Custer's Last Stand - Aug 9, 2007 - Garryowen, Montana, United States

ANOTHER BUCKET LIST ITEM We enjoyed a lazy early morning once again, then met Dick and Carolyn about 9:30 a.m. at the ranch and departed for Battle of Little Bighorn National Monument in MT. It was about an hour and a half drive. This was another area that Donald has always wanted to visit. The docents at the monument were very informative, and seeing the battlefield and its topography gives one a better appreciation of what actually happened.

Custer's Last Stand Hill

A SAD DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY It was a very solemn tour, knowing that many US Army and Native American men gave their lives here at this battlefield, needlessly.

Native American Grave Markers

It also made us a little angry that LTC Custer was so arrogant that he used no common sense and took no advice, sacrificing his troops.

Calvary Grave Markers

This is certainly not the first time in history that arrogance and pride were a man's downfall, but, it's just a shame that LTC Custer (Donald refuses to call him General Custer) had to take so many innocent men on both sides with him. (Note: Custer was targeted NOT to graduate from West Point because of numerous problems; in fact, he was in the process of being expelled. However, with the start of the Civil War and the need for military officers, he was "graduated" and ultimately promoted to the brevit rank of Brigadier General. He had many problems and conflicts throughout his career, but had a couple of Civil War hero generals who took care of him.)

PEOPLE WATCHERS We ate lunch at a KFC near the battlefield and returned to Buffalo via the Wal-Mart in Sheridan. As is becoming the norm, we enjoyed a large dip of ice cream at 8:00 p.m. at the Deer Park office. This is quite a stopping-off place for many RVers. They arrive before 5:00 p.m. usually from AK, CA, or Yellowstone and leave the next morning by mid-morning, taking time to shower, wash their hair, and do the laundry. We've met folks from all over the U.S. and Canada. They are usually going or coming back from one of the above-mentioned destinations. It almost feels like a truck stop. We're the most 'stable' ones in the park at the moment. Scary thought, huh!