Little Bighorn Battlefield
A Place of Reflection
Little Bighorn Battlefield is a visit one is not likely to forget. It is an unusually quiet place without the typical noisy visitors. Markers are placed throughout the area identifying places where soldiers of the 7th cavalry, and also native Americans fell in battle. There are also markers in the main battle areas that give a hint of how the battles might have occurred, and one can look up to see how the current state of the landscape.
General Custer began his military fame during the Civil war in battles of Bull Run, Gettysburg, and others. He had an uncanny way of avoiding personal harm, although the members of his command were not so lucky. He self-described his luck as “Custer’s luck”.
This Montana side trip to the battlefield was a two day stop on the summer trip with the eventual destination of Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico. The distance to Little Bighorn from Coeur d’Alene is approximately 569 miles, off I90 southeast of Billings. The photo album of our visit is a bit on the large size at 38 images, but the wait is worth it for interested history buffs.
We camped in our RV not far from the battlefield and explored the area for two days. Our visit included self guided tours complete with audio players, available at the visitor station. Hiking the short trails was also fun. The area is remote enough and large enough for one to be able to enjoy the experience in relative solitude.
Little Bighorn Battlefield is definitely a “must see” for anyone in the area.
links
NPS: Little BighornBattlefield
Google Maps from Coeur d’Alene
Timeline
