Memorial Day Weekend!

Flags flying in front of the Custer Battlefield Museum

We had a cool Memorial Day Weekend here in Garryowen, but we did not get the snow that fell at the higher elevations. The snow fall in Billings set a record for latest snow fall ever recorded and confused the tourists who all left their sweatshirts at home.

Here at the museum we did a steady business and had a tour group stop by, which was led by Neil Magnum, the former chief historian at the Custer Battlefield National Monument (that is what it was officially called when he was there - it was renamed Little Bighorn National Monument in the early 1990s). Mr. Magnum also wrote a book called "Battle of the Rosebud: Prelude to the Little Bighorn," which we sell in the trading post.


Me holding White Swan's gun



As a special treat for the tour group Chris brought out White Swan's gun for them to hold and take pictures with. White Swan was one of Custer's Crow scouts who was with him at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. During the battle he was actually sent with Reno's Battalion and he was gravely injured during the battle. He was left deaf from a blow to the head and lame from a shot to the knee and hand. He did survive the battle with the assistance of his cousin Half Yellow Face who carried him out of danger and he went on to live for another 25 years.

I have never held a gun before and it was a lot heavier than I thought it would be, don't think I will be taking up shooting any time soon, but it was fun to hold something so old that was owned by such an interesting historical figure.

Posted by Sarah Szabo