Guestbook

What Our Visitors Have to Say in 2010

Welcome to our guest book where you can leave comments, questions, observations, or anything else regarding our website, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or Plains Indian Wars. All we ask of you is not to use inflammatory language or place ads (all will be promptly deleted without comment). To get started, just select "Add Your Comments" at right.

Name: ralph pope
Date: 09 Jul 2010

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i am trying to get the US ARMY to apply these forensic techniques to engagements in afghanistan if someone could post an email address for one of the authors... thanks ralph pope

Name: Treve n stoddern
Date: 08 Jul 2010

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as an englishman you'd think that there's enough history of my own country to keep me occupied, yet all of my life i've been absolutly facinated with the battle of the little big horn.i'm delighted to have found such an informed and balanced site,run by enthusiasts.thanks ,i'll be visiting this often.

Name: Ron Bull
Date: 03 Jul 2010

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I'll try again! In response to D Anderson and the absence of Scollin's name from the Roll, he enlisted under the alias of Henry M Cody. Regards Ron

Name: Ron Bull
Date: 02 Jul 2010

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In response to D. Anderson and to absence of Scollin from the Online roster

Name: emmet oconnell
Date: 22 Jun 2010

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one at Friends of the Little Big Horn Battlefield the very best on this the 134th anniversary of the battle and hopefully all goes well for the commemoration ceremonies. As a regular visitor to this site a very big well done to Bob and everyone involved as the work and dedication that goes in to this project must be immense. Best wishes for the future and keep up the good work.

Name: Kevin Murphy
Date: 17 Jun 2010

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Albeit romanticized, this account rebuts the critics who cast Reno as a coward for failing to rush to Custer's aid. It makes a credible case that Reno's actions were prudent under the arisen circumstances. Further, and very significantly, known facts bear out that the arriving Benteen did not challenge Reno's decision to hold the reached high ground in a necessarily defensive posture. A brave but brash Custer made serious tactical errors in engaging the Indian force, and his career-long string of luck ran out at the Little Bighorn with disastrous results.

Name: student
Date: 13 Jun 2010

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thanks for all the info! Really helped me out with my history assignment.

Name: Ron High
Date: 09 Jun 2010

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I just found this site yesterday.What great site tho photos with their markings and the paintings clearly shows what and where so many photos in in other sources show just a view. It is much easier to understand where the locations and movements are with the photos marked and the paintings help illustrate all this. thanks for a great presentation.

Name: d. anderson
Date: 05 Jun 2010

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just wondering why cpl. Henry Scollin, M troop, doesn't appear on your online 7th cav roster? just curious.

Name: d. anderson
Date: 05 Jun 2010

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Name: D. Matthews, Austin, Tx
Date: 05 Jun 2010

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I recommend reading Nathaniel Philbrick's history of the LBH battle: "The Last Stand." It is detailed and fascinating. He is a master story-teller. Having read it, I am planning to visit LBH. Thank you for a wonderful website.

Name: Clayton Hollister
Date: 03 Jun 2010

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I found a VA Vetrans Grave registration for a George Hollister buried in plot 1258. I'm not sure if I am rleated. I found some information on the web that suggested he was transferred to Custer's 7th the day before the Little bighorn battle, lucky guy jeez.

Name: cbradley1
Date: 29 May 2010

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It's nice that I can come on here and learn more information about my fathers great uncle. His name was James Howard Bradley, He was 1st Leutinent in Company B, 7th Infantry.

Name: massimo-HOTAMITANEO
Date: 28 May 2010

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Quanto mi manca il little big horn...e il montana...

Name: Barbara Hodgson Greear
Date: 22 May 2010

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Albuquerque, NM. I have just learned that Lt. Benjamin Hodgson, who died at Little Bighorn,was a relative of mine - I am honored by his service to our country and proud that this is a part of my family history.

Name: Barbara Hodgson Greear
Date: 22 May 2010

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Name: Fred Wagner
Date: 21 May 2010

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Quite honestly, I am not sure why I haven't joined this organization before now, but my brow-beating friends have finally convinced me. It is EXTREMELY worthwhile and its work is equally important. I am not as well-read in this subject as many, but I have been to the battlefield in 1992, 2006, 2007, and 2009, and will meet up with my friends again in 2011. You never know who you meet there and the trip is absolutely marvelous. Best wishes to all.

