In addition to its grandiose landscapes and natural beauty, Montana also has some fascinating history, legends, and stories. Unfortunately, some of them are quite unpleasant. But nothing quite tops the tragic tale of Sacrifice Cliff in Billings, Montana, which comes from an old Native American legend. Once you hear the story, it’s impossible to think of much else when you spot the massive cliff in the distance.

Sacrifice Cliff overlooks the Billings area, and the views are fantastic.
Jessica S. / TripAdvisor
The cliff looms over the entire city, which makes the tragic tale seem even spookier and more sinister.
According to the legend, the cliff was once a place of meditation for young boys and men in the Crow tribe. They would make the trip over from wherever they lived and spend some time on the rocks in silence.
Robby GC / TripAdvisor
One day, two teen Crow boys returned to their tribe to discover that nearly everyone had been wiped out by smallpox. In most versions of the tale, the victims included both of the boys' sweethearts as well as their immediate family members.

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The boys were so distraught over the loss of their loved ones, they couldn't bear to go on living. So they returned to Sacrifice Cliff with their horses, blindfolded the horses, and rode off the cliffs to their deaths so they could join their tribe on the other side.
Jessica S / TripAdvisor
And that's how this beautiful, rugged cliff got its name.
No one knows for certain if the tale is true or not, but sadly, it isn't impossible.
Robby GC / TripAdvisor
The smallpox epidemic was extremely dangerous for Native Americans in the 1800s. The disease was extremely lethal, killing around 90 percent of the Native American people who became sick with it.
These days, you can visit Sacrifice Cliff and read about the legend while taking in the sweeping views of the city.
Robby GC / TripAdvisor
But, while the area is perfectly peaceful now, its chilling history remains.

Do you think the heartbreaking legend of Sacrifice Cliff is true? The stories surrounding Sacrifice Cliff in Billings are numerous, but many of them share the same basic premise. So while we’ll never know for sure what took place here, we definitely encourage all visitors to be safe in the area.

This isn’t the only fascinating story that Montana has under its belt. Check out these spooky urban legends.

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Sacrifice Cliff, Montana 59101, USA