Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Montana
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana commemorates the June 25-26, 1876 battle between the U.S. 7th Cavalry led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and a coalition of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. The site includes Custer National Cemetery and the Reno-Benteen Battlefield, reflecting the complex geography of uplands, bluffs, and river plains. Memorials honor both the U.S. soldiers and Native American warriors who fought and died here, including the granite monument on Last Stand Hill and the Indian Memorial dedicated in 2003. The battlefield's landscape reveals a layered history of conflict and remembrance, with archaeological work in the 1980s uncovering new insights. The monument offers visitors a place for reflection on the cultural and historical significance of the battle and its impact on Indigenous communities and American history.
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Astuce: Visit during late spring to early fall for optimal weather and access. Consider purchasing tickets or planning your visit through the official National Park Service website to check for any visitor center construction updates. Take the 4.5-mile driving tour to explore the Reno-Benteen Battlefield area. Memorial Day events often include special ceremonies honoring those who fought in the battle. Discounts may be available for seniors, military personnel, and Native American visitors.
Faits intéressants
- •The granite memorial on Last Stand Hill was built in 1881 by Lieutenant Charles F. Roe and the 2nd Cavalry.
- •The Indian Memorial, dedicated in 2003, honors the Native American tribes who fought in the battle, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho.
- •In 1983, a wildfire cleared dense vegetation, allowing archaeologists to conduct significant excavations in 1984 and 1985.
- •The first memorial mound was constructed by Captain George K. Sanderson in 1879 using cord wood and horse bones to cover soldiers' remains.
- •Red granite markers on the battlefield denote where specific Native American warriors fell, placed beginning in 1999.
Histoire
The site was first preserved as a U.S.
National Cemetery in 1879 to protect the graves of 7th Cavalry soldiers.
It was proclaimed National Cemetery of Custer's Battlefield Reservation in 1886 and transferred to the National Park Service in 1940.
In 1946, it was redesignated as Custer Battlefield National Monument, and in 1991 renamed Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
Key additions include the Reno-Benteen Battlefield in 1926 and the Indian Memorial in 2003.
The site has witnessed significant events, including archaeological excavations in the 1980s and protests by the American Indian Movement in 1976, reflecting ongoing cultural and historical dialogues.
Guide du lieu
Last Stand Hill1881
The site of the final defense of Lt. Col. Custer and his troops, marked by a granite monument built in 1881 and surrounded by marble markers indicating where soldiers fell.
Indian Memorial2003
Dedicated in 2003 near Last Stand Hill, this memorial honors the Native American warriors who fought in the battle, featuring red granite markers for fallen warriors.
Reno-Benteen Battlefield1926 (added to the monument)
Located about 3 miles southeast of the main battlefield, this area marks where 350 7th Cavalry soldiers, led by Marcus Reno and Frederick Benteen, survived the battle and entrenched themselves.
Custer National Cemetery1879
A national cemetery on the battlefield preserving the graves of soldiers who died in the battle and subsequent conflicts, established in 1879.
Contact
Téléphone: (406) 924-9167