Rosebud Battlefield State Park

This National Historic Landmark on the rolling prairie of eastern Montana preserves the site of the June 17, 1876 battle that was a harbinger to the Battle of Little Bighorn.   Rosebud Battlefield is associated with the lead up to the Battle of Little Bighorn. It represents the proactive position of the 1,500 Sioux and Northern Cheyenne as they forced the withdrawal of Brigadier General George Crook's 1,000 troops at Rosebud Creek. The presence of thousands of warriors and soldiers on the field on June 17, 1876, made the day one of the largest battles of the Indian wars. Eight days later, because Crook's troops were withdrawn from the war zone to resupply, they were not available to support Colonel Custer and his troops at Little Bighorn. The Lakota and Northern Cheyenne warriors overtook Colonel George Custer and his 263 soldiers at Little Bighorn. This defeat shocked the nation celebrating its Centennial and ultimately led to a counter attack and to the Lakota's loss of the Black Hills. The battle at Rosebud Creek was exceptionally significant because the Indians fought as an army with great intensity to defend their traditional land. Remote, quiet and undeveloped, the 3,052 acre park at 4,300 feet in elevation includes prehistoric sites and the homestead ranch of the Kobold family. Take a picnic, your camera, and plenty of time to appreciate the history and place.  There are restrictions on the use of metal detectors, digging, collecting or removal of artifacts, and bikes are allowed on existing roadway only. The leash law for pets is in effect from 4/1 until the opening day of upland game bird season. Visitors must watch for rattlesnakes in this area. The area is undeveloped and is adjacent to the Crow Indian Reservation. Sheridan, Wyoming is 46 miles to the southeast.