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Comanche was a mixed Mustang Morgan horse who was the 7th Cavalry's sole survivor of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

He was bought by the U.S Army in 1868 in St. Louis and sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Captain Myles Keogh of the 7th Cavalry liked the 15 hand bay gelding and bought him for his own personal mount, to be ridden only in battle. In 1868, while fighting the Comanche in Kansas, the horse was wounded in the hindquarters by an arrow, but continued to let Keogh fight from his back. Thus the horse was named “Comanche” to honor his bravery. Comanche was wounded many more times, always exhibiting the same toughness.

On June 25, 1876, Captain Keogh rode into the Battle of the Little Bighorn with Lt Col. Custer on Comanche. The battle became famous when their entire detachment was killed. Comanche was found two days after the battle, badly wounded and the only survivor. After being transported by steamboat to Fort Lincoln, he was slowly nursed back to health.

After a lengthy convalescence, Comanche was retired and orders were given that he should never be ridden again. As an honor, he was made “Second Commanding Officer” of the 7th Cavalry. At Fort Riley, he became something of a pet, occasionally leading parades and indulging in a fondness for beer.

Comanche died in 1890.

His remains were sent to the University of Kansas and preserved, where they can still be seen.

See also

• Military animal
• War horse

Comanche display

Comanche movies: Comanche (2000) with Kris Kristofferson and Tonka (1958) with Sal Mineo based on the book by David Appel