After the disaster of Little Bighorn, the Indian Fighters of the upper plains went hell for leather in harrying Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. However, the harsh winter of 1876 made it hard for the US Army to conduct the pursuit. General George "Three Stars" Crook called it a season until the weather eased. However, the aggressive, but vain General Nelson "Bear Coat" Miles wanted none of Crook's waiting and launched new offensives over Christmas 1876 and into early 1877 in search of Crazy Horse's Oglala Sioux. On 7 January, Miles' column was attacked, but rebuffed and Miles took a Cheyenne contingent (Crazy Horse allies) prisoner. Thereafter, Miles encountered raids to free the prisoners, so he decided to set up a defensive position near Wolf Mountain. On the morning of 8 January the battle commenced with Crazy Horse attacking from various angles, but always finding no joy. As the weather cleared a bit, Miles was able to get range with his artillery which prompted an advance on Crazy Horse. Crazy Horse had no choice, but to retreat to save his force. The numbers lost by both sides were small and the battle may have gone down as a draw. However, the larger point was made on the Indians. They were not safe from US forces in their own areas...even in the dead of winter. Total capitulation was to follow shortly. Miles was not liked by much of anyone, but his successes were rewarded and he eventually became the Commanding General of the US Army in 1895.

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Motorcycle Ride

For a good long run all around the area of Miles' and Crazy Horse's actions in the Tongue River area, try this circular ride from Ashland to Busby to Decker to Birney and back to Ashland.

Maps