Battle of the Little Bighorn

“Battle of the Little Bighorn” or “Custer’s Last Stand”

Whichever name you use, “Battle of the Little Bighorn,” “Custer’s Last Stand” or “Battle of the Greasy Grass;” it is one of the most famous battles in American History.

Part of the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877, it was the downfall of Custer's 7th Calvary and also the downfall of the Lakota and Cheyenne nations.   This deadly clash started on June 25, 1876 and was concluded the next day.

In the weeks following the "Battle of the Little Bighorn," rumors and stories were circulating on the East Coast, and all were looked on with skepticism.  Enemies and admirers alike could not believe such a huge figure like General George Armstrong Custer could be dead.  But it was true; Custer and the 210 men under his command were dead.  

"Comanche" in 1887.

 There were two survivors; Captain Myles Keogh's horse "Comanche" and another horse called "Nap," and they weren't talking!

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Crow Agency, Montana now pays tribute to this piece of American history. 

Standing at the top of "Last Stand" hill on a hot summer day, there is a sense of anticipation in the prairie wind.  You can almost hear the sounds of the cavalry horses headed this way, and the commotion from the Sioux women and children breaking down their camp across the river.

I am always greatly moved every time I visit this National Monument.  Although it is haunting and lonely, and a place of great tragedy, I feel a tremendous sense of peace and belonging as I gaze upon the graves and across the wind-swept plain.  I don't know whether it is the location itself, or the fact that I have an ancestor who served under Custer and died there with him.

The following is a slideshow of photos my husband took last summer at the Little Bighorn National Monument.  I look forward to returning there soon.