Garryowen, Montana

The town of Garryowen was named after the old Irish tune "Garry Owen" which was one of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer's favorite marching songs.

"Garry Owen" is an old Irish quick-step that can be traced back to the 1800s. it is known to have been used by Irish regiments as a drinking song.

So the story goes, one of the Irish "melting pot" members of the 7th Cavalry was singing the song under the influence of spirits, and Custer happened by, liked the rhythm, and soon began to hum the tune.

Garryowen is derived from Gaelic meaning Owen's garden, which is a suburb of Limerick, Ireland. The tune has a fast paced and lively beat. The song was adopted as the regimental song soon after Custer arrived to take over the 7th Cavalry. It was the last song played by the band for Custer's men as they left the Terry column at the Rosebud River and rode into history.

A registered historic site, Garryowen, the only town within the Battlefield is located at I-90 Exit 514 just south of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Custer National Cemetery.

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http://www.historicalrarities.com/garryowen.htm