Guestbook

What Our Visitors Have to Say in 2008

Welcome to our guest book where you can leave comments, questions, observations, or anything else regarding our website, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or Plains Indian Wars. All we ask of you is not to use inflammatory language or place ads (all will be promptly deleted without comment). To get started, just select "Add Your Comments" at right.

Name: Joel Grossman
Date: 11 May 2008

Comments

According to my mother Capt. Yates was my great uncle. His sister, Jane Ann Yates died giving birth to my great grandmother Sara Jane. Does anyone have any additional info on Capt. Yates life and family before his military career? Thanks Joel Grossman Minden Nv

5/11/08 Joel: I did forward your request to an individual who might be able to help. Regards, B.R.

Name: janice weiss truitt
Date: 07 May 2008

Comments

just wanted to say thank you again for the photo of t'shunka witko...i have told just about everyone i know where to find it...amazing to have it after all these years of wishing..we havent been there since 1999/2000...miss being able to come..we are down here in fort worth texas..you are always in our thoughts

Name: CHUCK REID
Date: 06 May 2008

Comments

WE HAVE SEARCHED OVER OUR FAMILY TREE BACK TO THE LATE 1600'S DISCOVERED THAT I HAD TWO RELATIVES, 3 IF YOU COUNT CUSTER HIMSELF. BOSTON AND CUSTER'S NEPHEW, AUTHUR(HARRY ARMSTRONG"AUTIE") REID. HE WAS A MEAT PACKER AND CUSTER FAVORITE NEPHEW. THEY ARE BOTH BURIED IN A CEMETARY IN INDIANA.

Name: Donna Gagliano
Date: 03 May 2008

Comments

Sorry, I hit the reset button. I wasn't finished with my comment. I will try again tomorrow. Thanks

Name: Donna Gagliano
Date: 03 May 2008

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Hello Friends, There is a John S. Ragsdale on the muster roll that I believe is my g-grandfathers older brother. I found his enlistment record. John S. Ragsdale enlisted 23 July 1872, Co. A, 7th Cavalry. I found a posting on the message boards about a year ago regarding a newspaper article: Press Gazette, Hillsboro, Ohio, June 3, 1941 : Survivor of Custer's 'Last Stand' in Resident Here. John S Rugsdale, one of the four survivors of Custer's Massacre, who lives in Hillsboro, is 91 years old and spry as most men at 40. Never before has John made a statement or talked about the famous last stand of General Geo. Custer. "I always kept it to myself, as most people wouldn't believe suchthings ever happened", John said"all they would have to do is check on any statements I might have made in Washington and they would soon learn I spoke the truth." The article states that he stood six feet two inches tall, weighs 158 pounds. At the time of the Battle he weighed about 180. The problem I am having is that on the enlistment record, he is 5' 7" tall. His brother Isham C. Ragsdale enlisted 3 months after his brother and is listed as 6' 1".

Name: Carolyn Bennett
Date: 24 Apr 2008

Comments

Bob: I could hardly bridle the emotion I felt when I checked the website this morning to read your perceptive interview with Michael Donahue, along with such a genuine review of his book, Drawing Battle Lines. I have watched Michael remain true to his original 'map book' objective through the last twenty+ years of near-global searching and RE-searching, a medley of thrilling discoveries and disappointing dead-ends, and the requisite challenges of negotiation and humble compromise. I know that I join many who wish to sincerely congratulate him on this significant accomplishment and to fully encourage his further contribution to Little Bighorn Battle history study and literature, as he industriously begets his next volume. With continued passion for the subject at hand, CWB

4/24/08 Thank for writing, Carolyn. One of the main reasons the interview with Mike was well-done is because of his articulate and forthright character as well as his passion for this subject. I’ve known Mike from the very first summer he started at LBH.  I’m very lucky for that. And, students of the Battle of the Little Bighorn are fortunate that Mike is tenacious in his pursuit of maps and drawings of this battle. Lastly, thank you for allowing us to publish, on the interview page, the great photo you shot of Mike painting Custer's Last Stand. I’ve already heard from one Friends member who loves that photo. Regards, Bob

Name: Judy Davis
Date: 23 Apr 2008

Comments

I forgot to add - "Happy Birthday" on 4/28

Name: Judy Davis
Date: 23 Apr 2008

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Bob - you do a great job!

