Vast numbers of Sioux and Cheyenne have moved north to an encampment of the Sioux chief Sitting Bull in the region of the Little Bighorn River, creating the last great gathering of native peoples on the Great Plains.

General Crook's column is the first to make contact with the northern bands in the Battle of the Rosebud on June 17, in which fifteen hundred Sioux and Cheyenne led by Crazy Horse beat back Crook's forces in Montana Territory.

While Crook claims a victory, most historians note that the natives had effectively checked his advance.

Thus the Battle of the Rosebud is at the very least a tactical draw if not a victory for the natives.

Afterward, General Crook remains in camp for several weeks awaiting reinforcements, essentially taking his column out of the fighting for a significant period of time.