Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Durwood Brandon · Public domain · source
Name	Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Location	Montana, United States
Nearest city	Crow Agency, Montana
Coordinates	45.5692° N, 107.4283° W
Area	765.34 acres
Established	January 29, 1879
Visitors	300,000
Governing body	National Park Service

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a United States National Monument located in Montana, United States, that commemorates the Battle of Little Bighorn, a pivotal event in the Great Sioux War of 1876. The monument is situated near the Crow Indian Reservation and is managed by the National Park Service, in collaboration with the Crow Nation and other Native American tribes, including the Lakota people, Cheyenne people, and Arapaho people. The site is also near the Little Bighorn River, a tributary of the Bighorn River, and is close to the Wyoming border, near the Bighorn Mountains. The monument is part of the National Park System, which includes other notable sites such as Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Glacier National Park.

● History

The history of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is closely tied to the Great Sioux War of 1876, a conflict between the United States Army and the Lakota people, Cheyenne people, and Arapaho people. The war was sparked by the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, a region considered sacred by the Lakota people, and the subsequent Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, which established the Great Sioux Reservation. The United States Army was led by George Armstrong Custer, a United States Military Academy graduate, who had previously fought in the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. The Lakota people were led by Sitting Bull, a prominent Hunkpapa leader, and Crazy Horse, a renowned Oglala warrior. Other notable figures involved in the conflict included Geronimo, a Chiricahua Apache leader, and Red Cloud, a Lakota leader who had signed the Fort Laramie Treaty.

● Geography

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is located in southeastern Montana, near the Crow Indian Reservation and the Little Bighorn River. The site is situated in a valley surrounded by the Bighorn Mountains and is characterized by rolling hills, grasslands, and wooded areas. The monument is near the Wyoming border and is close to other notable geographic features, including the Bighorn River, the Yellowstone River, and the Missouri River. The region is also home to several National Forests, including the Bighorn National Forest and the Shoshone National Forest, which are managed by the United States Forest Service. The monument's geography is similar to that of other National Monuments in the region, such as the Devils Tower National Monument and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

● Battle of

Little Bighorn The Battle of Little Bighorn was a pivotal event in the Great Sioux War of 1876, fought between the United States Army and the Lakota people, Cheyenne people, and Arapaho people. The battle took place on June 25, 1876, and resulted in the defeat of the United States Army and the death of George Armstrong Custer. The battle was a significant victory for the Lakota people and their allies, but it ultimately led to the Wounded Knee Massacre and the Dawes Act, which had devastating consequences for Native American communities. The battle is still studied by military historians and strategists today, including those at the United States Army War College and the Naval War College. Other notable battles in the region include the Battle of the Rosebud and the Battle of Beecher Island.

● Memorialization and Preservation

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument was established in 1879 to commemorate the Battle of Little Bighorn and to honor the United States Army soldiers and Native American warriors who fought and died in the battle. The monument features a Custer National Cemetery, where many of the United States Army soldiers are buried, as well as a Native American memorial and a self-guided tour of the battlefield. The site is also home to a museum and a visitor center, which provide information about the battle and its history. The monument is managed by the National Park Service, in collaboration with the Crow Nation and other Native American tribes, including the Lakota people, Cheyenne people, and Arapaho people. Other notable National Monuments in the region include the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Devils Tower National Monument.

● Tourism and Management

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 300,000 visitors each year. The site offers a range of activities and amenities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and guided tours. The monument is managed by the National Park Service, which works to balance the needs of tourism and conservation. The site is also an important cultural and spiritual destination for Native American communities, who come to the monument to honor their ancestors and to conduct traditional ceremonies. The monument is part of the National Park System, which includes other notable sites such as Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Glacier National Park. Other notable National Parks in the region include the Badlands National Park and the Wind Cave National Park.

● Archaeology and Research

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is an important site for archaeological research and historical preservation. The site has been the subject of numerous archaeological excavations and historical studies, which have shed new light on the Battle of Little Bighorn and its significance. The monument is also home to a range of cultural resources, including Native American artifacts and historical buildings. The site is managed by the National Park Service, which works to preserve and protect these resources for future generations. The monument is also an important site for educational programs and research initiatives, which are conducted in partnership with universities and research institutions such as the University of Montana and the Smithsonian Institution. Other notable research institutions in the region include the Montana State University and the University of Wyoming.

Category:National Monuments in Montana