Little Bighorn River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Bighorn River |
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The Bighorn River, showing the Little Bighorn River as a tributary
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| Country | Big Horn County, Montana and Sheridan County, Wyoming |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Bighorn Mountains 44°47′21″N 107°48′44″W / 44.7893°N 107.8122°W |
| River mouth | Bighorn River near Hardin, Montana 2,884 feet (879 m) 45°44′17″N 107°34′10″W / 45.73806°N 107.56944°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Yellowstone River |
The Little Bighorn River is a river in the United States. It flows for about 138-mile-long (222 km) through Montana and Wyoming. This river is a branch, or tributary, of the larger Bighorn River.
The Little Bighorn River is famous for a big event that happened on its banks. The Battle of the Little Bighorn took place here on June 25–26, 1876. This battle is also known as the Battle of the Greasy Grass. Another battle, the Battle of Crow Agency, happened here in 1887.
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Where the Little Bighorn River Flows
The Little Bighorn River starts in northern Wyoming. It begins high up in the Bighorn Mountains, near Duncum Mountain and Burnt Mountain. At first, the river flows through a deep canyon.
After leaving the canyon, the river reaches the flat plains. This is right at the border between Montana and Wyoming. In the Wyoming canyon, other small streams join the Little Bighorn. These include the Dry Fork and the West Fork of the Little Bighorn.
Once it flows into Montana, the Little Bighorn River continues north. It crosses the Crow Indian Reservation. The river passes by towns like Wyola, Lodge Grass, and Crow Agency. Finally, it joins the Bighorn River near the town of Hardin.
Along its path, other creeks add their water to the Little Bighorn. Pass Creek joins it at Wyola. At Lodge Grass, Lodge Grass Creek and Owl Creek flow into it. Reno Creek joins the river a few miles before Crow Agency.
The famous Little Bighorn battle site is close to Crow Agency. It is now a special place called the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
How the River Got Its Name
The name "Little Bighorn River" has an interesting history. In 1859, a man named William F. Raynolds explored the area. He learned the Native American name for the Big Horn River was Ets-pot-agie. This means "Mountain Sheep River."
So, the smaller river, the Little Bighorn, was called Ets-pot-agie-cate. This means "Little Mountain Sheep River." Early fur trappers kept using the English translation of these names. That's how we got "Big Horn" and "Little Bighorn."
An important guide named Jim Bridger helped Captain Raynolds. Bridger spoke with the Native Americans. This helped confirm the names of the rivers.
The U.S. government also lists other names for the river. These include Little Horn River, Custer River, and Great Horn River. Many local people simply call it the "Little Horn River."
The "Greasy Grass" Name
For hundreds of years, the local Crow people called the river the "Greasy Grass." This name was used from the 1500s to the 1800s. A Crow historian, Joe Medicine Crow, explained why.
He said that in the river bottoms, the grass would get very wet with dew in the mornings. This made people's moccasins and horses' legs look "greasy." The name "Greasy Grass" slowly changed to "Little Bighorn" for the main river.
However, one branch of the river is still called Lodge Grass Creek. This name came from a mistake. The Crow word for "greasy" sounds like "Tah-shay." The word for "lodge" sounds like "Ah-shay." An interpreter got them mixed up.
The Lakota Sioux people also called the river the "Greasy Grass." They moved into this area between the 1840s and 1860s. Even today, many Lakota people call the Battle of the Little Bighorn the "Battle of the Greasy Grass."
On the Little Bighorn battlefield, there is a hill called Greasy Grass Ridge. This shows how important the name "Greasy Grass" was. In the Lakota language, the river is called Pȟežísla Wakpá.
Wildlife Along the River
The Little Bighorn River area is home to many animals. In the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, you can find cougars and black bears. There are also deer, elk, and wild turkeys. Many other small animals and birds live there too. Sometimes, a moose is even seen.
The Little Bighorn canyon is known for rattlesnakes. Experts say that the east-facing canyons have rattlesnakes because they have lots of small animals like mice and chipmunks for them to eat.
Black bears have also returned to the Montana part of the Little Bighorn Valley. Ranchers often see groups of black bears living near the river. Sometimes, travelers on the road might spot bears in the pastures or along the road.
River Access and Rules
Accessing the Little Bighorn River can be tricky, especially in Montana. Most of the river in Montana flows through the Crow Indian Reservation. This means there are special rules about who can fish or visit the river.
If you are not a member of the Crow Tribe, you usually need a special permit to fish on tribal lands. You also need a licensed Crow Tribal member to guide you. These rules help protect the tribe's land and resources.
In Wyoming, the river flows through private land and national forest land. Some areas are open for fishing, but others are private. It's important to always check signs and respect private property.
The roads along the river can be rough. In Montana, there are paved and gravel roads. But further upstream, especially in the canyon, the roads are unmaintained. They can be bumpy and have water crossings. In winter, they might be closed due to snow and ice. Vehicles with high clearance are often needed.
See also
In Spanish: Río Little Bighorn para niños
