Join me at the Custer Trading Post, June 25-26, 2026!
Jenny Niemeyer
Battle of the Little Bighorn Traveling Cemetery
ART+HISTORY
Honoring the Battle of Little Bighorn
What is a traveling cemetery?
What is a traveling cemetery?
What is a traveling cemetery?
I have visited the Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana, known as the Greasy Grass by its Indigenous peoples. Each visit connects me with the spirits of those lost. Beyond Custer's last stand, 263 cavalrymen, civilians, scouts, Lakota, Cheyenne, women, and children fell here. I honor each with portraits and stories, creating a traveling memorial that speaks to all involved.
History is about people
What is a traveling cemetery?
What is a traveling cemetery?
History is not about a bunch of dusty books, it's about people. George Custer is probably the most famous person who died in this battle, but who were the others who died at the Battle of the Little Bighorn? This battle is one of the most studied events in American history and has left a permanent mark on the American psyche. I encourage you to think about our shared past and understand more about the people involved by visiting my traveling cemetery.
The soldiers in this photo were friends who died in the battle.
Art+History
What is a traveling cemetery?
Art+History
I am an artist and historian in Boise, Idaho. That makes me an "artstorian."
I started these paintings in 2022 in my backyard studio. When I'm not painting I am reading about the battle and its participants or corresponding with experts on the topic. Even though most of the soldiers and almost none of the Indian dead were ever photographed, their spirits embody my paintings and they show up on the canvas like ghostly visitors. The concept of a "cemetery" is not universally accepted, but it is a way to communicate the idea that I have put them all together in one place to tell their
stories. I hope you enjoy this bit of American history told through paintings.
Remembering the Fallen
The Battle of the Little Bighorn occurred over a two day period, June 25-26,1876, but most storied accounts of it are centered around "Custer's Last Stand." This part of the fight probably lasted less than an hour, resulting in the deaths of every member of five cavalry companies as well as George Armstrong Custer's regimental headquarter personnel. When asked later to describe how long this part of the battle lasted, Cheyenne Chief Two Moon is said to have remarked, "as long as it takes a hungry man to eat his lunch."
The battle ended efforts by the Lakota and Cheyenne people to remain free. Many particulars of this event will never be known absolutely, although a certain amount of evidence exists to support many theories. There were many survivors on both sides, contrary to the way this battle is usually portrayed.
The list of verifiable Indian deaths, including those of Indian scouts has been compiled and studied intensively by many experts for generations. I use Richard Hardorff's list of 31, which originated from the stories of Indian survivors. The families of these dead warriors quickly removed the bodies from the field of battle, so we may never know how many died later of wounds. Some scholars believe there could have been up to three times as many deaths out of the approximately 1,500-2,000 warriors who fought. The estimated number of Indians present at this huge encampment was approximately 10,000. Most of the cavalrymen's known remains are in a mass grave on the battlefield marked in 1881 by a granite monument and inscribed with their names. I use several sources to identify and render the images of the 7th Cavalry dead. Most officers were moved to other burial sites. In 2003, an Indian memorial to those warrior-soldiers who fought finally was created on the battlefield.
There is much to know about this battle and its aftermath, including the progressively worse treatment of American Indians on reservations and in prisons, and the continuation of battles in the West until the effective end of Indian resistance with the tragedy at Wounded Knee in 1890.
I hope my portrait project will cause you to pause and think about the history of where you are standing right now.
KEEP OUR PAST ALIVE
KEEP IT ON THE ROAD!
Your contribution will buy the traveling cemetery a tank of gas or a cup of coffee. Keep history on the road!
Connect with Us
Battle of Little Bighorn Traveling Cemetery
Boise, Idaho, United States
Contact us: travelingcemetery@gmail.com
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
This is a traveling art exhibition. Thanks for looking and feel free to get in touch.