We decided to take the country route on the way to The Battle of Little Big Horn National Monument. On this trip, in taking back roads, we’ve had such special memories. God had another one in store for us.
We drove into the cute little town of Broadus, MT, and found a calf roping event, to Dayne’s delight! Horses, horses everywhere!
This was a father/son duo competing together. Dayne was later able to chat with the dad about horses. Mom was riding that day, too, and came in third with her partner. We saw the family later and the dad let the boys feed his horses some carrots. Very kind!
The boys were invited to love on Rosie. She’s so docile, she can be ridden bare back.
The next morning, we rolled into the monument grounds bright and early. We ate breakfast, and then headed off to do some soaking up of history.
The photo on the top right shows Last Stand Hill, where George A. Custer died with his men. The bottom right shows the trees along the Little Big Horn River. On the other side of the river is where Crazy Horse and other chiefs had their combined village of over 2,000. The monument on the left names each US soldier that died that day in less than two hours. Seven hundred fifty men.
This monument below honors all the Indians who fought that day. There were no winners in this battle. Only losers. The US Army lost many men who died brutal deaths. The Indians would eventually lose their way of life due to the swift retaliation of the US government. Heartbreaking loss.
Beautifully detailed dioramas depict the battle.
The soldiers on Last Stand Hill shot their horses to use as shields from the Indian attack. This act, in itself, was admitting they knew they would die that day. Many took their own lives before the Indians could.
As you walk along, you see white marble gravestones marking where soldiers were killed.
Ranger Steve Adelson pulls no punches as he makes the story come alive.
Using an arrow as a pointer and the actual battlefield as a backdrop, he draws you into the stories of both sides. You can find him on YouTube.Steve adelson https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q2UzKRUgzJ0 His presentation was excellent. Hopefully if you’re ever there visiting, you can sit in on his talk.
beauty among the sadness
After leaving the battlefield, it was time to head to camp.
We stayed at the 7th Ranch RV Campground in Garryowen, MT.
It was a beautiful, simple, peaceful place to stay. (Except for the train that went through the valley at night. Albert couldn’t believe it. Brodee said, “They’re playing our song!”)
When I was checking us in, the office lady told me to help myself to enough ice cream bars for each one in our family. Gratis, none the less.
Should anyone ever offer you a Wilcoxson’s Fudge ice cream bar, DO NOT turn it down. Your ice cream loving tastebuds will never forgive you. These are thick, creamy, refreshing, and absolutely delicious!!!! And huge. They’re made by a local Billings company.
A Malo Walkabout 