Comanche
U.S. Cavalry Horse

Comanche was born in 1862.

Comanche was famous for being the sole surviving horse from General Custer's Battalion during the Battle of Little Bighorn, 25-26 June 1876. Comanche was 'owned' by Captain Myles Keogh, Commander of Company C, 7th Cavalry, who was killed on Last Stand Hill along with General Custer. Comanche had been trained to lay down, on command, in order to provide a shield if needed for the soldier.

Comanche was found wandering near the Big Horn River two days after the battle, with seven major wounds. He was returned to Fort Abraham Lincoln, ND, where the 7th Cavalry was based, on the steamer "Far West," which was used to transport wounded from the battle. There he was "retired" as a survivor of the battle, and was brought out only for parades and other ceremonies.

Death

Comanche died on 7 November 1891. He was stuffed and resides in the Natural History Museum at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS.