Battle of the Rosebud

Overview

The Battle of the Rosebud or the Battle of Rosebud Creek took place on June 17, 1876, in the Montana Territory between the United States Army and its Crow and Shoshoni allies against a force consisting primarily of Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne Indians during the Great Sioux War of 1876. The Cheyenne called it the Battle Where the Girl Saved Her Brother because of an incident during the fight involving Buffalo Calf Road Woman. General George Crook's offensive was stymied by the Indians, led by Crazy Horse, and he awaited reinforcements before resuming the campaign in August.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The Battle of the Rosebud was a significant check on U.S. offensive operations during the opening phase of the Great Sioux War of 1876. General George Crook's column, augmented by Crow and Shoshoni allies, was halted by a Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne force led by Crazy Horse and was unable to continue the campaign. Crook's withdrawal to await reinforcements disrupted the coordinated three-column strategy the Army had planned against the Sioux, leaving the remaining columns to advance without his support. Eight days later, Lieutenant Colonel George Custer's column met defeat at the Little Bighorn — an outcome shaped in part by Crook's absence from the field. Among the Cheyenne, the battle is remembered as the Battle Where the Girl Saved Her Brother, marking the role of Buffalo Calf Road Woman in the fighting.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (4)