MONTANA · USA - June 2023
- chrissihuf
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
Brief History/Information
Montana is the fourth-largest U.S. state by area and is known as "Big Sky Country", and became the 41st U.S. state on November 8, 1889. The region was home to numerous Indigenous nations, including the: Crow Nation, Blackfeet Nation, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through the area in 1805–1806.
Montana was the setting for several important conflicts during the American Indian Wars.
The most famous was the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where forces led by Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and others defeated troops commanded by George Armstrong Custer. Custer and more than 200 of his men were killed in what became known as "Custer's Last Stand."
What we did
This was the start of a wonderful road trip. We actually flew into Denver, Colorado, rented a vehicle and drove up to Little Bighorn, Montana. Stopped in Wyoming at the Casper Welcome Center and Scenic Overlook. This was a good stop along the way and very informative. (Pictures below)
We stayed at the Lariat Motel, 17 min from Little Bighorn. This town doesn’t have any traffic lights… it’s so adorable. We went to Little Bighorn National Monument and walked, learned, and saw the amazing battlefield. The monument commemorates both the soldiers of the 7th Cavalry and the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors who fought there. Here you can see Last Stand Hill, The Indian Memorial, Markers showing where soldiers and Native warriors fell, and Museum exhibits on the battle and its historical context.
The next morning we ate at Luxury Diner for breakfast before our big adventure! What big adventure? We booked a three hour Battlefield Ride at the Little Bighorn on horsebacK, and were led by a Native American Crow member. Booked through Little Bighorn Tours. This was an amazing experience. Our guide was extremely knowledgable and has horses of all sizes and can accommodate non-riders to experienced riders. That night, we ate at 3 Brothers Bistro, what great food and atmosphere. (Pictures below)
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