2nd US Cavalry - Montana (1865-1901)

The 2nd US Cavalry Regiment was authorized by an Act of Congress on March 2, 1855. Often referred to as "Jeff Davis's Own," the unit was an elite organization. The officers assigned to the 2nd Cavalry were handpicked by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis; the majority of them, like Davis, were Southerners by birth and West Point Graduates by education. The noncommissioned officers were specially selected from the other mounted regiments, and the privates were recruited mainly from Midwestern and Southern states.

Horses for the regiment were purchased by a special team of 2nd Cavalry officers who were authorized to buy the best-blooded stock available in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. For purposes of appearance and to engender esprit de corps, each company was assigned horses of one color. In concert with the high standards set in selecting the men and mounts, the regiment was furnished with the newest and best arms, accouterments, and equipment.

The regimental headquarters of the 2nd Cavalry was established in Omaha, Nebraska, after the end of the Civil War. Following Custer's Battle at the Little Big Horn the headquarters were moved to Fort Custer, Montana.

In June of 1876, one battalion of the 2nd Regiment nearly joined Custer before the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer of the 7th Cavalry was offered the use of the "Montana Battalion" of the 2nd Regiment, but he declined the offer. On June 25 Custer stumbled into a force of Sioux warriors that killed every officer, soldier, and civilian in Custer's wing of the 7th Cavalry. Two days later, the Montana Battalion discovered the evidence of Custer's fate.

Indian battles drew to a close soon after the Battle of the Little Big Horn. On October 4, 1877, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe surrendered to General O.O. Howard. The Cheyenne Chief, Little Wolf, surrendered in December of 1877, and Crazy Horse surrendered in April of 1878.

The 2nd US Cavalry is the longest consecutive active unit in US Army history and has produced more generals than any other unit, as well as thirteen Medal of Honor winners.

The 2nd US Cavalry Association, founded in July of 2003, is a living history organization dedicated to the preservation of the customs, living conditions, lifestyle, and manner of military dress of the Montana Cavalry trooper from 1865 to 1901. The association encourages the study, research, and instruction of Cavalry life in a living history format to assure the continued remembrance of Montana’s proud military heritage.