For a battle severe as Custer’s Last Stand, the historical importance of this event in the development of the Wild West is undeniable. It is impossible to ignore such an event in any American history text book, even in a place as far east as Taiwan.

Before I came here, the vague impression I had of this tragic battle was that Custer’s Last Stand was just one more challenge faced by the U.S. military in their efforts to extend their homeland. I knew it was a tragic event. I knew it was one in which a lack of caution on the part of the Cavalry led to a sad loss of life.

However, during my time at Custer's Last Stand Reenactment, through the visual presentation of the actors, hearing the Native Americans’ version of the battle from the host of the Reenactment, gave me, who before had only received a diluted, academic description of both Native American and European American versions of the battle, a completely different perspective of this historic event.

After visiting the battlefield and seeing the Reenactment, I was finally able to understand the lessons I had learned. It was as if my teachers in Taiwan had painted me a picture of the event, but that picture was blurry and static. Now that I have seen the rolling plains and felt the heat of the eastern Montana prairie in June, that picture has sprung to life.

The thing I found most interesting during my time here is how different the Native American way of life was from the European settlers and cavalry at that time. Everything from the battle music they play to their marching formations, their riding styles to their clothing, is completely different. Even their differing style of making war set them apart. If I could summarize my observation in two phrases, it would be Passionate Abandon vs Regulated Routine.

Everything associated with Native Americans seems very bold. For example, powerful music has no clear starting point or end. Elegant feather headdresses and bright moving colors exhilarate people. The tornado way of entry and horses riding style also give people the feeling of being free and unrestrained. The sound, color, and energy seem to nurture the culture of the wide earth echoes.

In contrast, the U.S. military songs and rhythm, their plain clothing as worn in the field all make me wonder whether patterns and habits are bred by culture or bound
by geography. 

Even more profound is the impression left on me after the show ends; performers take pictures with everyone, I have wonderful time taking photos with local Indian children and receiving a gift from General Custer which is his bullet casing. The hospitality of this place “Montana” leave such unforgettable memories for me.

Guest Columnist Chengyin (Michelle) Liu had been in the United States, in Montana, for only 1 week when she attended the Reenactment of the Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25, 2010.

If you followed the smoke on June 19 (like we suggested last month) you would have arrived at the largest rifle shooting event in Eastern Montana since the Custer Massacre.  The 20th Annual Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match was held in Forsyth, Montana, on June 19-20, 2010.  This year’s competition was unrivaled—a record year with a total of 631 shooters competing at the line, aiming at a variety of targets—offhand, buffalo, hexagon, postage stamp, diamond, and rectangle. Another record 183 Straight-Eight Pins were awarded to shooters who hit all 8 shots on an individual target.  The Quigley has gained international recognition and shooters come to Forsyth from all corners of the world, and they keep coming back.  Because this year’s event was the 20th Annual, personalized caps were given to 6 shooters who were recognized for participating in all 20 Matches—5 competitors from Montana - Al Lee and Rick Smith from Forsyth,  Dennis Vardon from Rosebud, , Dan Walker from Billings, and Glen Kapitzke from Miles City; and 1 shooter from Wyoming – Mark Sackett of Sheridan.

For 20 years the gracious folks in Forsyth have made the shooters of the Mathew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match feel at home.  Whether you are a participant or a spectator, this Old West event is a must for your summer calendar. 

July 2-5

July 2-5

July 4

July 17 & 18