Battle of Little Bighorn: 150th Anniversary

Battle of Little Bighorn: 150th Anniversary

COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE OF The LITTLE BIGHORN

In June 2026, the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn invites visitors and communities alike to reflect on a defining moment in the history of the Northern Plains. The battle took place June 25–26, 1876, along the Little Bighorn River in what is now Southeast Montana. It brought together U.S. Army forces and a large coalition of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors, each shaped by different experiences, priorities and connections to this land.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Traveling Mel

Sometimes referred to historically as “Custer’s Last Stand” and the "Battle of the Greasy Grass," the battle marked a significant military victory for the Tribal Nations involved. In the years that followed, however, the outcomes of the conflict contributed to lasting and profound changes for Native communities across the region. Today, the Battle of the Little Bighorn is understood through many perspectives—military, cultural and personal—each adding depth to how the story is remembered and shared.

Visitors can experience this history firsthand at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, where the landscape itself plays a central role in understanding what occurred here. The sweeping hills, river valley and open sky provide context that no textbook can fully capture. Stone markers across the battlefield indicate where soldiers fell while the Indian Memorial, dedicated in 2003, honors the Native warriors who fought in the battle and recognizes the importance of multiple perspectives.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Montana Department of Commerce

Interpretive trails, exhibits and ranger-led programs offer opportunities to learn more about the events of June 1876 and the broader history surrounding them. Many visitors find that walking the ground—moving through the same terrain where these events unfolded—brings a deeper sense of connection and understanding.

The sesquicentennial in 2026 will be observed through a series of commemorative events, memorial services and educational programs at the monument and in nearby communities. These offerings will include expanded ranger talks, interpretive programs and opportunities to hear Tribal perspectives and stories connected to this place. Together, they are designed to encourage reflection, learning and respectful dialogue.

Beyond the battlefield itself, the surrounding region offers additional places to explore the stories and landscapes connected to this history. Nearby communities, cultural sites and scenic areas provide opportunities to spend more time in Southeast Montana and experience the broader context of the Northern Plains.

Rosebud Battlefield State Park, Andy Austin

As the 150th anniversary approaches, the Battle of the Little Bighorn remains not only a historic site, but a place of ongoing meaning. It is a place to pause, to listen and to consider the many stories carried forward across generations — where the past is remembered and the landscape continues to speak.

Note: Anniversary-related events will be added to our events calendar as information becomes available. 

Know before you go: The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is undergoing some updates. For the most current information related to visitation, see the website at nps.gov/libi.

A Defining Moment, Then and Now


The Battle of the Little Bighorn continues to shape understanding of the Northern Plains. Explore the timeline below to follow the events leading up to the battle, what happened here in June 1876 and how the site has been remembered in the years since.


This map will lead you on a historic journey following the movements of Lt. Col. Custer and the 7th Calvary during the days, weeks and months leading up to, and immediately following, the renowned Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Download the Map  

Download the Map


The Battle of Little Bighorn: Key Dates

Events Leading up to the Battle

1866–1868
Red Cloud's War
Often considered the starting point of later conflict, Red Cloud's War was fought between the Lakota Sioux and the U.S. Army over control of the Powder River Country. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868), which recognized Lakota ownership of the Black Hills and surrounding lands— agreements that would later be broken.
August 4, 1873
Custer’s First Fight
Lt. Col. Custer’s skirmish at the confluence of the Tongue River, across from present-day Miles City, was the first of several during the summer of 1873. The 7th Cavalry was assigned to Col. David Stanley to protect the Northern Pacific Railroad surveyors.
1874
Black Hills Expedition
Led by Lt. Col. George A. Custer, this military expedition confirmed the presence of gold in the Black Hills, triggering an influx of miners into treaty-protected land and increasing pressure on the U.S. government to remove Native tribes from the area.
March 1876
Battle of Powder River
U.S. forces engaged with Northern Cheyenne along the Powder River in one of the first armed engagements of the Great Sioux War of 1876.
June 17, 1876
Battle of the Rosebud
Lakota and Northern Cheyenne warriors forced U.S. troops to withdraw, shaping events days later.

The Battle

June 25 – 26, 1876
Battle of Little Bighorn
The Battle was fought along the Little Bighorn River between U.S. Army forces and a coalition of Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors.

Since the Battle

1879
The battlefield was set aside as a U.S. National Cemetery.
1940–1946
The site was transferred to the National Park Service and was designated Custer Battlefield National Monument.
1991
The site was renamed Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, reflecting a broader interpretation of its history.
2003
The Indian Memorial was dedicated, honoring Native warriors and multiple perspectives of the battle.
2026
150th Anniversary
The 150th anniversary will be commemorated with special programming, events and memorial observances.