Guestbook

What Our Visitors Have to Say in 2013

Welcome to our guest book where you can leave comments, questions, observations, or anything else regarding our website, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or Plains Indian Wars.  To get started, just send your comment via the email address at right, and we will consider for placement here.

Name: Paul Warren
Date: 15 August 2013

Received Michael Donahue's book "Drawing Battle Lines" this morning. An incredible piece of work: art, binding and printing. This book is worth the price tag.

Any Custer BF aficionado who does not have one of these on their bookshelf is really missing a great reference work.

My Opinion: First quality: Five star rating.
From the hard cover binding to dust jacket – a class Act. Upton did a beautiful formatting and print job.

I have only thumbed through it fairly quickly but being in the advertising biz, and having had to produce technical documents in the missile program and contracts, this book looks like Donahue had a huge staff of assistants or the printer did.

Well-organized, easy reading. Without hesitation, some of the best quality maps I’ve seen of the LBH battlefield. Virtual endless collection. Research and collecting these maps, photos etc. was a huge job undoubtedly.

Also- nicely packaged for shipping- well protected.

Regards,

Paul

8/18/13 Thanks for the review of Donahue's book. You got it right, Paul. I think his book is one of the most important ever published on this battle. It will be a reference for students for decades to come, very much like Graham's Custer Myth. Thanks, B.R.

Name: Marion Richards
Date: 5 August 2013

Just visited the LBH battle site during our holiday (from UK) listened with interest to Mike Donahue’s talk. Very entertaining and animated.

“We were there – galloping across the plains”. A very moving and inspiring place, if you are in the area a visit is essential.

Marion

8/18/13 Donahue is one of the very best seasonal Park Ranger interpreters at the battlefield. He has left for this season and returned to his day-job, but he'll be back next summer for his 25th year on duty! Speaking of Donahue, here is an NPR report about his work at the battlefield. It was broadcast on July 22nd.  Regards, Bob R.

Name: Chris Jones
Date: 3 August 2013

Like an earlier correspondent, I too noticed similarities between LBH
and the 1879 Zulu War, particularly the battle of Isandlawana where the
24th Regiment was wiped out by Zulu impis. The siege action at
Rorke's Drift the same day compares in some ways to Reno/Benteen Hill.
The Zulu eventually drew off from Rorke's Drift, just as the
Lakota/Cheyenne did from Reno/Benteen.

Chris, Victoria BC Canada

Name: Patti Kilfoyle-Zummo
Date: 12 August 2012

Thank-you so much for all your hard work. I was amazing to see an ancestor listed on the muster roll of the 7th Cavalry. Thank-you.

Name: Antonio Redon
Date: 8 March 2012

Archaeology student at Stockholm University, writing a group presentation about the battle at Little big Horn, myself focusing on the battlefield archaeology aspect. very informative stuff on the website and i hope to visit the Little Big Horn site in the future.

3/9/12 Hope you can visit the battlefield soon. Thanks for posting. B.R.

Name: Scott Sumner
Date: 27 August 2011

I was just at Ft. Robinson. I bought both editions of Mr. Bueckers books on Ft. Robinson. Wow, I have finished the 1st and Tom you have a way of helping me understand the scope of the Fort and the range of the Lakota who roamed that area. Wonderfully written, great job.

Name: Jonathan Hands
Date: 18 August 2011

Comments

Your website is very interesting and well crafted. I am an avid amateur historian and former student of Archeology. I want to congratulate your organization for helping to keep the spirit of history and it's relevance to our lives today alive.

Jonathan Hands, N.W. Colorado

Name: James P. Lebert
Date: 29 July 2011

Comments

Your photos of the battlefields around little big horn show clearly how the lay of the land contributed to the success of the Indians and the soldiers being scattered and out of sight of one another. They must have been terrified.

James Lebert, NJ

Name: Dave Depperman
Date: 8 May 2011

Comments

After reading Mr. Davis's comments and question about a DVD which helps depict the terrain of the battlefield, I remember visiting a website www.virtuallittlebighorn.com in which Joseph M Marshall III narrates a tour of parts of the battlefield. It includes some computer generated maps showing troop and Indian movements and then video of the actual terrain.

It's relatively short but may help you get started.

Dave Depperman

Name: Doug S.
Date: 7 May 2011

Comments

Thanks for putting together the wonderful site.

I grew up in Hardin MT. My grandfather came into the area in 1908. I spent many hours wandering the battlefield site back in the days when access was wide open.

One of my friends families owned the property where the old "Fort Custer" used to stand. We found the old rifle ranges or "bullet mounds" as we called them. We dug up old slugs and a lot of complete cartridges. Also found were the old forts garbage dump sites where we dug up dozens of old artifacts; bottles, buttons, remnants of boots, belt buckles and numerous other items. These sites were in the coulees and trash was simply thrown in. Not too many bottles survived intact.

