Native American Studies Center

The Battle of Greasy Grass (Little Bighorn) began on June 25, 1876, in modern-day southern Montana where a coalition of Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho thwarted an attack by the US Army’s 7th Cavalry. The battle was part of the Great Sioux War of 1876 which began after the discovery of gold in the sacred Black Hills and subsequent settler and US military incursions onto Indigenous land. The battle involved upwards of 2,500 Indigenous Plains Indians, including legendary leader Sitting Bull (Hunkpapa Lakota), against an estimated 600 US cavalry men and supporting troops. The engagement spanned two days resulting in approximately 250 Indigenous casualties and more than 300 killed or wounded from the 7th Cavalry including their commander George A. Custer. In retaliation, the US military commenced an overwhelming campaign to end the conflict and restrict Indigenous sovereignty by targeting Native Americans who refused to be contained to federally managed reservations. Today the Lakota and other Plains Indian nations celebrate “Victory Day” to commemorate the victory at Greasy Grass and honor their ancestors who fought to protect their people and homeland.

Pictured is “Cigar store Custer 2” linocut print (2026) by artist Tom Farris (Otoe-Missouria-Cherokee), from the Educational Foundation of USCL- Norton Collection.

The Native American Studies Center will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, reopening to the public on Tuesday, July 7 at 10am.

“The items came from 57 archaeological sites across 12 U.S. states in the Great Plains and American West.”

These 12,000-year-old Native American dice are the oldest in the world A study of ancient artifacts suggests Native American dice games began thousands of years earlier than previously documented.

“A major housing and retail development proposal in Virginia threatens to pave over the birthplace of one of America’s most influential historical tribal leaders.”

Native America Calling: The life of Chief Powhatan and the fight to preserve his birthplace A housing and retail development in Virginia threatens to pave over the birthplace of one of America’s most influential historical tribal leaders.

We hope to see you this Friday!

Want to attend virtually? Register at this link: https://bit.ly/4tGxHsn

“A hundred works by Indigenous artists tracing creative resilience over the course of a century will go on view at the institution in August.”

Phoenix Art Museum Receives Largest Gift of Native American Works A hundred works by Indigenous artists tracing creative resilience over the course of a century will go on view at the institution in August.

Three events, one fantastic day of programming!

Thank you to all who came out, with special thanks to author and podcaster Amelia Old, Clemson Cooperative Extension Agent Abigail Taylor, and Catawba artists Mary Beth Gunn and Nancy White for sharing their stories, expertise, and talents with us during Saturday’s programs (author talk and book signing, gardening series, and pop-up mini market).

“The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe constructed a wetu — a traditional Native American house — on their land next to the First Light Casino in Taunton on Sunday, June 7.”

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe constructs wetu near First Light Casino Mashpee Wampanoag build a traditional wetu at their Taunton casino to preserve culture and teach younger generations.

Loved having author Amelia Old at the Center today to discuss her book, “100 Things to Do in South Carolina Before You Die”!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ0zB2ovrYG/?igsh=MTg4OG5kcDJ5OGEwcQ==

📚What an absolute privilege to have author and podcast host @ameliaoldofficial at the Center today, giving a talk on her new book, “100 Things to Do in South Carolina Before You Die” (@reedy_press). We’re honored to be listed in Amelia’s book, along with many other fabulous places in @visitoldeenglishdistrictsc and across the Palmetto State! #NASC #USCL #BookSigning

We’re one week away!

Presented in person and virtually. To attend via Zoom, register via this link: https://bit.ly/4tGxHsn