Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 42 BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD The Big Hole Battlefield honors those who lost their lives on August 9 and 10, 1877, when the U.S. Army led an attack on the Nez Perce tribe at dawn. The park visitor center has an overlook with a view of the battlefield where the terrible bat- tle unfolded. Trails finger their way throughout; signs pepper the trails with in-depth information about the events that took place at each site. The aptly named Big Hole River slith- ers its way through the battlefield and is a fine fishery that's open to the public, providing a serene setting for reflection and contemplation. NEZ PERCE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK After an heroic effort fighting the U.S. Army in the Flight of 1877, the Nez Perce fled east from Oregon into Montana via Idaho on what is now known as the Nez Perce Historic Trail. With arguably one of the most disturbing events in American history as its heritage, the Nez Perce Na- tional Historic Park aims to recognize and honor and educate about our Native American Culture. LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL MONUMENT With perhaps the most famous battle in U.S. and Native American history, General Custer and his Seventh Cavalry Regiment of 210 men went up against Sitting Bull and the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes of 1,800 warriors. Custer lost his life along with many of his men in efforts to take the area. The purpose was to force the tribes onto reservations so the United States could gain military control and extract recourses. Custer was to survey the area and report the findings. He found more than he bargained for, and the battle of the Little Bighorn became a temporary victory for the Chey- enne and Lakota tribes of the plains. The Little Bighorn is now a National Monument and tells the history of the battle, weapons used on both fronts, and the life of the tribes in re- membrance of this famous fight and the area of Montana and the Dakotas they call home. CONTINUED

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