Speaking of big anniversaries … Kentuckians and the Battle of Little Bighorn

By: Berry Craig

Outlets: Kentucky Lantern

Published: June 25, 2026

Words: 925

Last Updated: 4 weeks ago

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On June 26, 1876, U.S. Seventh Cavalry trooper Michael P. Madden of Louisville gulped brandy before a surgeon amputated his right leg under fire during the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

The sawbones gave the Irish-born Kentucky enlistee another snort afterwards. Supposedly, Madden was so appreciative of the second drink that he invited the surgeon to “cut off me other leg.”

The sesquicentennial of the storied battle Madden survived isn’t getting much …

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