Battle of Little Bighorn

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, occurred June 25-26, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in the eastern Montana Territory, and is commonly known as "Custer's Last Stand."
By: Maryalice Yakutchik

Related To:

P8140219

Battlefields are grisly, if hallowed, grounds that hold haunting memories. But, given time, they become places that are significant not only for their military history but also for art and culture. Here are some of the most stunning examples of battlefields on US soil.

The Battle of Little Bighorn
There are some cold hard facts about the Battle of the Little Bighorn, which occurred June 25-26, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in the eastern Montana Territory.

However, myths, legends, reinventions, interpretations and distortions swirl around this most famous event in the Indian Wars, which is commonly known as "Custer's Last Stand" because his cavalry detachment was annihilated by the Northern Plains Indians who fought to preserve their way of life.

That's why you've got to appreciate the candid perspective of Kennard Real Bird, a Crow wrangler who guides horseback tours between the National Park Service boundaries at the Reno-Benteen Battlefield and Calhoun Hill:

"On the Little Bighorn Battlefield rides we will represent the point of view of our people, as well as giving a balanced insight into the 7th Cavalry of June 25, 1876, and what we believe their movements were on the battlefield. We will present our history as we perceive it, passed down through the oral tradition of our nations. This is not an image created for us, it is one created by us, from the firsthand accounts of our ancestors who were at the Little Bighorn, and lived through that era."

The story of the engagement is revealed and the roles of the participants placed into context during horseback tours conducted by indigenous tribal guides and offered exclusively through Go Native America Tours. Visitors follow the paths of Crow scouts and Custer's 7th to Medicine Tail Coulee, and then retrace Crazy Horse's route from the village to Calhoun Hill, stopping at each significant site.

Next Up

Battle of Yorktown

Yorktown marked the last major battle of the Revolutionary War, ultimately securing independence for the United States.

Battle of the Alamo

Though no one recalls who first issued the rallying cry "Remember the Alamo," one thing is for sure: The Battle of the Alamo symbolizes courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty.

Battle of Gettysburg

Cited as the Civil War's turning point, the Battle of Gettysburg effectively ended Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North.

Off-Season Awesome in Big Sky, Montana

Experience epic outdoor adventures.

Haunted History: A Shuttered Pennsylvania Nursing Home Is Home to Dozens of Trapped Souls

The dark, storied history of Pennsylvania’s Hill View Manor will shake you. In fact, at least one of the spirits will introduce himself — if given the chance.

Top Civil War Battlefield Tours

Here are some of the most gripping battlefields to explore.

Top 5 Places to Stay in Nashville

See our picks for top hotels in Nashville.

Visit Gorgeous Tulip Fields Without Flying to Holland

Washington’s Skagit Valley is the next best thing.

Florida’s East Coast Beaches

We share the best beaches on Florida's East Coast. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

7 Fun Things to Do on Your Fort Myers Vacation

From sunset kayaking to delicious eats, there is so much to explore in southwest Florida's island sanctuary.

More Creepy Content

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

On TV

10am | 9c
11am | 10c
12pm | 11c
1pm | 12c
2pm | 1c
3pm | 2c
4pm | 3c
5pm | 4c
6pm | 5c
On Tonight
On Tonight
8pm | 7c
10pm | 9c
11pm | 10c
12am | 11c
2am | 1c
3am | 2c