Comanche: Tougher than a $2.00 Steak

Comanche was a mixed-breed horse famous for being a survivor of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. This battle, fought during the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877, is often remembered as Custer's Last Stand, where the entire detachment of 7th Cavalry Soldiers, led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, were killed on June 25, 1876.

Comanche was bought by the U.S. Army in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1868. He was a 15 hands (60 inches, 152 cm) gelding, described as bay or bay dun, whose ancestry and date of birth were uncertain. Captain Myles Keogh of the 7th Cavalry purchased Comanche as his personal mount, to be ridden only in battle. Comanche carried Keogh during the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Captain Keogh was killed in the battle, but Comanche was found wandering the area afterward, while soldiers were preparing to bury the dead.

US soldiers found Comanche badly wounded and slowly nursed him back to health at Fort Lincoln. After his recovery, Comanche was retired. In April 1878, Colonel Samuel D. Sturgis issued a General Order stating that Comanche, "being the only living representative of the bloody tragedy of the Little Big Horn," should be treated with special care and never ridden or put to any work. The order also specified that on all ceremonial occasions, he should be saddled, bridled, draped in mourning, and led by a mounted trooper.

The horse was later brought to Fort Meade near present-day Sturgis, South Dakota, and kept "like a prince" until 1887. 

As an honor, Comanche was made "Second Commanding Officer" of the 7th Cavalry and became a pet at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he even indulged in a fondness for beer.

Comanche died of colic on November 7, 1891, believed to be 29 years old.

Comanche was given a military funeral with full military honors at Fort Riley, Kansas. His remains were preserved through taxidermy and are currently on display at the University of Kansas's Natural History Museum.

Although Comanche is often described as the sole survivor of Custer's detachment, other horses also survived. However, the legend endures, as Comanche was the only one recovered by the US Army and given a place of honor. 

Comanche's story has been featured in books, TV shows, and movies, such as Disney's TONKA (1958). 

The following appeared in the August 11, 1887 edition of The Miller Press, Miller, South Dakota.

The Miller Press; August 11, 1887 - page 4

This snippet was found in the Sturgis Advertiser of July 19, 1887.

Sturgis Advertiser; July 19, 1887 - page 1

And here is the famous Grabill photo, mentioned in the above clipping.

A article outlining the history of Comanche, from the University of Kansas.

"Sgt. Windolph Rode Comanche" - Sturgis Tribune - February 2, 1950 (includes photo of Windolph)