House Backs Monument to Honor Indians of ‘Custer’s Last Stand’

The House voted Monday to erect a monument in honor of the Indian tribes who 114 years ago made the Battle of the Little Bighorn “Custer’s last stand.”

“This legislation is to honor the Cheyenne, Sioux and other Indian nations who gave their lives to defend their families, lifestyle, culture and their lands,” Rep. John J. Rhodes III (R-Ariz.) said.

The action comes 109 years after a monument was erected to Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, who led the 7th U.S. Cavalry to death in one of the most famous battles between federal forces and Plains Indians.

“We can see a story of sacrifice and bravery on both sides,” said Bruce F. Vento (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Interior subcommittee on national parks and public lands.

“Custer has long been honored along with his forces,” said Rhodes, who serves on Vento’s subcommittee. He said “the last major victory of the Indians” would be “fittingly elevated in the pages of U.S. history” by a monument on the battleground in southeastern Montana where they defeated Custer and his troops.

The bill directs the Interior Department to conduct a design competition for a memorial to be placed near the one honoring the calvary.

The measure also permits the department to accept donations of funds, property and services for the memorial.

The legislation has not yet been approved by the Senate.