a very accurate recounting of the events.
:      I hope this helps you.  Let me know how your assignment goes.  Also, one of the posting in answer to your question said that the battle is still going on.  In all the reading I've done, that is also correct.  Good luck. 


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