Name: Ashton Douglas
Date: 18 May 2010

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Your photo's of the rattlesnake den are making the rounds on the internet. I was told the snakes were found on a local mountain side near where I live...don't you just love the internet!

Name: Peter Barnes
Date: 16 May 2010

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I visited the Site in September 2008. The stories & myths have intrigued me since I first saw the Errol Flynn film.As an Englishman it was good to realise the truth behind "Hollywood". This visit was part of a 3 week trip to view the Indian Battlefield sites in Wyoming together with the Civil War sites including Gettysburg, Antietam, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania & Appommattox. You should be proud of your history & the National Parks Service for their superb maintenance of the sites.

Name: Don Porter
Date: 15 May 2010

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Extremely interesting site, I would love to visit the LBH. I was surprised that my family name appeared in the shape of Dr Henry Porter. I really must practice leg amputations, you never know when it might come in handy. Regards DP.

Name: RICHARD D. O'GARA
Date: 13 May 2010

Comments

I READ THE ATICLERR

Name: Rod Hodgson, Quebec, Canada
Date: 11 May 2010

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I may be a distant cousin of Lt. Benny Hodgson and a visit to the battlefield is in my Bucket List. Have visited Lt. Col. Custer's grave at West Point, along with Libbie's. Must visit the battlefield one day in the future. They died with their boots on and were brave. But so too were the natives. It was not a massacre as we know it so well. But a well fought battle, especially by the natives. Lest We Forget. Custer got what he deserved...

Name: Graham J.Morris
Date: 29 Apr 2010

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Interesting program on English TV last night dealing with Custer as a good tactician?! You do not divide your force in the face of a superior enemy and you do not dismount cavalry, thus losing mobility. I presume the saber had been made withdrawn? One would have thought that at least "some" of the men could have cut their way out? Excellent site - I shall return!

Name: Tim W. Barrett
Date: 21 Apr 2010

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I first read of the battle as a little boy, when I read, "On the Plains With Custer". It took me about 50 years to make it to the site ! ! I enjoyed it very much, being there for 2 days in the fall of 2009. The western half of the monument was clear, but the eastern half was already snow covered. By the 2nd day, the snow was gone and the trails were easy to walk. I am glad I drove down by the U.S. Post Office, below the bluffs. It gives another sight-perspective, looking to the east. I hope to return in 2010 (or, 2011, for sure). Mitakuye Oyasin, Namaste Timmer

Name: Lisa M. Skye Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Date: 20 Apr 2010

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My G'G'G' Grand father carn was found in the 83 fire, His name was Dog's BackBone

Name: T.S,
Date: 10 Apr 2010

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I am looking to find the meaning of the "7 stripes of Custer"?

Name: Joseph DuPont
Date: 09 Apr 2010

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My dear late friend, Private 1st Class Gregory Alexander Bence is buried up at Little Big Horn. He died in 1975 and it seems as if it was yesterday when he called my for a fun conversation just weeks before he died in a freak accident around Atlanta , Georga. He truly admired Gen. Custer.. It is fitting that he is buried near his hero.

Name: Jon Harvid Fouch
Date: 04 Apr 2010

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It is good that my Great,Grand Father's Pictures have come into the light, thanks to Dr. James Brust's research.

Name: Karel Van Canegem-Ardijns
Date: 28 Mar 2010

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Just watched the BBC documentary about Custer and the battle of the Little Bighorn. Brave people on both sides, but seems a bad character trait in Benteen caused Custer to lose this battle. How many battles have been lost this way, by jeaulousy and pettiness?

Name: Barry Rose
Date: 09 Mar 2010

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I had met brian when I was a Civil War reenactor in the 80's & early 90's through his inout to Gettysburg Productions on many Reenactments we did that Brian made accurate to the letter. I was in Co K 8th infantry (Same as my Great Grandfather. I'll miss him and do miss him. He was an "Old Soul" and that is a fact. I miss him greatly. Barry L. Rose Clinton-Hatcher Camp 21 Son's of Confedrate Veterans

Name: Ronald V. Abraham,Ontario, Canada, March 4,2010
Date: 04 Mar 2010

Comments

My fasination with the Bighorn Battle began some fifty odd years ago when as a small child I remember my Great Grandfather telling me stories of the battle. On July 27/2009 I finaly got to visit the battlefield. I find it hard to describe the feelings that I had while walking the site! All that I can say is that it littealy gave be goosebumps. I found it very spooky walking where soldiers and natives fell during the battle! I was very impressed with the visiters center and also with the knowlageable staff emplyed there. I sincerely hope that this site remains available to future generations so that this

