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Free Traveling Guides » States » Montana » DestinationsLittle Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Southeast Montana is home to the site where the Battle of the Little Bighorn was fought on June 25-26 in the year 1876. This battle is described as the last armed attempt by the Indians in Northern Plains to preserve their ancient life style and traditions. It is here that the 7th U.S. Cavalry led by Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer took over the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians and this clash resulted in the death of the Lieutenant and 260 soldiers.
In 1879 the site was geared up to be a national cemetery and was eventually changed to Custer Battlefield National Monument in 1946 but finally on Dec 10 1991 it was set up as the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
Within the National Monument premises, a museum and a visitor center have exhibits featuring the history of the battle, weapons used, life of the Indians who fought and other memorabilia pertaining to the 1876 Battle. Just adjacent to the visitor center is the Custer National Cemetery where burials from the world wars and other battles were facilitated. Custer was initially buried here but the grave was reinterred to West Point Cemetery, New York in 1877.
The best way to get an absolute feel of the location is by opting for an interpretive tour and guided walk offered at regular intervals. Also a self-guiding tour road that stretches for about five-miles and separates the Custer Battlefield and the Reno-Benteen Battlefield enables visitors to observe the sites related to the battle.
- Mailing Address: PO Box 39,
Crow Agency, MT 59022
- Telephone: (406) 638-3204
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