Self Guided Tours
Use the following documents to take a tour of some of Sheridan's historical sites:
- Historical Tour I (pdf)
This tour focuses on sites east and south of Sheridan and includes stops at (click on a site to see the tour map):
Overview:
The region is rich in Indian War history. The Bozeman Trail was a focal point of that history. This trail left the Oregon Trail and directed immigrants from Fort Laramie to the Montana gold fields. John Bozeman, a native of Georgia who developed this route, came west seeking adventure. The Bozeman Trail was the roadway along which the Federal government erected three forts to protect those moving westward: Fort Phil Kearny, along the Piney Creek; Fort Reno, further south; and Fort C.F. Smith, ninety miles north on the Big Horn River. Bozeman met an untimely death on this very trail through the hands of renegade Blackfeet on April 20, 1867. He died near the location where the trail crosses the Yellowstone River (north in Montana). Bozeman believed these men to be friendly Crow Indians.
- Historical Tour II (pdf)
With Sheridan as your base, this historic tour takes you to several Indian War sites in Montana and others within Sheridan County. It is a minimum three day tour and well worth the experience if you have the time to spend at the various historic sites. Stops include (click on a site to see the tour map):
Overview:
Sheridan is located in the "Valley of the Chiefs" named by the Plains Indians who treasured the area. This valley provided abundant wildlife for the tribes who came here to hunt. Trail routes which traversed the area provided the impetus for the Indian Wars of the 1870's. Sheridan County is crossed by the Bozeman Trail which moved the white man to the gold fields of Montana. Many stage routes and historic sites can be found within a short drive from Sheridan. Fort Phil Kearny, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, the Rosebud Battle site and many other fight and battle sites are located in the region. History buffs are encouraged to spend an afternoon touring these historic sites or take in a rodeo, visit a historic landmark or spend time downtown.
