What major event involved the 7th United States Cavalry in 1876?

The major event involving the 7th United States Cavalry in 1876 was the Battle of Little Bighorn, often referred to as Custer's Last Stand. This battle took place on June 25-26, 1876, during the Great Sioux War, when tensions escalated between the U.S. government and Native American tribes over land and rights to territory.

The 7th Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, was tasked with confronting a coalition of several Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. The battle was marked by a significant defeat for Custer and his troops, who were vastly outnumbered. The event is notable not only for its military implications but also for how it resonates in American history, symbolizing the broader conflicts between U.S. expansionists and Native American resistance during the 19th century.