Living with the ghosts of the Indian Wars.

The article presents views and insights of the author on the Indian Wars in the U.S. during the 1870's. An area in the state of Montana has been called Custer Country due to the sage-dotted grassland, and the juniper and ponderosa pine that grow in the area. Significantly, Custer Country nonetheless attests that history is ultimately written, and the terrain mapped, by the winning side. Furthermore, most places in the region are named from generals and personalities attributed to the Indian wars. The author is appalled by the racism reflected in place names that celebrate the near-extermination of the Indians.