Most People Don’t Know That Comanche, The Famous War Horse, Remains Right Here In Kansas

Most people with even a passing knowledge of history are familiar with the names of a few famous human soldiers. Decorated war heroes like Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower even moved on to political careers after their war years were completed. But war doesn't just involve people: over the years, a number of animal species, most famously horses and dogs, have been utilized in battle. Most of their names may not be familiar to anyone but the most astute of historians, but still, they sacrificed and served their countries just as their more famous human counterparts. One war horse that did manage to gain himself a bit of fame was Comanche, who served in the Great Sioux War of 1876. After his death, this decorated hero was stuffed and you can actually still see his body today at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum in Lawrence, KS. Here's his story:

Comanche was a gelded bay grade horse (mixed breed) purchased by the U.S. Army in 1868. He was sent to the stables at Fort Leavenworth, KS.

At Fort Leavenworth, Captain Myles Keogh of the 7th Cavalry took a liking to him and purchased him as his personal battle mount. On multiple occasions, Comanche showed great bravery, being wounded on the field and continuing to serve.

In June 1876, Keogh and Comanche served in their final, and most famous battle. The Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, was a bloody engagement that took place in Montana. Custer's entire detachment was killed, as well as thousands of Native Americans.

Two days after the battle's end, Comanche was discovered by soldiers. He was wounded and in terrible condition. He was moved to Fort Lincoln in North Dakota, where his wounds were treated and he was deemed retired from service. By special order of the military, it was declared that he would never be ridden again, and he would remain in the Army's care for the rest of his life.

Comanche was moved to Fort Riley in Kansas in 1887. He was named honorary Second Commanding officer of the 7th Cavalry and led several parades. In 1891, he died of colic at the approximate age of 29.

He was given a military funeral with full military honors, one of only four horses to receive that honor. In lieu of a burial, his remains were sent to the University of Kansas.

Today, Comanche can still be seen at the University of Kansas's Natural History Museum in Lawrence.

While several other war horses survived Custer's Last Stand, most of them were taken after the war and their whereabouts remained unknown. Even many of the human soldiers were buried in unmarked graves.

Comanche's survival is a testament to his bravery and will to live, and he remains one of the most famous names of Custer's Last Stand.

For more information about the University of Kansas's Natural History Museum's other exhibits, check out the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum website.

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