This was back in the 60's and these items weren't considered to have much importance. Unfortunately my two boxes full of collected "treasures" went to the county garbage dump in the 70's.

My older brother found a "7th. A Cavalry" hat pin -( the "crossed swords" made of brass / bronze) in a hidden compartment in an old treadle sewing machine from Crow Agency. This artifact has also been lost. How sad.

Doug S.
Montana

Name: Peter Doherty
Date: 31 Mar 2011

Comments

I've enjoyed reading all the different material on this site and have decided to join the "Friends of the Little Bighorn". I've always been interested in military history and in many ways Custers campaign mirrors that in Zululand by the British army under the command of General Chelmsford in 1879.

I have read several books on Custer and the Indian wars and have seen a few more here that I intend to buy. Websites like these are a fitting tribute to the warriors on both sides who fell that day and I hope that one day I shall be able to visit the battlefield in person.

Keep up the good work.

Peter, Cambridge, England

Name: Les Atkinson
Date: 29 Mar 2011

Comments

I have always been fascinated in American early history, and LBH is no exception.

Whether you agree with what Custer did or what his earlier deeds amounted to is now history, what I believe is that Custer got a rush of blood, thinking that if he won here, the presidency would have been his for the taking. he did not think Military style, on the attack, and the order, be quick bring packs must have been that he was in danger, pity the 7th Cavalry was not kept together though instead of splitting companies. However the Indians were also fighting for their right to be left alone.

Les Atkinson
Australia

Name: James E. Davis
Date: 28 Mar 2011

Comments

Many thanks to all those who keep the LBH alive in so many rich ways. As a kid growing up the 1940s and early ‘50s, I was fascinated by what I read about and saw in movies about the LBH. This September I was finally able to visit. My wife and I drove (slowly) up the Rosebud and came into the battlefield from the east. We spent about seven hours on the battlefield. The spatial dynamics of the battlefield fascinated me, especially the fact that it was huge, involved relatively few men, and that it was so rugged. Some of the books I have read recently have good maps—and I find Michno’s approach in solving spatial problems to be novel and worthwhile—but I still do not have a grasp of some spatial dynamics, including who could see whom and when. Does anyone know of a good DVD that has maps showing the unfolding of the battles? Also, recently I read some general criticism by Robert Utley of Philbrick’s recent work, but the criticism was only general. Does anyone know what his specific objections were? Finally, I was highly pleased to see so many fine works for sale in the visitors’ center, and I was delighted to meet at the site so many informed, helpful, and pleasant Crow. I hope to get back before too long.

Name: Brian Duggan
Date: 19 Mar 2011

Comments

Your site is a marvelous resource on many levels. I particularly value Bob Reece's illustrated account of "Custer's Last Stand" as it made the topography of the site and battle sequence understandable in a new way.

Brian Duggan, California

Name: Stu Richards
Date: 27 Feb 2011

Comments

Fantastic site, from the home county of George E. Adams, William Heath, and Herman Knauth -- Schuylkill County Pa.

Knauth lived with his brother in Brandonville, PA. George was from neighboring Minersville, PA and Heath supposedly survived the battle and is buried in Tamaqua, PA. He lived after Staffordshire, England on Girardville, and Tamaqua, according to family. And Book. "Billy Heath"?
Anyway great site.

Stu Richards

Name: Bob smith
Date: 08 Dec 2010

Comments

I think I served with Ernie in 101 D/2/320 in the FDC 1971 could you ask him if he is the same Erine . If it is I would like to get in contact with him . rss3930@aol.com put Ernie in the subject line thank you .

Name: geoffrey stallmann
Date: 07 Dec 2010

Comments

@ frank gonzalez....i do agree with you tho frank re. the washita massacre , i guess custer attacking a sleeping village was at the time militarily prudent? however ive always seen it as cowardly @ best...and his actions re. abandoning major elliot were disgraceful....

