Have you ever been to the Battle of Little Big Horn site?

Question

I've been there twice, the last time I spent all day there, just looking around on my own, and trying to get a feel for the on that day from either side of the battle. And wondering how it was not what most thought it would be like, it has a mood of it's own, it does not glorify the Battle, it does not favor the Calvary troops or the Indian warriors, It seems to invites you to make your own decision, truely unbiased, the site is mostly cared for by the tribe that includes the decendents of the scouts who served with Custer ,who fought against other tribes,and many died with The US troops on that day in June of 1876, with this background I can see why it has that in-between view, which is a real breath of fresh air considering how much people want to blame others these days for the events in the past, they we have no control over, so what do you think of the site? I think it it's a solumn place, and provikes me to see the bigger picture of a differnt time and place.

Answer 1

I have never visited the battle site, however, I am in awe of the History Channel's portrayal as they walk through the site and pin point where the soldiers had fallen. When they located spent cartridges, showing how the soldiers, perhaps panicked and clustered together; it really adds realism to the entire scene.
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Answer 2

I've been there (I used to live in Montana). The thing that stood out to me was how they had the grave markers in the spots where the soldiers fell, so that by driving on the road along the ridgeline you got a first-hand impression of the scale on which the battle unfolded. It's one thing to read in a history book that Major Reno was stuck three miles away and couldn't go to Custer's aid. It's another thing if you've been to the place and seen for yourself just what was involved in covering those three miles!

EDIT - to johnboy: I've never seen a re-enactment, but my mom has and she knew a couple of guys who were in one. They said that when it was a hot day, they tried to get the parts of 7th Cavalrymen who were killed early in the battle, so they could spend the rest of the day holed up in one of the tents, drinking beer and playing cards. :-)

Answer 3

I've been there once and was impressed by the Crow park ranger that gave the little presentation. It does take you back that's for sure. It was the same feeling i got looking down off of Cemetery Ridge looking off toward Semetery Ridge. You can just imagine what all took place there.

Answer 4

Yes I have been there and last weekend I took my sons to see a reenactment of Custer's last stand in Hardin, Montana. Have you ever had a chance to see that?

Answer 5

I have been there yes. An a mazing site really and I would agree it is well cared for. I was a very moving experience. I would recommend it any American regardless of your ethnic heritage