Who led the government expedition into the Black Hills in 1874, which ultimately led to conflicts over ownership?

The government expedition into the Black Hills in 1874 was led by General Custer, which is the reason this answer is correct. Custer's expedition was part of a larger effort to explore and survey the area, which had been designated as a part of the Great Sioux Reservation following the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868. The discovery of gold during this expedition heightened tensions between the U.S. government and the Sioux tribe, leading to significant conflicts over ownership of the land.

General Custer’s association with this expedition is also significant because it not only intensified the gold rush that erupted following his reports but also played a central role in the subsequent conflicts, including the Great Sioux War of 1876-77. His name is historically linked to both the exploration efforts and the resulting battles, such as the Battle of Little Bighorn, making his leadership in this expedition a pivotal moment in North Dakota's history and its interactions with Native American tribes.

The other generals mentioned in the choices are associated with different military actions or roles during the same period, but it was Custer who directly led that specific expedition into the Black Hills, marking a significant turning point in U.S.-Native American relations.