Forbis, Richard G.Fox, Richard A.2005-07-212005-07-2119880315465948http://hdl.handle.net/1880/24013Bibliography: p. 409-419.Archaeology is a valuable tool for studying historic battles. The nature of a battle can be deduced from material remains using archaeological methods and reasoning, and without recourse to non-archaeological evidences. The spatial application of firearm identification analyses allows identification of individual movements and positions on the battlefield. Traditional analytical methods provide supporting data. Methodological analyses are focused within the parameters of a tactical stability/disintegration model. The results allow recognition of the temporal, spatial and behavioral aspects of a battle. Results of archaeological analyses are indispensable in evaluating documentary sources, since historical accounts of a battle can be expected to be incomplete, confusing and contradictory. The Custer battle provides an example. The malleable documentary base has allowed many differing interpretations of the battle. Analyses of material remains suggests that the Custer battalion disintegrated, that disintegration developed in the initial stages of fighting, and that thereafter there was little resistance to the Indian attack. Analytical results find confirmation in documentary sources which are deeply embedded in a confusing historical record. Contradictory written sources are rejected. The historical-archaeological construction of the battle indicates the Custer battalion delayed prior to attacking. Fighting during the delay was low-key. Poor judgment in assessing the tactical situation while delaying resulted in disintegration. Historical constructions of the battle which portray hapless soldiers driven, while on the defensive, to Custer Ridge and overwhelmed, plus Indian accounts which leave this impression, may be rejected. In fact, the historical-archaeological construction indicates the Custer battalion prior to disintegration was on the offensive. This construction provides insights into the strategy utilized during earlier stages of fighting which occurred outside of the archaeological study area. Such insights are not available from either material or documentary sources alone. Results of the Custer battle studies demonstrate the utility of archaeology in battlefield studies. Methods and modeling developed here may be used in historical analyses of other battles dating from the period of modern warfare. Results also demonstrate that the application of archaeology to the study of the past complements historical analyses. Both disciplines share common goals and are equal partners in historical studies. The process of amalgamating history and archaeology results in more complete and satisfying constructions of past reality.xvi, 419 leaves ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.E 83.876 F69 1988Little Big Horn, Battle of the, 1876Dakota Indians - WarsIndians of North America - Warsdoctoral thesis10.11575/PRISM/12147E 83.876 F69 1988