On June 26, 1876 , Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led two hundred mounted U.S. Cavalrymen and scouts of the Crow Tribe into the valley of the Little Bighorn. Splitting his formation, he mounted a charge against an encampment containing 1,800 Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne warriors. The short lived battle that transpired would be called "Custer's Last Stand"
All members of the 7th U.S. Calvary would be killed in the valley or on the slopes of the surrounding hills during this engagement. There is one soldier that was never accounted for, his name was H.M. Harrington. Extensive searching by his family and the U.S. Army has never determined his status.
The picture of the above flag, known as a "guidon", with the distinctive swallow -tailed shape which is frayed, torn, and with possible blood stains is one of five that was carried by the 7th Calvary that day. It is the only flag that was recovered by the Army. Following the battle, those forces that were suppose to rendezvous with the main forces prior to the attack arrived and preformed the duties of the burial detail.
The above flag was found under the body of a soldier, according to the testimonials of the Indians involved in the fight, Corporal John Foley was attempting to escape on horseback, however, he shot himself in the head and his body covered the flag. All of the other flags were believed to be taken by the Indians.
Sergeant Ferdinand Culbertson recovered the flag and it became known as the "Culbertson Guidon" . Pieces of the flag, including one star was neatly cut from the flag, it is believed that different members of the burial squad took pieces of the flags as "war souvenirs".
After being kept in storage for many years it was displayed in Montana.
The Detroit Institute of Arts purchased the "guidon" in 1895 for $54.00.
The "guidon" was sold "because it did not fit with the museums focus on art" on Friday, December 10, 2010. A private collector purchased the "Culbertson Guidon" for $2.2 Million Dollars.
If you have never visited the "Valley of the Little Bighorn" and the site of "Custer's Last Stand", I would strongly recommend it. The field of battle and where each soldier or Indian fell in combat are clearly marked with crosses. You can cover the entire area from the trail system. The static displays in the museum gives you a good sense of how and why the massacre occurred. It is another case of some great American History that is now overlooked in your educational system.