Name: geoffrey stallmann
Date: 06 Dec 2010

Comments

re. frank gonzalez.... - anyone with an opinion is biased frank... - leave historical facts to the experts...bob reece & co live , breathe and eat LBH history & all association with it , ive found their knowledge re. these events 2nd to none both pro & con... - cheers geoff australia

Name: Bernie
Date: 04 Dec 2010

Comments

This is a great part of history that always interest me.A fellow soldier myself and was with the 7th Cav at FT.Hood,Tx many years ago.But an interesting fact I found was a relative at the Battle. He was in Major Reno command,Co M,7th Cav.Cpl William Lalor.Remember my grandfather saying his uncle in the Indian Wars out west.Two vets of the famous 7th Cav...Gary Owen

Name: G.Rohr
Date: 02 Dec 2010

Comments

Name: Frank Gonzalez
Date: 30 Nov 2010

Comments

Although I know a bias would be given, im still surprised by the pro-Custer point of view in your section titled "Was Custer a Psycopath" Although Reece's statements are historically inaccurate, the view that Custer was not responsible for the Washita River massacre, because..."Before the Battle of the Washita, Custer told his officers and soldiers not to shoot and kill the women and children" is apologetics at its best. This was a military operation. He led,he gave the orders, hes responsible. Pure and simple. Was Custer a Psycopath? well never know with lack of a proper diagnosis, But its not hard to agree that the ACTIONS taken by Custer and the US army against the Native Americans during this period as Psychopathic in nature.

11/30/10 "Although I know a bias would be given…” Really? And, how did you know that? Guess you haven’t been around that long, have you? If you had, you would know that Friends was the only such organization that stood behind, supported, and raised funds for the Indian Memorial from the very beginning when all the other groups fought it tooth and nail but all in vain to stop it. We were the only such organization that supported and funded the warrior markers long before it “was the right thing to do.” From the outset, our exertions ensured the Indian side of the story was told and heard at the battlefield. We built this organization with the help of the Cheyenne and Crow Tribes. So, we are biased?

Regarding historical inaccuracies in the article: no where does it state that Custer was not responsible for the Washita Battle or its outcome. You're correct, he was the commander in the field so he is responsible for success or failure. Custer's order to not shoot women and children is referenced in Jerome Greene's book "Washita". I believe you've missed the most important point in the article which is, if Custer were a psychopath, he would not have given such an order in the first place and he would not have provided two horses for each woman prisoner.

The frontier army's actions were far from psychopathic especially given the definition of the word. Once you fully grasp the strategy and tactics of the army at that time, you'd most definitely understand the article's conclusion.

Mr. Greene's book -- all of his books -- are great examples of superb historical research and writing when produced by a gifted historian. I recently visited with Mr. Greene in his home where he shared with me some of his primary research for his next book about Wounded Knee. That subject in the hands of most other writers would most likely have begun with an agenda. Far from it with Mr. Greene. Most important, Greene approaches all of his research without an agenda as historians should and as Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield does as well.

Regards,

Bob

Name: Bill Speers
Date: 30 Nov 2010

Comments

Can anyone who visits this site tell me if there is a trail that follows the route of Custer up the Rosebud from the Yellowstone to the point where he struck the trail of Sitting Bull's village, then west up and over the Wolf Mountains to the Crow's Nest, then onward to the valley of the Little Bighorn? If there is a trail, is permission required to hike it? If there is no trail, is there any map that provides the route? I am very interested in covering Custer's route to the battle, and would greatly appreciate any help I can get to make myself more familiar with the terrain along Custer's route. I understand that the land along the rivers is broken up and difficult to negotiate, but if Custer's regiment with packtrain could do it, surely a hiker alone could do it. Has anyone hiked this route? Surely someone's done it. I can't be the only hiker who's interested in the Little Bighorn battle and how Custer and Sitting Bull got to the valley.  Thanks in advance for any help of any kind. I don't know anything about the terrain, or who owns it, so any help at all would be a blessing. Bill Speers

Name: G. Rohr / Texas
Date: 21 Nov 2010

Comments

I am a Custer nut read anything I can get my hands on about the 7th . I went to the LBH in '08 and I would have stayed there a week just walking the battle field soaking up the history from both sides if time had permited me . I hope to get back soon and see it again as another person has said it's the history of the battle that keeps bring you back. See ya'll later.

Name: emmet o'connell
Date: 08 Nov 2010

Comments

Hi Bob, reading about the Battle, some accounts say George Custer was killed on Last Stand Hill and other versions are he was killed at Medicine Tail Coulee. The story of the Battle throws up so many mysteries and this is another reason why so many people are drawn to this excellent site.

11/10/10 Exactly right, Emmet. There are countless more questions than answers regarding this battle. Some might be answered someday but we’ll never resolve all of them. Mysteries always intrigue the human mind. That’s why the deep interest in this battle will carry over generations to come. Thanks, B.R.

