Custer led the 7th US Cavalry into battle against the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne tribes at the Little Bighorn River in 1876. Due to Custer's arrogance and poor decision making, his troops were overwhelmed and defeated, resulting in Custer and over 200 of his men being killed. While Custer's flaws certainly contributed to the outcome, the victory demonstrated the fighting strength and resolve of the Native American forces defending their lands.