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A fascinating piece of American Western and military history featuring Comanche, the famous horse of the 7th U.S. Cavalry. The postcard image shows Comanche with a cavalryman andOld Fort Meade of 1886 identified in the background.
Comanche was a bay cavalry horse born around 1862. He was purchased by the U.S. Army in 1868 and became the mount of Captain Myles Keogh of the 7th Cavalry. Keogh rode Comanche into the Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876, the battle commonly known today as Custer's Last Stand.
The battle took place in present-day Montana on June 25–26, 1876, when Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors fought the U.S. 7th Cavalry. Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and the soldiers under his immediate command were killed on June 25. The battle was a major victory for the Native forces and became one of the most famous events of the American Indian Wars.
Comanche survived the battle, although he was found severely wounded. He was discovered by a military burial party several days afterward and was nursed back to health. He was never again ridden or put into military service. Instead, he was treated as a living symbol of the 7th Cavalry and was given special honors at military ceremonies.
Comanche died on November 7, 1891, at approximately 29 years of age. His remains were preserved and are now housed at the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History.
Today, the event is generally known as the Battle of the Little Bighorn or Battle of the Little Bighorn River. The National Park Service uses Battle of the Little Bighorn and places the battle within the broader history of the conflict between the United States and the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples.
The term “Custer's Last Stand” is still commonly used, particularly when referring to the portion of the battle in which Custer and the approximately 210 soldiers under his immediate command were killed.
The historical wording on this postcard is therefore an interesting part of the piece itself—it reflects how Comanche and the battle were described in an earlier generation.
Based on the postcard stock and Kodak marking, this postcard appears to date to approximately the 1950s–1960s, although an exact publication date cannot be established from the postcard alone.
Condition
Unused / unposted. No writing or postmark on the reverse.
Shows age-related toning, spotting/foxing, edge and corner wear, and creasing. There is a noticeable crease near the upper portion/right side. Please see all photographs carefully for condition.
A wonderful piece of Western Americana, U.S. Cavalry, Little Bighorn, Custer, Comanche, Fort Meade and military-history ephemera.
Postcard measures 5 3/8" x 3 1/2" and is in excellent condition for it's age.We typically ship next day, however please note we cannot be responsible for items delayed or lost by the US Postal service. We include tracking numbers with every shipment so you can track your item easily. If your items is lost or delayed please contact the USPS as once it leaves our shop it becomes the responsibility of USPS to ensure delivery.