Name: MANFRED WINDOLF
Date: 06 Nov 2010

Comments

HALLO

Name: Kitty Kenya
Date: 01 Nov 2010

Comments

Have been to LBH many times, and have learned more each time. Fascinating place. Spending more time on Reno's activities now but a large part of that was in the valley. I would appreciate your suggestions as to how I can determine which roads are private and which are public. Was told by a Ranger that the road beside the defunct "Fort Custer" was public, but was politely/definitely informed by 4 Crow Indian men on the road that it was private and I was not supposed to be on that road. I know I cannot go into someone's driveway nor go through fenced lands, but I should be able to be on public roads. Could you suggest where I might be able to get a detailed map of all the roads in that area? I do not want to offend, and I do want to visit/see as much of the area as I can. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

11/10/10 Wish I could help you Kitty, but I have no idea who owns what parcels of land along the valley floor. Regards, B.R.

Name: Jack Kelly
Date: 28 Oct 2010

Comments

Just stumbled over your website, and I am really impressed with the content and quality. So impressed, in fact, that I just joined the LBH Friends (seems to go well with my Friend of Gettysburg NMB membership).

10/29/10 Jack: I appreciate your comments regarding the website. And, a big thanks for becoming a member of Friends. If you feel as Jack does, please consider joining Friends which you can easily do online here. Regards, Bob

Name: Kyle U. From Illinois
Date: 25 Oct 2010

Comments

My Dad and I took a road trip out west this summer back in August. We saw a lot of sights including Chimney Rock, The Badlands, Wall Drug, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Deadwood, Devils Tower, and The Little Bighorn Battlefield. The Battlefield made the trip for us. We had the privilege of listening to a couple real knowledgeable park rangers tell the story of the park. It was totally unexpected when we picked a name off the monument Chas. Reynolds (because he lived in Abingdon IL) and the ranger who I now know as Michael Donahue new the complete history of the guy, Lonesome Charlie. To me it was just amazing how an open field with some markers on it left a bigger impression on me than anything else on the trip. It’s nice to see all the sites but you can’t beat pure history and that’s what The Little Bighorn Battlefield’s got. The next time I come will have to defiantly stay longer. Thanks, Kyle

10/25/10 Kyle: Thanks so much for sharing your story. I rarely hear of anyone that visits the battlefield and cannot walk away moved by it in some fashion, especially after the first trip. Of course, Mike Donahue is well versed in many aspects of the battle. If you’re interested, you can read an interview with Mike on our site by jumping here. Hope you can make a return visit soon. Regards, Bob

Name: Ed in Manhattan
Date: 17 Oct 2010

Comments

thank you for the fine work on this site ~ i've just completed the nathaniel philbrick book ~ and to be able to turn to your site ~ and experience so many images and related material ~ is a wonderful experience ~ THANK YOU ALL for the work you've done !!

10/17/10 Ed: Thank you kindly. It's good to hear that Philbrick's book The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn led you to our website. We are into our second decade online. Please consider joining our organization and help us help the battlefield. You can become a member for as little as $15 a year. Regards, Bob.

Name: Richard D. Dunham
Date: 16 Oct 2010

Comments

Mike Donahue has done a great job of researching a truly iconic event in our history. I am sure it will aid me in understanding more about the battle and how to place a better perspective on what I have read previously. I take extra pride in the fact that Mike is my cousin.

10/17/10 Richard: Mike is a great guy and a master when it comes to art and historical research. I’m honored to have known him these last 20 + years. His book, “Drawing Battle Lines” is one of the best contributions to the study of this battle in decades. Regards, B.R.

Name: Rev Harold Russell
Date: 03 Oct 2010

Comments

Just wanted to say hi and let you know I liked the site a lot.  I have studied the battle for over 30 years. I have a relative that was killed in the battle. His name is James M. Russell and he was in Co. C under Tom Custer and was killed somewhere on Custer Battlefield. 

Again liked the site a lot especially the pics. 

Thanks, Rev. Harold Russell

10/17/10 Rev Russell: Thanks so much. Hope you can make it to the battlefield someday. Regards, B.R.

Name: James Cockerill
Date: 25 Sep 2010

Comments

Just surfed in and i would just like to say thanks for a great site.

10/17/10 James: Glad you enjoyed your visit. Don't be a stranger. Bob

Name: Henry Horsefeathers
Date: 25 Sep 2010

Comments

Is there a granite marker for the young indian child Deeds, Sans Arc?

10/3/10 Henry: No marker for Deeds exists.

Name: Antonio Amoruso
Date: 24 Sep 2010

Comments

dear Bob, what happened to Custer's horse Vic?

10/3/10 Antonio: We do not know. Vic either died during the battle or was captured by the Indians.

Name: mike bohle
Date: 22 Sep 2010

Comments

noticed that the roster pages list over 200 troopers,who are listed as being with the seventh, but not at the battle. wonder what difference over 200 more guns would have made. went to an artifacts site, where a collector displayed a sharps carbine, authenticated from the big horn-thought all carried springfields

10/3/10 We’ll never know what 200 more soldiers at the battle might have resulted in. Yes, Springfield carbines were used by the soldiers, but officers could carry the weapon of their choosing.