Name: Ronald V. Abraham,Ontario, Canada, March 4,2010
Date: 04 Mar 2010

Comments

My fasination with the Bighorn Battle began some fifty odd years ago when as a small child I remember my Great Grandfather telling me stories of the battle. On July 27/2009 I finaly got to visit the battlefield. I find it hard to describe the feelings that I had while walking the site! All that I can say is that it littealy gave be goosebumps. I found it very spooky walking where soldiers and natives fell during the battle! I was very impressed with the visiters center and also with the knowlageable staff emplyed there. I sincerely hope that this site remains available to future generations so that this

Name: Bob C (UK)
Date: 19 Feb 2010

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An excellent and informative site, one which I will visit many times in the future. Who knows, maybe one day I will eventually get an opportunity to visit LBH and the other many historical sites of the Plains Indian Wars

Name: geoff stallmann
Date: 28 Jan 2010

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gday paul sullivan, being a fellow aussie i couldnt help but agree with your comments re. lbh , ive been fortunate enough to visit 5 times over the last 10 years and regardless where i am in the united states i always feel drawn to this amazing place , you can also visit the chief plenty coup memorial and the fetterman massacre site all within a reasonable driving distance from the little big horn , may , june , july and august i feel are the best times to visit.... paul i assure you of an awae inspiring time, the guides are friendly and informative , and once again i'd like to thank you bob and team for all your efforts in enabling all of us to enjoy a truley magnificent site....geoff , brisbane australia

Name: Helmut Raschauer
Date: 25 Jan 2010

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When I was child, I read a book about the battle at Little Big Horn. I have been interested in the history since that time. It has been a dream to see this country. I found your website on the internet one year ago. Last summer I went to the USA together with my wife. Anyway, to cut a long story short, we were at LBH-battlefield on 25th June(!) and we were at the Crow Native Days in Crow Agency one day later. I'm 65 years old today and happy to fullfil my dream. By the way: I met Mr. Ernie LePoint in Bremen, Germany in 2008. He opened an exhebition: "Sitting Bull and his world". Best regards Helmut Raschauer

Name: Chris McGuinness
Date: 24 Jan 2010

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Didn't realise this site excisted,will visit more often now. Custer is a legend and mybe one day i'll visit the little bighorn. Nice to know there's others out there that have the interest that i have. Question:What happened to Custers' horse after the battle?

Name: R. A. Battaglia Sr.
Date: 23 Jan 2010

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We are in the begining stages of a re-make of the 1941 movie " They Died With Their Boots On " filming will start in 2010 facts that anyone can provide regarding the life of libby Bacon Custer and George Armstrong Custer that are NOT published and would like to bring them to light please contact us suneaglepictures@hotmail.com

Name: Steinar Myhre, Norway
Date: 22 Jan 2010

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A great site. Since I grew up with books about the Wild West, Custers last battle has been of great interest. The new information from the digout have been very revealing.Hope I get the opportunity to visit the battlefield some day.Keep up the good work.

Name: Lorraine O'Dell
Date: 18 Jan 2010

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I have a question about the HBO film. In scene 3 - Cedar Creek, Sitting Bull, his son, Gall and others are overlooking the arrival of General Miles and troups. Sitting Bull say, "Bare Colt", doesn't he? his son repeats this in minutes adding that "he was friends with...Custer". I've listened to these minutes over and over. I keep hearing Bare or Bear Colt, don't I? I need to know if this is what's being said and why. Thank you.

1/18/10 Lorraine: They're saying "Bear Coat" which is what they called Miles. Regards, B.R.

P.S. Here's a trick of the trade: when I cannot understand dialogue in a film, I select "subtitle" on my remote, rewind to the scene in question and read. It comes in handy when I'm eating popcorn!

Name: Alex. Miller. Adelaide, South Australia.
Date: 08 Jan 2010

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I had the opportunity to visit LBH during a most hectic business trip to Canada & the U.S. As a result, I have a greater understanding of the historical events leading up to the events of that day. Having generally accepted the 'Hollywood' version of the conflict prior to my visit, I now find myself reading everything I can get my hands on covering that eventful day. I found the visitors centre, and the people there most welcoming and informative. My day at LBH was an eyeopener in many respects. Thanks and appreciation for a most informative & enjoyable day must be given to the tour guides who went to lengths to ensure that their visitors departed with a day to remember.