Name: Matt
Date: 16 Apr 2008

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We were at the Battlefield many years ago and would like to return. I have a question. We have recently been traveling and I thought I saw an advertisement about a special event going on at the Battlefield this spring or summer. Do you know anything about that? Thanks. You have a great site.

4/24/08 Thanks for writing Matt. Friends has several events taking place. Jump here to read more. Regards, Bob

Name: Gay Jones
Date: 10 Apr 2008

Comments

The mist photos are just gorgeous!!! Wow

4/10/2008 I love those photos as well Gay. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Regards, B.R. Update 4/24/08 Marvin sent us more  photos -- this time of a late snowfall in spring. Check them out on the same page as the mist photos.

Name: John Lombard
Date: 10 Apr 2008

Comments

Very Informative Site...Being an admirer of Lt. Col. Custer since childhood, I now honor his memory having served in The United States Army, and remember all those who have fought and died for our country.

4/10/2008 Thanks for your service John and thank you for visiting our site. Regards, Bob Reece

Name: Ebony Bourdain
Date: 08 Apr 2008

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Great site. Wonderful work. Always helpful.

Name: kayla
Date: 07 Apr 2008

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Hi, I was wondering if you knew any place to look for desendents of custer.

Name: rocky hanrahan  mass
Date: 28 Mar 2008

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The old tv show the twilight zone put out a real erie tale of the battel of the littel of the big horn. I am watching it right now on the tv station sci/fi at 1:13 edt. interested? i'll try to get a copy. I'ts great!!

Name: Matthias Dunlop
Date: 26 Mar 2008

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I need to say how much I appreciate Mr Marshall's words in the book, Walking with Grandfather. My girlfriend bought me his book for my birthday. I love her and I really enjoyed the book!

Name: Suzanne M. Cork
Date: 23 Mar 2008

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Just wanted to say hello to the organization and introduce myself. I am the new Park Ranger for the Rosebud Battlefield. I also wanted to extend a helping hand if ever needed.

3/24/2008 Suzanne: Thanks for the note Suzanne and the offer of a helping hand. Hopefully, we'll have an opportunity to work together for both battlefields. Regards, Bob Reece

Name: Bob Gerling
Date: 14 Mar 2008

Comments

I have about a dozen images taken at the 50th in 1926 by John Dwight Neal from Iowa. Each includes his comments, notes on the reverse i.e. the fact that he had to pay .50 to get a Native pose. My favorites are those of the "movie" people taking motion pictures for a documentary. Does this moving film exist and can you help me find where it can be viewed? Thank you. Bob Gerling

3/14/08 Bob: I’m not aware of any films from the 50th anniversary events at LBH but if there are, I’d sure like to see them. I’ll check some of my sources to see if they know of any. If you don't mind, please send me an email at info@friendslittlebighorn.com Regards, Bob Reece

3/19/08 Bob: I spoke with Dick Upton and he is not aware of any movies although he was well aware of the movie camera. Maybe someday they'll turn up. Thanks, Bob

Name: Ron
Date: 12 Mar 2008

Comments

Hi Bob, I certainly do remember "the good old days" and also how sad it was to lose Brian Pohanka. The last time we were at LBH was on the day of his funeral in Virginia. Unfortunately, we are getting too old to make the 24 hour trip from Perth, so we keep looking at the cameras and remembering.............. best wishes Ron

3/13/08 Thanks for the call-back, Ron. I've asked the battlefield staff to look into the camera problem. Hopefully, they should be moving around again. I can use the webcams as a weather forecaster for where I live in Colorado. In almost all cases, we have the same weather in 24 hours. If I see fresh snow on Last Stand Hill, then I know I'll wake up to it the next day. I hardly have to watch the weather forecast during my local TV news program anymore. I'm sorry that won't work the same for you in Perth, but at least you know what the visitors are experiencing at LBH. Take care, Bob

3/19/08 Ron: Ken Woody contacted me today. As I thought, he has been out of town and has returned to the office. He's got the webcams rotating now. Check them out. Thanks, Bob

Name: massimo buttinelli
Date: 08 Mar 2008

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The greasy grass is a wonderful place for me!I hope i'll come there soon...Hotamitaneo.

