Monday, September 3rd, 2012
After overnighting in Belle Fourche, MT, we got an early start Monday morning.
Our main stop for the day was the Little Bighorn battlefield. We were there for about 4 hours, walking around the actual battlefield, the information center, and the military cemetery they have there.
When the aftermath was found, each place a soldier had died was marked. Sadly, many of the names were unknown or simply not noted, so most of the markers just have "U.S. Soldier, 7th Cavalry fell here" carved into them.
The officers' stones, however, all have names.
We noticed how most of the markers were grouped in twos, sometimes threes, and only rarely was there one all by itself. It was sad to see how nobody wanted to die alone--or be the only escapee.
This was at the far end of the memorial grounds. Long story abbreviated, Custer split up his troops, which was a grave mistake. Custer's group was obliterated, and the other half didn't fare too well themselves.
Reno's group was trapped on top of this hill. They sent 12 men down this ravine in the dead of night to bring water up from the river--only 4 of them made it back alive.
Oh, and Custer had two of his brothers and one brother-in-law in that battle with him.
What a horrid day for their family!
The Indians have their own monument there as well, and you have to admit, it's a bit cooler
than the block-o-marble for the U.S. Troops.
After spending the day there, I felt much more sympathetic towards the Indians, and rather irritated by Custer. To quote my dad, General Custer's slogan should have been "There they are! CHARGE!!"
Want a quick, horribly politically incorrect quote from the day?
Once out of the battlefield, we stopped at a gas station for drinks. Both of attendants and several of the customers were obviously Native American. Upon our return to the car...
"Thems a lotta Indians!"
"That's what Custer said."
~Kiwi
