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Categories: History & Heritage
Overview. This historic battlefield, the site of "Custer's Last Stand," is located along the banks of the Little Bighorn River on the Crow Reservation in Montana. Historians say that what really happened here at the Battle of the Little Bighorn will always be a mystery. So far as the historical record allows us to know, Custer and the more than 200 soldiers in his regiment died on June 25 and 26, 1876. Records were pieced together from the testimony of Native Americans who fought in the battle and those among Custer's subordinates who had not been part of the fighting.
In defense of their territory, Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors were protecting their homes and families from encroaching white settlers during the first several months of 1876. Custer and his cavalry were ordered to locate these Plains tribes and drive them back onto the reservation. However, when he arrived with his troops, he was surprised by the fighting force of the warriors. This was the last major victory by Native Americans over the U.S. Army. On June 27, 1876, the army sent reinforcements in and forced the tribes westward.
What to see and do. A visitor center, which features interpretive exhibits and programs, is open from 8 AM to 7:30 PM, Memorial Day through Labor Day; until 4:30 PM in winter; and until 6 PM in fall and spring. Monument grounds are open until 9 PM daily. You can take a one-hour guided bus tour for a small fee. During the summer, tours leave five times daily from the center. Rangers are on hand to give talks about the history of the site and the Plains tribes. The reservation holds an annual tribal celebration the third weekend in August, which includes a craft fair, traditional dancing, and a rodeo. No pets are permitted here, and an alcohol ban is enforced. Billings, MT and Sheridan, WY are the nearest cities, between 65 and 70 miles away. Take I-90 to Exit 510 ( US 212). Follow US 212 approximately one-half mile to the site.
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