Name: Ron
Date: 06 Mar 2008

Comments

Hi Bob, I look at the Webcams frequently from here in Australia, however they appear to have been stuck in the same position for many months now. Is there any reason for this? All the best Ron

3/6/2008 Alamo Day: Hey Ron, great to hear from you. I haven't seen you for about 10 years. Last time was when we were with Richard Fox and Brian Pohanka overlooking the Little Bighorn Valley behind the staff housing. Remember that? I think Sandy Barnard and/or James Brust were with us as well. I'm glad you can get to visit LBH anytime from down under thanks to the webcams. Sometimes they get stuck, so I'll give the battlefield a call tomorrow and see if they can give the cams a little push to get them moving again. I see they received a dusting of snow earlier today. Take care, Bob

Name: Ellen Rouse
Date: 02 Mar 2008

Comments

I visited the Little Bighorn Battlefield in 1963, when I was 12 years old. It remains among one of the most moving experiences of my life, along with seeing Ground Zero in NYC following the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01. The anguish of knowing the suffering of the Indian people and the gratefulness of being an American remain conflicting emotions for me and many others, I'm sure. I hope to return and see the Indian Memorial that is so long overdue.

3/6/2008 Ellen: I think you'd be very impressed with the Indian Memorial and the changes that have taken place at the battlefield. The memorial has enhanced interpretation and the visitor experience. Regards, B.R.

Name: Crazy horse photo?
Date: 29 Feb 2008

Comments

There were no photos taken of Crazy horse because he feared that his spirit would be captured and taken away from him.

Name: mick chase
Date: 28 Feb 2008

Comments

What a great website. I had the pleasure of visiting the battlefield 4 years ago and it is a trip that i will gladly make all over again. this has always fascinated me and i thoroughly enjoy this site. one question though. i have read in books about crazy horse that he never allowed his picture to be taken but have come across some pictures in books alleging to be hi,. do you know of any truth to this story? just curious. keep up the good work!

Name: Lia H.
Date: 24 Feb 2008

Comments

thank you for this web site i visited the little bighorn battlefield in the late 1990's i remember a picture in the visitors center that was a spirit of a indian in the shy looking down over the land is the picture still there how do i find it on the web. 3/6/2008 Lia: I think the painting you're remembering might have been one by Don Griffins. It had spirits of Custer and Sitting Bull along with a few other principals from the battle looking down over the battlefield. But, I can't remember what it was called. Thanks, B.R.

Name: JEFF WILLIAMS, WALES, UK
Date: 22 Feb 2008

Comments

Apart from enjoying your site I have recently viewed a fascinating TV documentary about the implications of the recent archeological discoveries. What book would you recommend which embraces not only the background to and history of the military engagement, but also takes into consideration these recent findings. As i understand it, there may not have been a last stand!

2/22/2008 Jeff: Glad to hear you're enjoying our site. We've been building it since 1999 and it keeps growing. Please, jump here to our archeology section for a short list of the best books on the archeological digs at LBH. My personal favorite is Scott's, the first listed, because it includes all the final reports from the various studies conducted during the digs. It's the best book to start reading on this subject. When you think you've understood it well, then I recommend Fox's book next. It's Fox's theory that contends there was not a last stand where Custer fell. Fox also believes the final moments of the fight occurred in the Deep Ravine. All of these books are outstanding. Regards, B.R.
P.S. Scott believes the last stand did take place where Custer fell.

Name: KATHLENE
Date: 19 Feb 2008

Comments

Mr Reese, Would you have any idea where I could find a copy of the "Little Bighorn Battlefield Map-Archeological Finds and Historical Locations"? It is by an author named Bonafede and I was told that Upton Books carried it. For some reason, I can't seem to contact them by internet! Can you advise me? Thank you so much. I love your website, and you are to be commended for its content!

2/19/2008 Kathlene: I know the map you speak of. You can purchase it through Upton and Sons for $10.00. Call them toll free at 800-959-1876. Jump to their website. Richard Upton will definitely help you find that map.

