Indian Education For All Lesson Plan
This National Historic Landmark on the rolling prairie of eastern Montana preserves the site of the June 17, 1876, battle between Lakota (Sioux) and Cheyenne warriors and General George Crook’s soldiers supported by Crow and Shoshone Indians. The Army was there to enforce the U.S. government's recent reservation proclamation. The Lakota and Cheyenne were defending their families and way of life. Both sides fought bravely. The battle was a draw, with each side claiming victory.
The presence of thousands of warriors and soldiers on the field that day, combined with the length of the battle, made the event one of the largest battles of the Indian Wars. The battle is also notable, because it forced General Crook's troops to use all their ammunition and retreat to Wyoming Territory. Eight days later, many of the same Lakota and Cheyenne met Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, about 25 miles to the northwest.
The Cheyenne call this spot Kase’eetsevo’ estaneveosehaesta’tanemo - Where the Girl Saved Her Brother. Of the many heroic acts that occurred during the battle, the story of Buffalo Calf Trail Woman saving her older brother, Chief Comes in Sight, has been passed down through the generations.
Remote, quiet, and undeveloped, the 3,000-acre park includes prehistoric sites and the homestead ranch of the Kobold family. Take a picnic, your camera, and plenty of time to appreciate a slice of time and place.
For more information on Rosebud Battlefield State Park, read A Big Prelude to the Little Bighorn, 2004 Montana Outdoors article.
To understand the modern challenges at this site, reivew the management plan.
25 miles east of Crow Agency on U.S. 212, then 20 miles south on Secondary 314, then 3 miles west on county road. The last 1.5 miles are on unpaved roads. (Lat 45.219, Lng -106.978)
If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Rosebud Battlefield, P.O. Box 1630 Miles City, MT 59301 or call (406) 234-0900.
These locations represent physical occurences (visually confirmed) within the boundaries of the site. Many more species may be present in the area which are not listed because we do not have a visually confirmed record. If you would like to report a species sighting, a form is available.
