Custer’s Last Stand

Though it has been examined extensively throughout history, the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn—or Custer’s Last Stand, as it is widely known—is an event that has often been misunderstood.

In this compelling program, the WHAT WENT DOWN team goes on a mission to create a dramatic and high-tech re-enactment of the battle, offering a fresh perspective on the event never before captured on film. Guiding the team in their effort is field archaeologist Douglas Scott. As one of the premier experts on Custer’s Last Stand, Scott has always wanted to experience this dark moment in American military history through the eyes of Lieutenant Edward Godfrey, a survivor of the battle. From the horrors of helplessly watching the slaughter of his fellow soldiers, to riding through a valley filled with unspeakable carnage, the team pulls out all the stops to bring Godfrey’s point of view vividly to life.

Footage of the annual re-enactment of the battle in Hardin, Montana, extensive archival materials, and insightful expert interviews serve as a rich backdrop to the high-tech Hollywood reconstruction of this iconic event.