General George Crook led a force of approximately 1,300 soldiers south from the Rosebud River in Montana, moving toward the large Lakota and Cheyenne encampment that would become famous at the Little Bighorn.

Crazy Horse led a force of Lakota and Cheyenne warriors that intercepted Crook’s column.

The battle lasted for hours and was fought over a broad terrain of canyons and ridges.

The Lakota and Cheyenne fighters were aggressive and innovative, pressing the attack in ways that did not conform to the tactics American forces expected.

Crook’s command was forced to withdraw, abandoning its march toward the encampment.

The Battle of the Rosebud is the battle that most directly caused the Little Bighorn.