The letters, along with other documents that include 12 signed handwritten messages from Elizabeth Custer, are among artifacts contained in the Billings Public Library’s archives.

The three-day event starts with a red carpet event at the Northern Hotel on Thursday and will feature Native films, artists, speakers and community remembrance tied to the 1876 battle.

The long-widowed wife of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer penned a four-page missive, dated Aug. 7, 1927, thanking to Ruth Renrick Gregory for inviting her to the 50th anniversary commemoration.