Custer National Cemetery

Custer National Cemetery: A resting place at Little Bighorn

The Custer National Cemetery, located at the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn in southeastern Montana, stands as one of the most hallowed grounds in American history. This cemetery serves as a final resting place for numerous soldiers, Native American scouts, and other military personnel who have contributed to the nation's defense. Beyond its role in commemorating the infamous 1876 battle, the cemetery has grown into a significant burial ground for U.S. military veterans across various conflicts and eras.

Origins and establishment

The Custer National Cemetery was officially established in 1879, three years after the Battle of the Little Bighorn, which took place on June 25-26, 1876. Following the infamous battle, the U.S. Army initially interred the remains of General George Armstrong Custer and his men in shallow graves across the battlefield. However, in 1877, Custer’s body was exhumed and transferred to West Point Cemetery, while many of his soldiers were reburied in a mass grave at the battlefield. Recognizing the site’s historical and national significance, the federal government officially designated the cemetery in 1879, expanding its purpose beyond the battle’s casualties to include veterans of other American wars.



Notable burials

Though General Custer himself is not buried at the site, several significant figures rest within Custer National Cemetery, including:

• Soldiers of the 7th Cavalry: Many of the fallen from the Battle of Little Bighorn remain buried in a mass grave at the top of Last Stand Hill, while others from the battle are interred in individual graves throughout the cemetery.
• Marcus Reno: A major in the 7th Cavalry who played a controversial role in the battle, Reno was initially buried elsewhere but was later reinterred at Custer National Cemetery in 1967.
• Other military personnel and veterans: Over the decades, the cemetery has become the final resting place for military personnel from later conflicts, including the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

Number of burials and significance

The Custer National Cemetery holds approximately 5,000 burials, including soldiers, veterans, and some civilians. The cemetery's expansion beyond its original scope makes it a unique landmark within the national cemetery system, providing a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the U.S. military.

The cemetery and battlefield together form part of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, managed by the National Park Service. It remains a place of reflection and historical study, drawing thousands of visitors annually who seek to honor the past and understand the complex history surrounding the Battle of Little Bighorn.



Conclusion

The Custer National Cemetery is more than just a burial ground for the soldiers who fought and died at Little Bighorn - it has become a lasting tribute to American military service across multiple generations. With its deep historical roots and continued significance in commemorating military personnel, the cemetery stands as a place of reverence and remembrance. Whether viewed through the lens of the tragic 1876 battle or as part of a broader narrative of American history, it remains an essential landmark in the nation's heritage.