September 14, 2007 –Little Bighorn Battlefield

The road through the battlefield is five miles long and you can take your own vehicle or the bus tour (or both). We decided to take the bus tour since we would get much more history about the area – and it was fantastic. Our tour guide took us through the history of the United States at that time and also the history of the Native Americans and why/how this battled happened. As we made the stops along the road, she explained what happened in that area. It made it so real for us.

This battle took place on June 25-26, 1876 and more than 260 soldiers and attached personnel of the Army as well as 60-100 Lakota/Cheyenne died. Among the dead were Lt. Col. George A. Custer and every member of his immediate command.

When back-up arrived on June 27, 1876, they buried the bodies where they were and put up markers. In 1877, Custer and his officers were removed to eastern cemeteries (Custer is buried at West Point, NY). In 1881, all the other remains were put in a mass burial site and longer lasting markers were put on the areas where they died. In the 1900’s, markers were put on sites where the Indians died. (The Indians took their dead that day before they moved on.)

Mass Burial Site:
Custer’s Marker:

Cheyenne Warrior Marker:

U.S. Solder Marker:

Horse Marker:

Indian Memorial:

Markers on the Battlefield:


After the tour, we went to the National Park Video on the Battlefield, took some of the trails to the various sites and then took our own car on the road. (I wanted to stop and get some pictures).

Another extremely interesting day!! One thing we did notice is that everything presented had a balanced view – both sides are represented since this battle is both in the US and Indian history.

We stopped at a local café and met up with our neighbors – so we all had a late lunch together. I tried fry bread for the first time – very good!!

The rest of the day was relaxing and getting the blog caught up. Tomorrow we head towards South Dakota. Stay tuned.