Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At Custer National Cemetery, stone markers tell the story of where Custer's men fell.
Adjacent to the visitors center is the
Custer National Cemetery
for the military, which
resembles Arlington National Cemetery on a much smaller scale. The actual monument on
Last Stand Hill is on a paved trail within walking distance of the center, and a 4.5-mile road
open to car traffic connects the Custer Battlefield with the Benteen Battlefield.
The granite memorial on
Last Stand Hill
was built in July 1881, and in 1890 marble
markers replaced stakes that stood where each soldier had fallen. Starting in 1999, red gran-
ite markers were placed to honor the Native Americans who died in the battle, including
Cheyenne warriors Lame White Man and Noisy Walking and Lakota warriors Long Road
and Dog's Back Bone. Another monument, titled “Peace Through Unity,” was dedicated in
2003 to honor the Indian participants who fought and died in the Battle of the Little Big-
horn. For those wanting to do a bit of homework before arriving at the site, the
Friends of
the Little Bighorn Battlefield
(
www.friendslittlebighorn.com
)
maintain an excellent web-
site.
A wonderful way to explore the monument, and the starkly beautiful windswept plains
that surround it, is by hiring a Native American guide through
Apsalooke Tours
(406/
