The American public’s reaction to the Little Bighorn — shock, fury, the transformation of Custer from a controversial figure into a martyr — accelerated the military response.

The Army intensified its campaign against the non-reservation Lakota through the fall and winter of 1876-1877.

Sitting Bull led his followers into Canada, where they remained until 1881 before returning to surrender.

Crazy Horse remained in the United States, continuing to lead a community that was being worn down by the constant pressure of Army campaigns, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the cold of a brutal winter.

In May 1877, he surrendered.