Initial Rock

Initial Rock, also called Name Rock, is an archaeological site in the Medora Ranger District of the Little Missouri National Grassland near Medora, North Dakota. It marks the overnight camp of George Armstrong Custer’s men on May 28, 1876, during their march toward the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The site is especially significant for a rock carved with the names of soldiers W.C. Williams and F. Neely, both serving under Marcus Reno and both survivors of the battle. Preserved under a protective shelter since 1966, it remains a rare, tangible link to the 1876 campaign and is part of the Custer Military Trail Historic Archaeological District.

North Dakota · United States