In 1873 Fort Abraham Lincoln became the home to six companies of the 7th Cavalry under the command of Lt Col George Armstrong Custer. July 2, 1874, Custer led the Black Hills Expedition from here with a mission to choose a location for a new Army fort and to examine the area's natural resources. The expedition's confirmation of gold in the Black Hills drew thousands of white prospectors, increased hostilities with the native population and led to the Great Sioux War of 1876.

May 17, 1876, Custer led his US Calvary troops out of Fort Lincoln on the Centennial Campaign, to an overwhelmingly defeated at the Battle of Little Bighorn. - AsNotedIn