Where the Battle of the
Little Bighorn Began . . .
The Custer Battlefield Museum at Garryowen, Montana, I-90 Exit 514, is built
adjacent to the location of the Tomb of Unknown Soldier where the Battle of the
Little Bighorn began. The museum houses an internationally acclaimed collection
of over 100 historic photographs by D. F. Barry containing some of the most
famous people and places of the American West.
David F. Barry was one of the most famous photographers of the American West
(1870-1900). The world-renowned photographer was named “Little Shadow Catcher” by the Sioux, and was the first to photograph the Sioux as they surrendered.
Barry was the only photographer invited to the first battle reunion.
He counted among his many friends William F. (Buffalo Bill) Cody, Elizabeth
(Libby) Custer - widow of Gen. George Armstrong Custer, Chief Gall, Chief
Rain-in-the Face, and William S. Hart - a silent movie star, whose bronze
statue is in front of Billings Logan International Airport.
Custer Battlefield Museum
Displays Rare Lewis And Clark Exhibit
In celebration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Custer Battlefield Museum is
showcasing an exceptional collection of Lewis and Clark rare books, oil
paintings, documents, and historical ephemera. This one-of-a-kind display has
been touted by historians as a must see. The collection includes extremely rare
documents and books detailing the five-year expedition of Lewis and Clark and
the Corps of Discovery.
“The Lewis and Clark Expedition was the first government survey of natural
resources in the American West, and its importance cannot be overstated,” said Custer Battlefield Museum Director Chris Kortlander.
Highlights of the exhibit include the hand-notated and signed set of journal
notes of the first officially authorized publication of the travels of
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, owned by Nicholas Biddle, editor of Lewis
and Clark’s journals. His personal set contains original handwritten notes and several
period newspaper articles, as well as the very first images of Lewis and Clark
ever produced.
These images were created by Department of the Treasury master steel plate
engraver Toppan, who gave the proof images to Biddle himself. These images were
tipped in by Biddle to his first edition set of journals which are now on
display.
Another highlight of the exhibit is an original document signed by William Clark
appointing Justice of the Peace for the County of Copper in the State of
Missouri. The exhibit also includes Sergeant Patrick Gass’ journal filled with hand-drawn scenes and first-hand accounts of the Corps’ daily struggles. Along with an engraved peace pipe that is believed to have
been acquired through the Corps’ interaction with native Indians, as well as an 1809 counterfeit journal and
original first editions of the 1814 Corps journals. “We are so excited to have assembled this exceptional collection of Lewis and
Clark journals and ephemera,” Kortlander stated. “This is one of the finest Lewis and Clark exhibits in the American West and we
are honored to bring it to an interested public.”
The museum is open Memorial Day - Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Spring and
fall, it is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact the museum at 406-638-1876, P.
O. Box 200, Garryowen, MT, 5903.
Admission for adults is $5, for seniors and children $4, under 12 free. Guided
tours are available by special arrangement. (406) 638-1876.
