Little Bighorn National Monument

Took a break during our 11 hour drive from Glacier to Devil's Tower to stop and learn about Custer's last stand against the Lakota and the Cheyenne warriors. Custer lost his life and that of more than 260 soldiers, while the Indians lost about 100 in June, 1876. It was one of the last armed efforts by the Northern Plains Indians to preserve and protect their nomadic way of life. Gold was found in 1874 on the Indian's designated land and Americans wanting that gold broke the 1868 Fort Laramie treaty enraging the Indians. Peace could not be made and the army was called in to maintain order. The Indians won this battle, but lost the war.Read more