In the annals of American military history, few names evoke as much emotion and legend as that of a horse. The Comanche The Brave Horse Story is not just a tale of an animal; it’s a narrative of survival, resilience, and honor that rose from the dust of one of the nation’s most infamous battles. Comanche, a mixed-breed gelding, became a living symbol of the U.S. 7th Cavalry’s devastating defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, famously known as Custer’s Last Stand. His tale is one of incredible fortitude, a beacon of life found amidst overwhelming loss, securing his place as one of history’s most celebrated equine heroes.
The Early Years of a Future Legend
Comanche’s story begins not on a battlefield, but on the open plains. Believed to have been foaled around 1862, he was likely of Mustang stock, possibly with Morgan or American Quarter Horse lineage, which contributed to his stamina and tough disposition. He was captured in a wild horse roundup and eventually sold to the U.S. Army in 1868 for $90. Initially named “Clay,” his moniker was changed to “Comanche” after he sustained an arrow wound during a fight against Comanche warriors. The arrow was removed, and he recovered, but the name stuck, a testament to his toughness.
It was in the 7th Cavalry that he was personally selected by Captain Myles Keogh, an Irish-born soldier of fortune who commanded Company I. Keogh was a respected and seasoned officer, and he chose the sturdy, buckskin-colored gelding as his personal mount. The bond between a cavalryman and his horse was profound, built on mutual trust and dependence. Keogh and Comanche would ride together through numerous skirmishes and patrols, forging a partnership that would carry them to the fateful banks of the Little Bighorn River.
The Battle of the Little Bighorn
On June 25, 1876, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th Cavalry into a disastrous engagement with a massive encampment of Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. The battle was a tactical nightmare for the U.S. forces, who were outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and ultimately overwhelmed. Captain Keogh’s Company I was part of the five companies under Custer’s direct command that were annihilated in the fierce fighting. The chaos, smoke, and terror of the battlefield were absolute. This type of brutal engagement is a core element of any war horse a true story, where animals are thrust into the center of human conflict.
In the aftermath, the scene was one of total devastation. Two days later, when relief columns arrived, they discovered the grim reality of Custer’s defeat. Amidst the fallen soldiers, they found a single, severely wounded horse standing stoically. It was Comanche. He was riddled with bullets, some accounts say as many as seven, and was weak from loss of blood and lack of water. He was recognized as Captain Keogh’s mount, found standing near his fallen rider. The sight of this lone, wounded horse was a poignant and powerful symbol for the shocked soldiers who surveyed the carnage.
The Sole Survivor? Unraveling the Myth
Comanche was quickly immortalized in newspapers and public lore as the “sole survivor” of Custer’s Last Stand. This powerful title captured the nation’s imagination, but the reality is slightly more nuanced. While he was the only living creature from Custer’s immediate command found on the battlefield, hundreds of other cavalry horses survived. Many were captured by the victorious Native American warriors, and another horse named Dandy, Major Reno’s mount, also survived the battle with the other wing of the 7th Cavalry.
However, Comanche’s survival was unique. He was the only U.S. military-affiliated survivor found where Custer’s battalion made its final, desperate stand. This distinction, combined with his severe injuries and stoic endurance, cemented his legendary status. He wasn’t just a survivor; he was a witness who bore the physical scars of the regiment’s last moments.
As Dr. Alistair Finch, a historian specializing in the American West, states, “Comanche’s story transcends that of a mere animal. He became a living monument for the 7th Cavalry, a tangible connection to the men they lost, and a symbol of enduring resilience against impossible odds.”
A Life of Honor: Comanche’s Retirement
The journey back to Fort Abraham Lincoln was arduous for the wounded horse. He was transported by steamship, where he was gently cared for during the 950-mile trip. His recovery was slow, but his tough spirit prevailed. The men of the 7th Cavalry developed a deep affection and reverence for him.
In April 1878, Colonel Samuel D. Sturgis, the new commander of the 7th Cavalry, issued General Order No. 7. This remarkable order officially retired Comanche from all duties and enshrined his special status:
- He was designated the “Second Commanding Officer” of the 7th Cavalry.
- He was never to be ridden again nor put to any kind of work.
- A designated soldier was assigned to care for him.
- He was to have the freedom of the post at Fort Riley, Kansas, where the regiment was later stationed.
- He would be draped in black and led riderless in all official regimental parades.
Comanche became the regiment’s beloved mascot and a living link to their fallen comrades. He was known to enjoy wandering the post, often begging for treats or buckets of beer from the soldiers in the canteen. His story was a source of pride and identity for the cavalry, a far cry from the detailed breeding records of a typical war story horse pedigree, as his value was in his survival, not his bloodline.
An Enduring Legacy: From Fort Riley to a Museum
Comanche lived out his years in comfort and honor at Fort Riley. He died on November 7, 1891, at the age of 29, not from his battle wounds, but from colic. The soldiers of the 7th Cavalry were heartbroken. They wished to preserve their hero and gave him a full military funeral with honors, one of only a handful of horses in U.S. history to receive such a tribute.
Following the funeral, the officers of the 7th Cavalry contacted Professor Lewis Lindsay Dyche, a taxidermist at the University of Kansas. For a fee of $400, Dyche agreed to preserve Comanche. The taxidermy was completed, and Comanche was first displayed at the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition. After a dispute over ownership, it was agreed that the University of Kansas would house and care for the exhibit. Each individual story on horse has its own unique conclusion, but Comanche’s is perhaps one of the most enduring.
Today, the preserved remains of Comanche are on display in a humidity-controlled glass case at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum in Lawrence, Kansas. He stands as a quiet, powerful testament to a dramatic chapter in American history. The Comanche the brave horse story continues to inspire, reminding us of the profound connections between humans and animals, and the incredible will to survive even in the face of the greatest adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Was Comanche really the only survivor of the Battle of the Little Bighorn?
No, he was not the absolute sole survivor. Many U.S. Cavalry horses survived and were captured, and other soldiers and their mounts survived in different parts of the battlefield. However, Comanche was the only cavalry horse from Custer’s immediate command discovered alive on the site of the “Last Stand.”
Who was Comanche’s owner?
Comanche was the personal mount of Captain Myles Keogh, an Irish-American officer who commanded Company I of the 7th Cavalry. Keogh was killed in action during the battle, and Comanche was found standing near his body.
What kind of horse was Comanche?
Comanche was a mixed-breed gelding, thought to be of Mustang origin with possible Morgan or American Quarter Horse lineage. He was a buckskin color and known for his exceptional toughness and stamina.
How did Comanche die?
Despite surviving numerous severe wounds from the battle, Comanche died of natural causes. He passed away from colic on November 7, 1891, at the advanced age of 29 while living in honorable retirement at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Where can I see Comanche today?
Comanche’s preserved remains are on public display at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum in Lawrence, Kansas. He is housed in a special climate-controlled glass case to ensure his preservation for future generations.
Conclusion
The legacy of Comanche is more than just a historical footnote. It is a powerful narrative of endurance, loyalty, and the ability of a single life to represent a monumental event. From the dusty plains where he was born to the bloody battlefield where he was found, and finally to his honored place in a museum, the Comanche the brave horse story remains a deeply moving account. He serves as a perpetual memorial not only to Captain Keogh and the men of the 7th Cavalry who fell at Little Bighorn but also as an enduring symbol of the quiet bravery of the countless animals who have served alongside soldiers in conflict throughout human history. His tale is a timeless reminder that heroes come in all forms, and that true courage can be found in the steadfast heart of a horse.