1/17/10 Alex: Glad to hear how well you enjoyed your visit to Little Bighorn Battlefield, especially considering how far you had to travel to get there. I’ll give the Park Rangers a heads-up to read your note of commendation regarding their work there. The staff is a dedicated group and great people. Regards, Bob

Name: Judy Reece Davis
Date: 05 Jan 2010

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Great picture Bob! Your Sis, Judy

1/6/10 Thank you Sis!

Name: Paul Sullivan
Date: 05 Jan 2010

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Hi, I've been reading some comments in your Guestbook and like myself most have an unexplainable overwhelming almost obsessive interest in The Battle of Little Bighorn. I am Australian but since I was a little boy I've had an interest in the American West, particularly Native American's and Little Bighorn it's a fascination that's been with me all my life. I compliment you on your wonderful site, I love the photographs. I've been to the States twice but not as far as Montana, hopefully in the next couple of years I will get there. To my mind it's one of the places I must see before I check out of planet earth. Again excellent site, Thanks.

1/6/10 Paul: Thank you for the compliments. There is no doubt that interests for the Battle of the Little Bighorn are shared worldwide. I’m continually amazed at what I find when I review visitor statistics regarding our website. We have people view our site from every corner of this planet. There are very few countries that are blank on the map when it comes to visitor locations.

I hope you make it to the battlefield someday soon. You might consider bringing along Paul Hedren’s fantastic book, “Traveler’s Guide to the Great Sioux War” to give you ideas on visiting other locations while you travel the American West. Regards, B.R.

Name: bill byfield
Date: 01 Jan 2010

Comments

Does anyone have iformation about what brand or type of binacolars were used at little bighorn even pictures of them?

1/1/10 Bill: I'm not sure of the brand of field glasses used in the battle since officers might carry their own as they did weapons. You can see a photo of Benteen's field glasses in our review of Glen Swanson's amazing book, G. A. Custer: His Life and Times. Regards, Bob Reece

Name: Adam Shaw
Date: 31 Dec 2009

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This is an excellent site. Too much to take in in one visit. A question, please. I generally am familiar with the 1983 fire and the 1984 archeological work. it is my understanding that the 1983 fire in opening up the terrain provided new insights into what may have transpired at the battle. That is, there were conflicting historical accounts - the official Cavalry version and the Native American version(s). Can you give me an idea of how the accepted pre-1983 narrative was affected by the 1983 fire? Thanks much.

1/1/10 Adam: Thanks for your kind words regarding our website. We're now starting our second decade online.

What a fantastic question to start the new year of 2010. Doug Scott’s Archeological Perspectives on the Battle of the Little Bighorn is the best book to read about the 1984-1985 digs and new theories gleamed from the data. The archeological digs didn’t so much resolve conflicting accounts, instead it opened our eyes to possibilities and theories that we had not considered or were aware of before.

Before the fire of 1983, interpretation at the battlefield as provided by the NPS during the ranger battle talks described the battle somewhat differently from today. In 1982, the visitor might hear ranger accounts about how the warriors were outgunned, however they used their skills of archery to conceal themselves behind ridges and Big Sage while they shot arrows up high and down into the soldier ranks. Another ranger might describe how soldiers buddied up – back-to-back – to cover themselves during the fight as seen by various double soldier markers upon the field.

The visitor today would hear that the soldiers were actually outgunned since ballistic studies show a wide assortment of weapons used by the warriors such as the Henry repeater and the Winchester. Even though the soldier carried the much more powerful Springfield, the Indians were better armed for the terrain. The Springfield had a longer range than the Henry and Winchester; however the terrain allowed the warrior to get closer to the soldier to enable him to use his rifle to the fullest extent possible. Forensic studies revealed that in the case where two soldier markers are very close it was not evidence of two soldiers killed next to each other. Their study showed that in most cases only one soldier fell. Over the years, soldier’s remains were reburied by their comrades who had no understanding of the human anatomy and the many bones in it. To the average soldier, seeing a lot of scattered bones might look like two or more soldiers.

The digs gave birth to fascinating theories about Custer's Last Stand. Doug Scott led the digs and developed his theory from the data. Richard Fox, who assisted in the digs, developed a completely different theory from the same data as described very well in his book Archaeology, History, and Custer's Last Battle. This proves that science is never infallible and always evolving. Who knows what we might learn from future digs at the battlefield. Warm Regards, Bob Reece

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