Name: mike bohle
Date: 15 Sep 2010

Comments

congratulations!! found your site after reading both ambrose and phillbrick. wonderful job on organization,data and photo's

10/3/10 Thanks, Mike. And a big thank you for all the kind comments everyone has made regarding our website. Thanks, Bob

Name: Dale Hampton
Date: 12 Sep 2010

Comments

We have been to the Battlefield on 4 different occasions, most recently in August 2010. Why I don't know, but I am drawn to the site. We travel extensively and I think the Bighorn Battlefield ranks with the best. We were so impressed with all the improvements made in recent years. I am handicapped so the driving tour is awesome for me.

10/3/10 It's good to hear of your positive experience while visiting the battlefield, Dale. Hope you had time to take the walking tour at Reno-Benteen Battlefield. Thanks, Bob

Name: Gary A. Bobo
Date: 06 Sep 2010

Comments

Edwin Bobo's distant 4th cousin.Honoring him here. 09/06/2010

Name: ralph pope
Date: 09 Jul 2010

Comments

i am trying to get the US ARMY to apply these forensic techniques to engagements in afghanistan if someone could post an email address for one of the authors... thanks ralph pope

Name: Treve n stoddern
Date: 08 Jul 2010

Comments

as an englishman you'd think that there's enough history of my own country to keep me occupied, yet all of my life i've been absolutly facinated with the battle of the little big horn.i'm delighted to have found such an informed and balanced site,run by enthusiasts.thanks ,i'll be visiting this often.

Name: Ron Bull
Date: 03 Jul 2010

Comments

I'll try again! In response to D Anderson and the absence of Scollin's name from the Roll, he enlisted under the alias of Henry M Cody. Regards Ron

Name: Ron Bull
Date: 02 Jul 2010

Comments

In response to D. Anderson and to absence of Scollin from the Online roster

Name: emmet oconnell
Date: 22 Jun 2010

Comments

I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one at Friends of the Little Big Horn Battlefield the very best on this the 134th anniversary of the battle and hopefully all goes well for the commemoration ceremonies. As a regular visitor to this site a very big well done to Bob and everyone involved as the work and dedication that goes in to this project must be immense. Best wishes for the future and keep up the good work.

Thanks, Emmet. Bob

Name: Kevin Murphy
Date: 17 Jun 2010

Comments

Albeit romanticized, this account rebuts the critics who cast Reno as a coward for failing to rush to Custer's aid. It makes a credible case that Reno's actions were prudent under the arisen circumstances. Further, and very significantly, known facts bear out that the arriving Benteen did not challenge Reno's decision to hold the reached high ground in a necessarily defensive posture. A brave but brash Custer made serious tactical errors in engaging the Indian force, and his career-long string of luck ran out at the Little Bighorn with disastrous results.

Name: student
Date: 13 Jun 2010

Comments

thanks for all the info! Really helped me out with my history assignment.

Name: Ron High
Date: 09 Jun 2010

Comments

I just found this site yesterday.What great site tho photos with their markings and the paintings clearly shows what and where so many photos in in other sources show just a view. It is much easier to understand where the locations and movements are with the photos marked and the paintings help illustrate all this. thanks for a great presentation.

Name: d. anderson
Date: 05 Jun 2010

Comments

just wondering why cpl. Henry Scollin, M troop, doesn't appear on your online 7th cav roster? just curious.

Name: d. anderson
Date: 05 Jun 2010

Comments

Name: D. Matthews, Austin, Tx
Date: 05 Jun 2010

Comments

I recommend reading Nathaniel Philbrick's history of the LBH battle: "The Last Stand." It is detailed and fascinating. He is a master story-teller. Having read it, I am planning to visit LBH. Thank you for a wonderful website.

Name: Clayton Hollister
Date: 03 Jun 2010

Comments

I found a VA Vetrans Grave registration for a George Hollister buried in plot 1258. I'm not sure if I am rleated. I found some information on the web that suggested he was transferred to Custer's 7th the day before the Little bighorn battle, lucky guy jeez.

Name: cbradley1
Date: 29 May 2010

Comments

It's nice that I can come on here and learn more information about my fathers great uncle. His name was James Howard Bradley, He was 1st Leutinent in Company B, 7th Infantry.

Name: massimo-HOTAMITANEO
Date: 28 May 2010

Comments

Quanto mi manca il little big horn...e il montana...

Name: Barbara Hodgson Greear
Date: 22 May 2010

Comments

Albuquerque, NM. I have just learned that Lt. Benjamin Hodgson, who died at Little Bighorn,was a relative of mine - I am honored by his service to our country and proud that this is a part of my family history.

