The months of June and July are two of the best for Custer Country visitors, especially for history buffs.  Want to experience history in much the same setting as events of one or two centuries ago?  Here are a couple of great events.

June 25, 1876, is the day that Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer rode into the Little Bighorn valley and met his destiny along with 210 cavalry troops at the hands of 2,000 warriors from the Sioux, Cheyenne, Oglala and Miniconjou tribes.  Each year there are two reenactments near Hardin, MT.  The original reenactment is produced by the Hardin Chamber of Commerce and takes places a few miles outside of Hardin. This year’s reenactments are scheduled for June 26-28. Details and ticket information are available at www.hardinmtchamber.com or by calling 406-665-1672.

The same dates will bring the second reenactment in the area; the Real Bird reenactment near Garryowen, MT.  The Real Bird brothers’ spectacle takes place on the Little Bighorn River, at a spot where much of the battle was actually fought 133 years ago.  Advance tickets are not available, but may be purchased the days of the events. 

I would suggest taking in both of the reenactments in order to get a complete perspective of what happened on that day.  For Custer fans, this is a “can’t-miss” opportunity.

July 25 marks the 203rd anniversary of Captain William Clark’s stopover, in 1806, at what he named Pompeys Pillar in his diary. Clark carved his name in the 200-foot-high sandstone landmark during the Voyage of Discovery commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1803.  Clark’s signature is the only existing evidence of the Voyage in its original place and condition along the Lewis and Clark Trail.  Pompeys Pillar Historical Association and Pompeys Pillar National Monument sponsor activities and exhibits that demonstrate the methods and tools the expedition members used and the hardships they endured.  Known as Clark Days, the celebration takes place on July 25 and 26.  From 5 p.m.  July 25 until 5 p.m. July 26, admission to the monument is free and dry camping will be allowed only on those two days.
For a full schedule and more information, go to www.PompeysPillar.org.   

These events are in addition to the many other festivals, entertainment and fairs that also take place during the months of June and July.  Check them out on our calendar at www.CusterCountry.com.