Day 42- Montana

 I've been. on the road 42 days- that's 6 weeks. 

Well we were originally going to see one of my dad's friends in Big Timber for lunch, but that fell through so this morning over caffeinated beverages at Bloom & Vine in Glendive, MT we crafted a new plan and route through the Battle of Little Big Horn National Monument.  

I am grateful my dad is along for this part of the trip as he has such a rich understanding of history and likes to do his research before he goes anywhere.  I highly recommend reading the information found here prior to your visit to fill in some of the background as well as help create visualizations of what you will be stopping at in the park, as it's prairie filled with grave markers. As we dive into history it's important to really process through how in so many cases again and again throughout history white Americans were often in the wrong.  

This is an OVER SIMPLIFIED snapshot of how we got to the battle of little big horn- I teach special education not US History. 

• Treaty of Fort Laramie signed 1868
• Custer sent to survey the land of the black hills within the Great Lakota Reservation. 
• Geologists found gold in the black hills
• White people rushed to Black hills to mine for gold- Violating the Treaty of Fort Laramie
• US tried to buy the black hills--Lakota refused the offer
• 1875 US Dept of Indian Affairs tried to force all Lakota, Dakota and Nakota on to reservations
• Tribes ignored Dept of Indian Affairs
• Became a military issue 
• Custer's ego and desire for glory lead to his demise and the demise of hundreds of soldiers. 

It is a BEAUTIFUL landscape.  It is historically important and interesting. It was important to me to photograph the markers that have been placed of where indigenous people died.  The permanent markers that are now there (red stone) we not placed until 1999, though wood markers had been placed nearly 50 years earlier and markers by the tribes had been placed after the bodies were removed and buried in alignment with each tribe's traditions. The memorial to the Plains tribes who fought in the Battle at Little Big Horn is beautiful, including quotes from many who were there in the battle. They were fighting to protect their way of life. 

Dinner in Belgrade: Bar 3 BBQ AMAZING.  I have had BBQ many places on this trip, and this was good- especially for how far north we are.  Dad and I split the sandwich sampler: 3 sliders - Pork, Brisket and Turkey plus 2 sides- We got the Green Chili Grits (Local special) and the Hopin' John- Black eyed peas, sausage, onions and rice.  It was the PERFECT size to be shared. I had a cider from Missoula and some of dad's beer.  If you're in the Bozeman area I strongly recommend. 

Airbnb Review: Belgrade, MT

Pro: Best deal $$ wise for miles, 2 sleeping spaces (and sleeping for 6), living space, mini fridge, toaster oven, gas grill, deck with chairs, coffee maker, TV, off street parking included, plenty of towels and included toiletry options in bathroom

Cons: lighting is odd-Turning off the lights in the living room turned on the lights in the bed room, no microwave, window air con in main space is very loud, other space has fans only, no tub,  Planes, Trains and Automobiles---When the host provides earplugs, that should be a RED FLAG. Situated between a railroad and an airport I'm sure this is a great place for a heavy sleeper, but it was rough for me. 

Neutral: Stairs to unit- May cause issues for some people, in a suburban neighborhood near the airport