Sunday, August 10, 2014

Garryowen, MT- 8/10/14



Our visit to Garryowen, MT, was planned because of its proximity to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. The other reason we decided to stay here is the awesome on-line reviews we read about the 7th Ranch RV Camp (which are all true!)

Once here, we became interested in the history of this tiny town. Located on the southern-most point of the land where Sitting Bull's encampment was situated during the Battle of Little Bighorn, it is a privately-owned town on the Crow National Reservation land. (The Crow and Federal Government sold the land to private citizens.) The town is currently for sale. Google Garryowen, MT, if you are interested in more details on that topic.

With a population of only 2 (that's right, 2 people) as of the 2010 census, the town consists of a multi-function building and picnic area. That building houses the following:
  • The privately-owned Custer Battlefield Museum (with focus on the battle and the Plains Indians of that period). See separate post on this topic. It's well worth the time and expense to visit ($7.50/adults).
  • An arts-and-crafts store called The Trading Post.
  • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (of Little Bighorn Battle) and Peace Memorial (Bury the Hatchet ceremony held in 1926).
  • An USPS post office (open 8:00 am -10:00 am).
  • Conoco gas station and small convenience store.
  • Subway sandwich shop.
  • And residence.
The Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad established a small town here on the Bighorn River in 1895. The town was named "Garryowen" after the U.S. 7th Calvary Regiment marching song, a stirring Irish tune. You can listen to it on YouTube by searching for Garryowen Lyrics.

We very much enjoyed our stay here (for a week) and did visit the tiny town on multiple occasions to visit the museum, Tomb of Unknown Soldier, arts-and-craft shop, and Post Office.

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