In the spring and summer of 1876 the United States Government launched a military campaign upon a portion of the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians, who refused to live within the boundaries of the Great Sioux Reservation.
They chose to continue their traditional nomadic way of life. The campaign was initiated when a Government ultimatum to return to the Great Sioux Reservation, in South Dakota, by January 31st, 1876 was ignored.
Gen. Philip Sheridan responded by ordering three military expeditions to approach the gathering Indians from the East, West and South. The Army anticipated the off reservation Sioux and Cheyenne would be found in Eastern or South Central Montana Territory.
Getting There
By airplane: Billings Logan International Airport is located 65 miles NW Airport in Sheridan, Wyoming, 73 miles to the South.
By car: Interstate 90, Exit 510 at Jct 212.
Recommended Reading
Red Hawk’s Account of Custer’s Last Battle: The Battle of the Little Bighorn, 25 June 1876
I made a trip several years ago to Custers Battlefield. As I walked around I got cold chills down my back. I only have had this one other time, that was as I walked around Arlinton National Cemetary. I can’t explain the chills or the feelings I had both times. I was back recently and did not get this feeling again. This time I was with more people maybe that was it. I have studyed the Apaches and Sioux since 1961 and admire them very much. I am a student of the Old West and will be for the rest of my life.