Thank you for your kind comments regarding the Friends website and its content. Remember, you can always visit our Site Map to quickly find what is new or recently updated. Its navigation button is at the bottom of every page. Also, always remember to scroll the entire Site Map so you don't risk the chance of missing something new. Regards, Bob Reece

Name: Roger Tertocha
Date: 11 Feb 2008

Comments

I just read the interview with Ernie Lapointe and found it fascinating. My hat is off to both of you for doing this and letting us see how history continues to be made. 2/19/2008 Roger: I'm glad you enjoyed the interview with Ernie. We're trying our best to keep our members and visitors up to date with news from the battlefield. Regards, B.R.

Name: Lora
Date: 08 Feb 2008

Comments

Very nice site! Just wanted to let you know, that there is a Little Bighorn soldier buried in Monroe, LA where I work as a Genealogy Librarian. He was John H. Day, Company H. Unfortunately, he was lynched for arson in 1894. His wife is buried in one of our cemeteries and now that we know about him, we have plans to order a headstone for him. It will be placed by the side of his wife since his burial site is long gone. I'm currently digging up anything I can find on him! It has been an interesting journey. Thanks again for all the info you have here! 2/19/2008 Lora:  You're welcome. We'll keep our readers informed on the placement of the headstone. Lora plans on sending us photos which I'll place in our soldier burial section. Regards, B.R.

Name: Alan Edward Yates
Date: 08 Feb 2008

Comments

please can you put me in contact with e yates as i am reserching my family tree and george yates was my gt gt gt grandfather my own father who died years ago said in a letter to me we lost a ancester at the little big horn as my father went back to the states when i was young i know nothing onthe yates side thank you

Name: Landra M. Lowe - Pake
Date: 03 Feb 2008

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I was happy to know of my family tie to to him my great granfather and medichineman and chief WAS SITTING BULL. THANK YOU FOR ANY OTHER INFO. ON HIS WARES MY HOPE IS TO SOMEDAY LET MY KIDS SEE WHERE HE WAS KILLED AND FIND OTHER FAMILY &WHAT HERBS WERE TRULY FOUND IN HIS POUCH LOVE TO KNOW MORE OF THE MAN.

Name: joe lapointe
Date: 29 Jan 2008

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i know they were indians but they were leaders and i think it should show the names of the leaders that were killed and were they were killed

Name: betty c l
Date: 16 Jan 2008

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Thank you for the website it is very interesting. We plan a visit this year and need all the information we can obtain.

Name: Kathy Barefoot
Date: 14 Jan 2008

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I enjoyed this article. I recently discovered that Sgt. Daniel Kanipe was my mother's grandfather's brother (her maiden name is Kanipe). What a surprise to find out I had a relative who fought with Custer. I have been reading a lot on the internet about him. I will be visiting the battlefield in July 2008 and I cannot wait to actually stand on that ground.

Name: Kenton Kozak Jan 2008
Date: 03 Jan 2008
 

Comments

As a trucker hauling fuel from Calgary AB into Montana I became interested in the history . The web site was very interesting to check out . I've always been a fan of the times . I will at some point visit the monuments and sites . So thank you for the information. You're very welcome. Drive careful out there. Regards, B.R.

Name: DEBBY S. F.
Date: 03 Jan 2008
 

Comments

Being born & raised in Hardin, Montana, & now living in Ohio, it was great just to see all the positive changes & improvements of the battlefield. My dad, Dennis Sanders had quite a few pictures of his in the museum at one time. We visited the Battlefield in Feb.07, & it brought back a lot of memories of when I was a kid. However, I didn't remember ever being charged a fee to drive back on the roads. But all in all a great, & historical landmark. Keep up the good work.

1/6/08 Hi Debby: Thanks for being the first to post in our guestbook for 2008. It's great you came home as well as visit the battlefield. The entry fees have been in existence for around 10 years (I don't remember exactly when they started). Other NPS sites have been charging fees a lot longer than LBH, however, the fees help ensure a stable infrastructure and enhance the visitor's experience. Here's hoping you have a great new year and can return to LBH sometime soon. Regards, Bob Reece

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