Name: Barbara Hodgson Greear
Date: 22 May 2010

Comments

Name: Fred Wagner
Date: 21 May 2010

Comments

Quite honestly, I am not sure why I haven't joined this organization before now, but my brow-beating friends have finally convinced me. It is EXTREMELY worthwhile and its work is equally important. I am not as well-read in this subject as many, but I have been to the battlefield in 1992, 2006, 2007, and 2009, and will meet up with my friends again in 2011. You never know who you meet there and the trip is absolutely marvelous. Best wishes to all.

Name: Ashton Douglas
Date: 18 May 2010

Comments

Your photo's of the rattlesnake den are making the rounds on the internet. I was told the snakes were found on a local mountain side near where I live...don't you just love the internet!

Name: Peter Barnes
Date: 16 May 2010

Comments

I visited the Site in September 2008. The stories & myths have intrigued me since I first saw the Errol Flynn film.As an Englishman it was good to realise the truth behind "Hollywood". This visit was part of a 3 week trip to view the Indian Battlefield sites in Wyoming together with the Civil War sites including Gettysburg, Antietam, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania & Appommattox. You should be proud of your history & the National Parks Service for their superb maintenance of the sites.

Name: Don Porter
Date: 15 May 2010

Comments

Extremely interesting site, I would love to visit the LBH. I was surprised that my family name appeared in the shape of Dr Henry Porter. I really must practice leg amputations, you never know when it might come in handy. Regards DP.

Name: RICHARD D. O'GARA
Date: 13 May 2010

Comments

I READ THE ATICLERR

Name: Rod Hodgson, Quebec, Canada
Date: 11 May 2010

Comments

I may be a distant cousin of Lt. Benny Hodgson and a visit to the battlefield is in my Bucket List. Have visited Lt. Col. Custer's grave at West Point, along with Libbie's. Must visit the battlefield one day in the future. They died with their boots on and were brave. But so too were the natives. It was not a massacre as we know it so well. But a well fought battle, especially by the natives. Lest We Forget. Custer got what he deserved...

Name: Graham J.Morris
Date: 29 Apr 2010

Comments

Interesting program on English TV last night dealing with Custer as a good tactician?! You do not divide your force in the face of a superior enemy and you do not dismount cavalry, thus losing mobility. I presume the saber had been made withdrawn? One would have thought that at least "some" of the men could have cut their way out? Excellent site - I shall return!

Name: Tim W. Barrett
Date: 21 Apr 2010

Comments

I first read of the battle as a little boy, when I read, "On the Plains With Custer". It took me about 50 years to make it to the site ! ! I enjoyed it very much, being there for 2 days in the fall of 2009. The western half of the monument was clear, but the eastern half was already snow covered. By the 2nd day, the snow was gone and the trails were easy to walk. I am glad I drove down by the U.S. Post Office, below the bluffs. It gives another sight-perspective, looking to the east. I hope to return in 2010 (or, 2011, for sure). Mitakuye Oyasin, Namaste Timmer

Name: Lisa M. Skye Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Date: 20 Apr 2010

Comments

My G'G'G' Grand father carn was found in the 83 fire, His name was Dog's BackBone

Name: T.S,
Date: 10 Apr 2010

Comments

I am looking to find the meaning of the "7 stripes of Custer"?

Name: Joseph DuPont
Date: 09 Apr 2010

Comments

My dear late friend, Private 1st Class Gregory Alexander Bence is buried up at Little Big Horn. He died in 1975 and it seems as if it was yesterday when he called my for a fun conversation just weeks before he died in a freak accident around Atlanta , Georga. He truly admired Gen. Custer.. It is fitting that he is buried near his hero.

Name: Jon Harvid Fouch
Date: 04 Apr 2010

Comments

It is good that my Great,Grand Father's Pictures have come into the light, thanks to Dr. James Brust's research.

Name: Karel Van Canegem-Ardijns
Date: 28 Mar 2010

Comments

Just watched the BBC documentary about Custer and the battle of the Little Bighorn. Brave people on both sides, but seems a bad character trait in Benteen caused Custer to lose this battle. How many battles have been lost this way, by jeaulousy and pettiness?

