This collection is not meant to be a history book, but instead a creative work highlighting four participants in the battle of the Little Bighorn. Included, are actual events and people of the famous 1876 war between the American Indians and the U.S. 7"' Cavalry. Historical fiction is entwined within each piece to give readers a clear picture of what occurred on that June day. For instance, the author creates dialogue between the characters, while not knowing what each person actually said. Years of research has provided the author with insight into the characters, while assisting the National Park Service as a summer trail guide at the Little Bighorn helped the author to set each scene for readers. The authors repeated experiences at the battlefield has helped to form the choices made in these stories. Evidence found since the historic battle ended, and items discovered now, stress the importance that the search must go on. The stories of Custer, Reno, Wooden Leg and Edgerly deserve to be told in a contemporary way while remaining historically accurate. Educating others about the significant battle and how it shaped the American West is essential. / Department of English

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of History. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 143-146).

This thesis is a study of the events that occurred during the first five months of Fort Duchesne, Utah, between August and December 1886. The primary focus is on Frederick William Benteen, one of the heroes who fought and survived the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The three Ute tribes--Uintah, White River, and Uncompahgne--are also discussed as they pertain to Fort Duchesne.A difficulty arose the first day a site was chosen at Fort Duchesne. Surprisingly, it did not involve the Indians, but the post commander. The central problem is what caused the long delay in building the fort. This study presents several possible theories as to why troops were still billeted in tents during the winter months of December and January. These include Major Benteen's inexperience as a construction engineer commander and his insatiable drinking habit he had acquired.