ORDER OF BATTLE // June 17, 1876
Battle of the Rosebud
Estimated force strength by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Forces engaged
2 sides catalogued · combined 2,311–3,111 estimated
Lakota Sioux
1,000–1,800
Medium-confidence figure
United States
1,311
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
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.
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