Memorial Markers - Little Bighorn National Battlefield - Crow Agency, MT
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member gparkes
N 45° 34.217 W 107° 25.640
13T E 310597 N 5049170
Quick Description: This is a Historical Marker located in Little Bighorn National Battlefield . A series of markers are located throughout the park to give a good understanding of battle movements and history.
Location: Montana, United States
Date Posted: 7/17/2009 10:19:35 PM
Waymark Code: WM6TDA
Published By: Groundspeak Premium Member zenpanda
Views: 3
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Long Description:


Memorial Markers

Following the battle, the Lakota and Cheyenne removed their dead and buried them in lodges, seaffolds, and the hillsides. Surviving members of the 7th Cavalry hastily buried the soldiers, Indian Scouts and civilians on June 28, 1876.

In 1877, most officers’ remains were exhumed and reinterred in eastern cemeteries. Lt. Col. Custer’s partial remains were reburied at West Point, New York. In 1881, Lt. Charles Roe erected a granite memorial shaft and reburied the remaining 7th Cavalry dead in a mass grave around its base.

In 1890, the army placed 249 headstone markers across the battlefield in an attempt to show where Custer’s men had fallen.

Total 7th Cavalry Casualties:
- Custer Battalion: 210
- Reno-Benteen Battalions: 53

Lakota and Cheyenne Casualties:
- 40 – 100 (estimated losses)

“…A trench was dug, into which were gathered all remains of those who fell in that fight, including those who were with Reno… and deeply buried at the foot of the monument… It’s center is within six feet of the spot upon which were found Gen. Custer’s remains.”

Lt. Charles Roe, 2nd Cavalry, 1881

Describe the area and history:
The Battle of the Little Bighorn occurred on June 25 and June 26, 1876, starting with the troops of the 7th Cavalry entering on horseback in to the region. Plans were for the Cavalry to split into three groups to surround the Indian village, and force a surrender.

What took place was a series of delays and tactical errors, poor luck on the behalf of the Army, and superior numbers of warriors.

The conclusion of two days of battle was 263 dead troopers.

Protection of the area began almost immediately. In 1879, Congress designated the area a National Cemetery. In 1946, President Truman designated the area as Custer Battlefield National Monument. In 1991, in keeping with the modern philosophy of historical accuracy, the area was re-designated as Little Big Horn National Battlefield.

Original stone markers are scattered throughout the park, indicated the location of fallen troops. Indian tribes took away and buried their own dead. Over the past couple decades, an intertwining of the Indian history has occurred, allowing a more respectful remembrance of where significant warrior deaths occurred.

"The Memorial" located at Last Stand Hill, is where the soldiers were buried in a mass grave. The officers were taken east to be buried in National Cemeteries, such as Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, as Captain Thomas Custer, George Custer's younger brother. Lt. Col. George A. Custer was buried at West Point.
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