Little Bighorn

Montana battlefield monument preserving the 1876 Little Bighorn site and its rolling grassland markers.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument preserves the site of the June 25, 1876 battle between the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry, guided by Crow and Arikara scouts, and several bands of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho under leaders including Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The battle was a decisive Native American victory and one of the most famous engagements in American history.

White marble markers scattered across the rolling grassland indicate where soldiers fell. A memorial to the Native American warriors who fought and died here was added in 2003. The visitor centre has exhibits on both sides of the conflict, and in summer, ranger-led talks bring the landscape to life. A five-mile tour road and several walking trails — including the Reno-Benteen Defense Site and Deep Ravine Trail — cover the key positions.

Guide

Things to Do

Little Bighorn Battlefield offers a range of interpretive opportunities throughout the year. Interpretive talks on the battle and related themes are presented at the Visitor Center during summer, and the park hosts a major anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25 each year. A Friday night lecture series runs in July and August in nearby Hardin.

A self-guiding 5-mile tour road allows visitors to follow the battle sites in sequence. Three walking trails have been established: the Reno-Benteen Defense Site (five miles south of the Custer field), the Keogh/Crazy Horse position on Battle Ridge, and a trail along Deep Ravine to the west of Battle Ridge. Guided bus tours are offered through the concessionaire at Little Big Horn College.

Little Bighorn Battlefield Visitor Center — Museum exhibits include the Colter Ledger Drawings. Interpretive talks run Memorial Day through Labor Day. Tel: (406) 638-2621.

White Swan Memorial Library — Housed in the historic stone building that served as the original superintendent's headquarters, this library contains the finest collection of research materials on the Battle of Little Bighorn and related historical events. Visits are by appointment only.

Custer National Cemetery — Contains burials significant to northern plains history, as well as veterans and their dependents from 1879 to the present.

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