Custer Military Trail Historic Archaeological District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Custer Military Trail Historic Archeological District
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Easy Hill Camp
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| Location | Address restricted |
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| Nearest city | Medora, North Dakota |
| Area | 18,149 acres (7,345 ha) |
| Built | 1864 |
| Added to NRHP | June 5, 2009 |
The Custer Military Trail Historic Archeological District is a protected historic area located in western North Dakota. It covers more than 18,000 acres across Billings County and Golden Valley County. The district preserves old military trails, camps, and historical grounds used in the late nineteenth century.
Archaeologists study this open landscape to learn about the past. In 2009, officials placed this large area on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains five major historic locations that show how soldiers and travelers moved through the rugged western frontier.
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Exploring the Historic Custer Trail Sites
The district contains five separate historical places connected to army movements between 1864 and 1876. During these years, the United States army traveled through the northern plains during the Plains Indian War.
Carvings at Initial Rock
One of the most famous stops in the district is Initial Rock. On May 28, 1876, soldiers from the 7th Cavalry camped at this location during their journey west. Two soldiers in the regiment, named W. C. Williams and F. Neely, decided to leave a personal mark. They carefully carved their initials and the year into a large sandstone boulder. Today, this rock serves as a stone diary entry showing exactly where those men stopped to rest.
Campsites and Historic Roads
The district protects more than just one carved stone. It also safeguards two other historic army campsites, parts of a major supply trail, and the location of the Battle of the Badlands. Together, these spots tell a broader story about travel, daily camp life, and frontier conflicts.
- Campgrounds where soldiers pitched canvas tents after long marches
- Deep wagon ruts worn directly into the prairie soil along the supply road
- High lookout points used by scouts to scan the rolling hills
- Locations where historical events like the Battle of the Badlands unfolded
Preserving North Dakota History for the Future
Archaeologists visit these rugged grounds to study old items left behind in the dirt. Finding things like metal horseshoes, broken tools, and campfire rings helps scientists understand nineteenth-century life. Because this history is fragile, laws protect the land from being dug up or altered. Keeping these open spaces safe allows future generations to explore the real outdoor history of North Dakota.
