Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument

 On the morning of 26 June 2011 we toured the Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument which is on the Crow Reservation just north of Interstate 90 in the Little Big Horn Valley.  Luckily, we visited on the anniversary of the battle that took place on the 25th and 26th of June in 1876 and were able to watch a 90 minute reenactment of the battle.  The site is memorialized as the location of the battle of the Northern Plains Indians efforts to preserve their culture and Lt. Col. Custer's efforts to attain glory.  In the long run, neither side succeeded in their endeavors.  

The battle participants consisted of a summer gathering of the Lakota Nation, Northern Cheyenne Nation, Arapaho Nation, several Plains tribes including the Sans Arc, Minniconjou, Hunkpapa, Blackfoot, Brule, Oglala, and others.  The estimated total of Native Americans was 7,000 which included between 1,500 and 2,000 warriors. 


The U.S. Army was represented by Custer's troupe of 260 men.  Historians indicate that the Army was led to the site by Native American Crow guides that Custer released on the evening of the 25th since their job had been completed.  At dawn on the 26th Custer attacked.  The Native Americans responded to the attack in mass.  

 After the Native Americans were roused, Custer had his men retreat to the high ground just above the encampment.  He sent a rider to Captain Reno's troupe which was encamped several miles to the east.  It is reported that all of the 260 soldiers, except the one man that was sent for reinforcements, were killed.  

 The Native American victory was short lived.  Ultimately the Native Americans of the Plains were forced onto reservations and the plains were cleared for immigrant migration.

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The view from the top of the hill looking south is spectacular.  From the mound where Custer made his last stand, the valley and the Little Bighorn River can be seen running east and west for miles.  In late June the vista was covered with lush grass in various shades of green.