Name: Barry Rose
Date: 09 Mar 2010

Comments

I had met brian when I was a Civil War reenactor in the 80's & early 90's through his inout to Gettysburg Productions on many Reenactments we did that Brian made accurate to the letter. I was in Co K 8th infantry (Same as my Great Grandfather. I'll miss him and do miss him. He was an "Old Soul" and that is a fact. I miss him greatly. Barry L. Rose Clinton-Hatcher Camp 21 Son's of Confedrate Veterans

Name: Ronald V. Abraham,Ontario, Canada, March 4,2010
Date: 04 Mar 2010

Comments

My fasination with the Bighorn Battle began some fifty odd years ago when as a small child I remember my Great Grandfather telling me stories of the battle. On July 27/2009 I finaly got to visit the battlefield. I find it hard to describe the feelings that I had while walking the site! All that I can say is that it littealy gave be goosebumps. I found it very spooky walking where soldiers and natives fell during the battle! I was very impressed with the visiters center and also with the knowlageable staff emplyed there. I sincerely hope that this site remains available to future generations so that this

Name: Ronald V. Abraham,Ontario, Canada, March 4,2010
Date: 04 Mar 2010

Comments

My fasination with the Bighorn Battle began some fifty odd years ago when as a small child I remember my Great Grandfather telling me stories of the battle. On July 27/2009 I finaly got to visit the battlefield. I find it hard to describe the feelings that I had while walking the site! All that I can say is that it littealy gave be goosebumps. I found it very spooky walking where soldiers and natives fell during the battle! I was very impressed with the visiters center and also with the knowlageable staff emplyed there. I sincerely hope that this site remains available to future generations so that this

Name: Bob C (UK)
Date: 19 Feb 2010

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An excellent and informative site, one which I will visit many times in the future. Who knows, maybe one day I will eventually get an opportunity to visit LBH and the other many historical sites of the Plains Indian Wars

Name: geoff stallmann
Date: 28 Jan 2010

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gday paul sullivan, being a fellow aussie i couldnt help but agree with your comments re. lbh , ive been fortunate enough to visit 5 times over the last 10 years and regardless where i am in the united states i always feel drawn to this amazing place , you can also visit the chief plenty coup memorial and the fetterman massacre site all within a reasonable driving distance from the little big horn , may , june , july and august i feel are the best times to visit.... paul i assure you of an awae inspiring time, the guides are friendly and informative , and once again i'd like to thank you bob and team for all your efforts in enabling all of us to enjoy a truley magnificent site....geoff , brisbane australia

Name: Helmut Raschauer
Date: 25 Jan 2010

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When I was child, I read a book about the battle at Little Big Horn. I have been interested in the history since that time. It has been a dream to see this country. I found your website on the internet one year ago. Last summer I went to the USA together with my wife. Anyway, to cut a long story short, we were at LBH-battlefield on 25th June(!) and we were at the Crow Native Days in Crow Agency one day later. I'm 65 years old today and happy to fullfil my dream. By the way: I met Mr. Ernie LePoint in Bremen, Germany in 2008. He opened an exhebition: "Sitting Bull and his world". Best regards Helmut Raschauer

Name: Chris McGuinness
Date: 24 Jan 2010

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Didn't realise this site excisted,will visit more often now. Custer is a legend and mybe one day i'll visit the little bighorn. Nice to know there's others out there that have the interest that i have. Question:What happened to Custers' horse after the battle?

Name: R. A. Battaglia Sr.
Date: 23 Jan 2010

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We are in the begining stages of a re-make of the 1941 movie " They Died With Their Boots On " filming will start in 2010 facts that anyone can provide regarding the life of libby Bacon Custer and George Armstrong Custer that are NOT published and would like to bring them to light please contact us suneaglepictures@hotmail.com

Name: Steinar Myhre, Norway
Date: 22 Jan 2010

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A great site. Since I grew up with books about the Wild West, Custers last battle has been of great interest. The new information from the digout have been very revealing.Hope I get the opportunity to visit the battlefield some day.Keep up the good work.

Name: Lorraine O'Dell
Date: 18 Jan 2010

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I have a question about the HBO film. In scene 3 - Cedar Creek, Sitting Bull, his son, Gall and others are overlooking the arrival of General Miles and troups. Sitting Bull say, "Bare Colt", doesn't he? his son repeats this in minutes adding that "he was friends with...Custer". I've listened to these minutes over and over. I keep hearing Bare or Bear Colt, don't I? I need to know if this is what's being said and why. Thank you.

1/18/10 Lorraine: They're saying "Bear Coat" which is what they called Miles. Regards, B.R.

P.S. Here's a trick of the trade: when I cannot understand dialogue in a film, I select "subtitle" on my remote, rewind to the scene in question and read. It comes in handy when I'm eating popcorn!

Name: Alex. Miller. Adelaide, South Australia.
Date: 08 Jan 2010

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I had the opportunity to visit LBH during a most hectic business trip to Canada & the U.S. As a result, I have a greater understanding of the historical events leading up to the events of that day. Having generally accepted the 'Hollywood' version of the conflict prior to my visit, I now find myself reading everything I can get my hands on covering that eventful day. I found the visitors centre, and the people there most welcoming and informative. My day at LBH was an eyeopener in many respects. Thanks and appreciation for a most informative & enjoyable day must be given to the tour guides who went to lengths to ensure that their visitors departed with a day to remember.

