Crow Agency in Big Horn County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Custer’s Advance
Little Bighorn Battlefield
From the Crow’s Nest, a vantage point 14 miles away in the Wolf Mountains, Custer’s Crow and Arikara scouts saw evidence of the massive Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho encampment. Convinced that he was discovered, Custer abandoned plans for a reconnaissance and a delayed attack. He divides his forces into four groups along Reno Creek deciding to strike the village before it could scatter. As Custer’s battalions approach the Little Bighorn Valley, he orders Major Marcus Reno with approximately 175 soldiers and scouts to cross the river and charge. Custer, with approximately 225 soldiers and scouts, veered to the northwest and appear on the ridge to your left for their first view of the village.
“Major Reno’s battalion marched down a valley that developed into the south branch of a small tributary to the Little Bighorn . . . the Indian trail followed the meanderings of this valley. Custer’s column followed Reno’s closely, bearing to the right and rear. The pack train followed their trail. Benteen’s battalion was ordered to the left and front.”
“I saw a cloud of dust rise beyond a ridge of bluffs in the east. The morning was hot and sultry. Several of us Indian girls looked towards camp and saw a warrior ride swiftly, shouting that soldiers were only a few miles away, and that the women and children, including old men, should run for the hills in the opposite direction.”
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian.
Location. 45° 31.557′ N, 107° 23.023′ W. Marker is in Crow Agency, Montana, in Big Horn County. Marker is on Little Bighorn Battlefield Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the Little Bighorn Battlefield, near the Reno-Benteen Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Crow Agency MT 59022, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Reno’s Valley Fight (a few steps from this marker); Reno’s Retreat (a few steps from this marker); Crow's Nest (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lone Tipi (about 400 feet away); Reno's Skirmish Line - Warrior Counterattack (about 400 feet away); Retreat Crossing (about 400 feet away); Timber Fight (about 400 feet away); The Reno-Benteen Defense (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crow Agency.
More about this marker. The background of he marker features a picture of the landscape and indicates the advance of Custer, Benteen and Reno.
Also see . . . The Battle of the Little Bighorn, 1876. (Submitted on August 7, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,176 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 7, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.