An accessible and authoritative overview of the scholarship that has shaped our understanding of one of the most iconic battles in the history of the American West.-Combines contributions from an array of respected scholars, historians, and battlefield scientists.-Outlines the political and cultural conditions that laid the foundation for the Centennial Campaign and examines how George Armstrong Custer became its figurehead.-Provides a detailed analysis of the battle maneuverings at Little Bighorn, paying special attention to Indian testimony from the battlefield.-Concludes with a section examining how the Battle of Little Bighorn has been mythologized and its pervading influence on American culture.

Part I. The Indians of the Northern Plains -- Part II. The US army in the Western territories -- Part III. The making of George Armstrong custer -- Part IV. Into the valley -- Part V. The last stand of myth and memory.