Myths About the Battle

Contrary to what is depicted in the many movies and paintings, there were no sabers at the battle. When the 7th Cavalry left fort Abraham lincoln it did indeed have sabers, but these were collected and boxed at Custer's command before the column left the main unit under General Terry. Custer wanted to ride fast and as silently as possible. The sabers created a noisy clatter when a mounted unit was moving rapidly. The fact that Custer decided against carrying the sabers also marks the end of a custom in the mounted unit. The pistol had proven to be the weapon of choice in by the rapidly charging cavalryman. Some, have said that Capt. Keogh might have smuggled his favorite ceremonial saber, his good luck charm, with him and into the battle. But it was never drawn and was discovered among his belongings by Indians pillaging the belongins of the slain soldiers on Custer Hill.
Custer did not carry his long golden curly locks into the battle. In deference to Mrs. Custer, who prior to the departure of Custer's command from Ft. Lincoln, had a dream in which she saw an Indian standing over her dead huband with a freshly acquired blond scalp in his hand, Custer had his long curls sheared prior to departing.