Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In some ways, visiting Native American reservations can be a bit like exploring another
country. The tribes have worked fiercely to protect their culture and preserve their history.
They also live according to their own values rather than any imposed on them. One result is
that time can take on a different meaning: Few things happen precisely when it is stated they
will. Travelers should adjust accordingly and learn to be more spontaneous. In addition, the
technology that many of us reply on is not nearly as critical to some Native Americans; you
may not get an answer the first few times you call someone. And there is no voicemail. Per-
sistence pays off, and patience serves travelers well.
The
Crow Tribal Council Headquarters
is a good source of local information (P.O.
Box 159, Crow Agency, MT 59022, 406/638-3715,
www.crowtribe.com
)
. The
Tourism
Office and Visitors Center
can be reached at 406/638-7272.
The
Northern Cheyenne Tribal Office
can be reached at 406/477-6284. The
Northern
Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce
(U.S. 212, Lame Deer, 406/477-8844) is another
source of information on the reservation.
The
Crow Indian Reservation
is easily accessed from I-90, which runs the length of the
reservation. The
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
is accessed by U.S. Highway
212, which runs east-west, or by Highways 39 or 314, both of which run north-south.
Miles City (population 8,409, elevation 2,369 feet) has always been a cowboy town. After
the 1876 campaign against the Indians, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the 5th
Infantry established camp at the confluence of the Tongue and Yellowstone Rivers under
the leadership of Col. Nelson A. Miles. In 1881 the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway
ensured the longevity of the settlement, and in 1884 the Montana Stockgrowers Associ-
ation was formed, creating an important and long-lasting link to the cattle market. The brick
buildings that line Main Street today are much as they were when this town boomed in the
late 1800s and early 1900s.
The biggest event in Miles City, and its claim to fame today, is the annual Miles City
Bucking Horse Sale, which at least doubles the population of the town and reflects its her-
