1994 Ad

Sunset, June, 1994 by Caroline Patterson, Pamela Porter, Ben Davidson, Matthew Jaffe

HARDIN, MONTANA

Every June on the anniversary of Custer's Last Stand, 16 miles from the actual battle site, spectators gather on wooden bleachers in front of a dusty field dotted with tepees, waiting to see history repeat itself. Montana plains stretch in all directions, bounded by the Pryor Mountains to the west and the Bighorn Mountains to the east. The sky is bright, threaded by sparrows, and flags of the 50 states snap in the breeze.

The narrated reenactment opens with a procession representing westward expansion during the 1800s: Lewis and Clark's Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery marches by, followed by pioneers, missionaries, and miners. A U.S. government representative signs the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty, giving the Sioux exclusive possession of the Dakota Territory west of the Missouri River. Settlers continue encroaching. In June 1876, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his Seventh Cavalry are sent to drive the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne to reservations.

Suddenly, the Battle of Little Bighorn begins: 40 men dressed as members of the Seventh Cavalry, led by Custer (called "Yellow Hair" by the Sioux), gallop down from nearby hills to attack the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. The Indians, represented by 80 Crow (whose ancestors, ironically, were scouts for Custer), charge Custer's ranks, riding bareback, faces streaked with war paint. Amid the war songs, the crack of mock gunfire, and the dust blooming from the horses' hooves, "pony soldiers are falling upside down"--the words Sioux leader Sitting Bull used to describe a vision he had of the real battle, fought on June 25, 1876, when the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne warriors killed all the members of the Seventh Cavalry.

The hour-long reenactment takes place at 1:30 and 5 on June 24 and 25, and at 1:30 on June 26, as part of Little Bighorn Days in Hardin. A historical seminar, rodeo, parade, and crafts fair are also planned. Tickets for the reenactment cost $8, $4.50 for ages 6 through 12; for reservations call (406) 665-1672 or (800) 366-8538. The site is 46 miles east of Billings on Interstate 90, about 6 miles west of Hardin on U.S. Highway 87, and 16 miles northwest of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. For other information about Hardin's Little Bighorn Days or for lodging options, call Hardin Chamber of Commerce at (406) 665-1672.

Throughout the summer at the national monument, special guest speakers will present a cross-cultural perspective on the battle. There are also regular summer programs about the battle, the cavalry, Northern Plains tribal culture, and archaeology. Call (406) 638-2621 for more information.

CAPITAN, NEW MEXICO

Only you can celebrate Smokey

In May 1950, park rangers found a frightened and badly burned 4-pound black bear cub clinging to a charred tree after a forest fire in New Mexico's Lincoln National Forest. The small survivor was rescued by firefighters and soon became a celebrity residing at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.--Smokey Bear, the living symbol for a forest fire-prevention campaign launched 50 years ago.

The campaign's golden anniversary will be commemorated throughout the country this summer, with special, family-oriented events slated for the small community of Capitan, Smokey's birthplace.

A Smokey Bear Volksmarch will be held from 8 to 5 on June 11 and 12, starting at the intersection of Smokey Bear Boulevard and State Road 246.

July 1 through 4, during the Annual Smokey Bear Stampede & Rodeo, hay wagons and horse-drawn carts will circle the mountain village, carrying visitors to food concession areas, Smokey Bear's birthday parade, crafts booths, races, country-western dances, and the chili cook-off. Professional rodeo is featured, and on the last two days ranch hands will compete in events that demonstrate their work skills, such as horse catching, branding and roping, and penning, finishing with wild cow milking.

On August 6, a private wrangler will lead a trail ride to Smokey's discovery site. A few horses will be available to rent, but most participants are expected to bring their own. Call Friends of Smokey, (505) 354-2298, for details.

Programs and displays at the visitor center in Smokey Bear Historical State Park, where the famous bear was buried after his death in 1976, relay facts about forest habitat, controlled burns, and destructive fires. A short film tells Smokey's story, and interactive computer programs about forest habitat and fire challenge kids of all ages. Admission costs 25 cents for ages 6 and up. Be sure to visit the park grounds, where a stream meanders around vegetation representing six different ecological zones. Smokey's grave marker

is here.

More mementos are displayed and sold at the adjoining Smokey Bear Museum, developed by Capitan residents to honor the black bear cub.

Lincoln National Forest also offers camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities. Lodging is available in Capitan, the nearby resort town of Ruidoso, and historic Lincoln, where Billy the Kid made his last escape.