Little Bighorn

September 25th, 2012

Shelby and I toured the Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana.

It was Shelby's first time to visit the battlefield and my third tour. Even after visiting in June 2005 and May 2012, I still learned new information.

The park ranger on duty that day gave an inspiring and fascinating talk about the battle and people involved. I could have sat and listened to him for hours. He taught history for many years, and decided to become a park ranger after he retired from the school system. I have listened to countless ranger-led talks in national parks and museums. This man and the park ranger at a Civil War site in Franklin, Tennessee are the best two I have ever met.

Last Stand Hill

Mass grave of the officers and enlisted men killed during the battle.

The stone with the black background is the approximate place where Custer's body was found.

Memorial in honor of the Native Americans killed during the battle.

The land has not changed, aside from a few houses and ranches, since the battle in 1876.

Shelby

Indian Frybread Taco

After touring Little Bighorn, we ate supper at the Trading Post.

We spent the night on a ranch a few miles from the battlefield. Mom, Dad, and I had stayed there on our way to Montana in May. The camping cabin Shelby and I were assigned had been besieged by box elder bugs. We refer to the night we spent there as the Battle of the Box Elder Beetle. :)