Hardin

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Hardin is a county seat on the edge of the Crow Indian Reservation. It was named by C. H. Morrill, president of the Lincoln Land Co. of Lincoln, Nebraska, the company which purchased and platted the present townsite, in honor of Samuel Hardin, a personal friend. Hardin was an old-time settler and cattleman who lived near Ranchester, Wyoming, south of Hardin. The area was opened to settlement in 1906. (from Cheney’s Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)

Hardin is situated on the banks of the Bighorn River. The Bighorn Canyon and Dam allow a majestic view of the water below. The reservation offers two mountain ranges, the rugged Pryor and Bighorn mountains, with rolling hills and semi-arid plains surrounding the peaks. The town is surrounded by productive ranches and farms, including the largest wheat farm in the world. Coal mining has also contributed greatly to the local economy.

The Hardin area is rich in history. Each year the Crow celebrate their heritage at the Crow Fair with a powwow which is the largest in the state. From every western state and Canada, Indians come to camp along the Little Bighorn River to form the Teepee Capital of the World. There are spectacular parades each morning featuring authentic costumes, an all Indian rodeo with cowboys from all over the nation, pari-mutuel wagering, wild horse races and Indian dancing. Also located in the area are Big Horn County Historical Museum, Custer National Cemetery, and Little Bighorn Battlefield. The National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s list of heritage properties worthy of preservation, includes two historic districts in Hardin: the Hardin Commercial Historic District and the Hardin Residential Historic District. As you explore downtown Hardin, look for interpretive markers to learn more about its history and architecture.

South of Hardin is the Little Bighorn Battlefield, where the Northern Plains Indians defeated Custer and the U.S. Army. The world famous Custer's Last Stand Reenactment is one of Custer Country's biggest annual attractions, an annual event celebrated in Hardin. Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors under the leadership of Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and Gall fight George Armstrong Custer's Seventh Cavalry troopers. The reenactment script is based on Crow Tribal Elder Joseph Medicine Crow's translation of oral and written Native American narrative beginning before Lewis and Clark's epic journey over 200 years ago. The sweeping pageantry of high plains history is portrayed by over 200 participants, including descendants of the troopers, Indian warriors, and scouts involved in the original battle. It is listed as one of the “Top 100 Events in America” by Destinations magazine.

The nearby Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a lesser known treasure waiting to be discovered. It boasts breathtaking scenery, countless varieties of wildlife, and abundant recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, ice fishing, camping, and hiking.

Elevation: 2,902 feet.

Located In:   Custer Country

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