1/17/10 Alex: Glad to hear how well you enjoyed your visit to Little Bighorn Battlefield, especially considering how far you had to travel to get there. I’ll give the Park Rangers a heads-up to read your note of commendation regarding their work there. The staff is a dedicated group and great people. Regards, Bob

Name: Judy Reece Davis
Date: 05 Jan 2010

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Great picture Bob! Your Sis, Judy

1/6/10 Thank you Sis!

Name: Paul Sullivan
Date: 05 Jan 2010

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Hi, I've been reading some comments in your Guestbook and like myself most have an unexplainable overwhelming almost obsessive interest in The Battle of Little Bighorn. I am Australian but since I was a little boy I've had an interest in the American West, particularly Native American's and Little Bighorn it's a fascination that's been with me all my life. I compliment you on your wonderful site, I love the photographs. I've been to the States twice but not as far as Montana, hopefully in the next couple of years I will get there. To my mind it's one of the places I must see before I check out of planet earth. Again excellent site, Thanks.

1/6/10 Paul: Thank you for the compliments. There is no doubt that interests for the Battle of the Little Bighorn are shared worldwide. I’m continually amazed at what I find when I review visitor statistics regarding our website. We have people view our site from every corner of this planet. There are very few countries that are blank on the map when it comes to visitor locations.

I hope you make it to the battlefield someday soon. You might consider bringing along Paul Hedren’s fantastic book, “Traveler’s Guide to the Great Sioux War” to give you ideas on visiting other locations while you travel the American West. Regards, B.R.

Name: bill byfield
Date: 01 Jan 2010

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Does anyone have iformation about what brand or type of binacolars were used at little bighorn even pictures of them?

1/1/10 Bill: I'm not sure of the brand of field glasses used in the battle since officers might carry their own as they did weapons. You can see a photo of Benteen's field glasses in our review of Glen Swanson's amazing book, G. A. Custer: His Life and Times. Regards, Bob Reece

Name: Adam Shaw
Date: 31 Dec 2009

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This is an excellent site. Too much to take in in one visit. A question, please. I generally am familiar with the 1983 fire and the 1984 archeological work. it is my understanding that the 1983 fire in opening up the terrain provided new insights into what may have transpired at the battle. That is, there were conflicting historical accounts - the official Cavalry version and the Native American version(s). Can you give me an idea of how the accepted pre-1983 narrative was affected by the 1983 fire? Thanks much.

1/1/10 Adam: Thanks for your kind words regarding our website. We're now starting our second decade online.

What a fantastic question to start the new year of 2010. Doug Scott’s Archeological Perspectives on the Battle of the Little Bighorn is the best book to read about the 1984-1985 digs and new theories gleamed from the data. The archeological digs didn’t so much resolve conflicting accounts, instead it opened our eyes to possibilities and theories that we had not considered or were aware of before.

Before the fire of 1983, interpretation at the battlefield as provided by the NPS during the ranger battle talks described the battle somewhat differently from today. In 1982, the visitor might hear ranger accounts about how the warriors were outgunned, however they used their skills of archery to conceal themselves behind ridges and Big Sage while they shot arrows up high and down into the soldier ranks. Another ranger might describe how soldiers buddied up – back-to-back – to cover themselves during the fight as seen by various double soldier markers upon the field.

The visitor today would hear that the soldiers were actually outgunned since ballistic studies show a wide assortment of weapons used by the warriors such as the Henry repeater and the Winchester. Even though the soldier carried the much more powerful Springfield, the Indians were better armed for the terrain. The Springfield had a longer range than the Henry and Winchester; however the terrain allowed the warrior to get closer to the soldier to enable him to use his rifle to the fullest extent possible. Forensic studies revealed that in the case where two soldier markers are very close it was not evidence of two soldiers killed next to each other. Their study showed that in most cases only one soldier fell. Over the years, soldier’s remains were reburied by their comrades who had no understanding of the human anatomy and the many bones in it. To the average soldier, seeing a lot of scattered bones might look like two or more soldiers.

The digs gave birth to fascinating theories about Custer's Last Stand. Doug Scott led the digs and developed his theory from the data. Richard Fox, who assisted in the digs, developed a completely different theory from the same data as described very well in his book Archaeology, History, and Custer's Last Battle. This proves that science is never infallible and always evolving. Who knows what we might learn from future digs at the battlefield. Warm Regards, Bob Reece

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