Bozeman Magazine

George Herendeen (1846-1919) was a Bozeman pioneer, cowboy, prospector, explorer, and a lead scout for George Custer’s 7th Cavalry at the Little Big Horn. In the aftermath of Custer’s defeat, accusations flew against his two subordinates, Captain Frederick Benteen and Major Marcus Reno, accusing them of cowardice and failure to obey orders. These two army officers became the scapegoats for Custer’s annihilation. In 1879, the U.S. army held a court of inquiry for Major Reno that would include testimony from dozens of survivors of the Last Stand, including Herendeen. Local historian John Russell will look at Herendeen’s testimony and how it was interpreted by both Custer supporters and detractors.