The Battle of the Rosebud Commemorates 150 Years with Healing Meal and Events

The Battle of the Rosebud 150th Anniversary Commemoration will take place Wednesday, June 17, at Rosebud Battlefield State Park in Montana and the public is invited.

Tongue River Reservoir and Rosebud Battlefield State Parks Recreational Specialist Spencer Morris appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to invite the public to the anniversary marking 150 years since the June 17, 1876 battle between Native warriors led by Crazy Horse and U.S. Army forces under General George Crook. 

Morris said that although the Battle of the Rosebud isn’t spoken of very often, it is one of the most significant battles to have taken place in the west. 

S. Morris

According to Morris, the outcome of the Battle of the Rosebud drained Crook and his men of much needed ammunition, forcing the General to return to what is now Sheridan for respite and resupply. This prevented him from reinforcing Colonel George Custer, who would meet his historical fate at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. 

Morris said the inclusion of indigenous tribal perspectives incorporated into the commemoration is vital to the real history of what happened that day on the battlefield. 

S. Morris

Activities include a keynote address, wreath-laying ceremony, tribal riders arriving from Trail Creek, cultural demonstrations, a reenactment of “Where the Girl Saved Her Brother,” a Victory Dance and a free community meal that will celebrate the healing of all the peoples who were involved in the battle, of which everyone is invited to take part.

The daylong event begins at 10 a.m. and is hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in partnership with tribal nations and community organizations.