Crow Agency in Big Horn County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Medicine Tail Coulee
Little Bighorn Battlefield
After leaving Cedar Coulee, Custer descends toward the Little Bighorn River in the ravine ahead known as Medicine Tail Coulee. Custer probably again divides his command: three companies likely ascend to the higher ridges beyond.
Two companies approach the river along Medicine Tail Coulee. Near here Custer sends back a message for Captain Benteen to “be quick.” Most warriors are still engaged with Reno in the valley, yet some are aware of Custer’s advance.
“On reaching Medicine Tail Creek, (Custer) halted his command, and here the men rearranged their saddles . . . he rode to an officer who seemed to be in command of one of the troops and gave him an order. Immediately the troop turned its direction toward the Litle Bighorn. Custer, with the remainder of his command continued going northward, his trail about 1½ miles from the river.”
“From across the river I could hear the music of the bugle and could see the column of soldiers turn to the left, to march down to the river where the attack was to be made. All I could see was the warriors of my people. They rushed like the wind through the village . . . ”
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian.
Location. 45° 32.684′ N, 107° 24.31′ W. Marker is in Crow Agency, Montana, in Big Horn County. Marker is on Little Bighorn Battlefield Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on the Little Bighorn 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Medicine Tail Coulee Ford (approx. 0.4 miles away); Medicine Tail Ford (approx. half a mile away); Deep Coulee (approx. half a mile away); Indian Encampment (approx. 0.7 miles away); Weir Point Fight (approx. 0.8 miles away); Weir Point (approx. 0.9 miles away); Custer Last Seen (approx. one mile away); Sharpshooter Ridge (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crow Agency.
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a picture of the landscape and indicates the movements of Yates, Keogh and Indian warriors. A picture at the upper right of the marker depicts “Lt. William Cooke giv[ing] Trumpeter Giovanni the ‘last message’.”
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 1,855 times since then and 208 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 7, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.