Chief Black Kettle wasn't just any Native American leader.
He was a peace chief who had spent years trying to negotiate with the U.S. government.
He had survived the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, where 150 peaceful Cheyenne were slaughtered under a white flag.
After Sand Creek, Black Kettle continued to pursue peace.
He signed the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867.
He moved his people to the reservation as requested.
He flew the American flag and a white flag of peace above his lodge.
And for his commitment to peace, America rewarded him with a dawn massacre.
Custer's official report claimed they were attacking "hostile Indians."
But military witnesses later testified that:
• The village was flying peace flags
• Most victims were women and children
• No weapons were found in the village
• The attack was unprovoked
Yet Custer was promoted and celebrated as America's "Greatest Indian Fighter."
The truth was buried in military files for over a century.