Thursday, June 15
Today the 7th Cavalry troopers camped along the Yellowstone moved out under Custer’s direct command, Terry remaining behind as he had established his headquarters aboard the Far West. With time to spare before the scheduled arrival of Reno at the Yellowstone, Custer set a more relaxed pace as his men advanced along the southern bank of the river, setting up camp tonight just outside of modern day Miles City, following a crossing of 23 miles. Reno, meanwhile, was moving along the Pumpkin toward the Rosebud, encountering little difficulty aside from one of the trailing Gatling guns overturning on the rough country. Tonight the force made camp along the Tongue, intending to continue westward on the morrow.
The site of the Sioux Encampment near the Rosebud Creek
Gibbon’s column remained in camp today, although a scout was dispatched westward. Ordered to follow the river, they were to observe for any signs that Sitting Bull had shifted northward and crossed the Yellowstone. In addition, the troopers carried mail that was to be transferred to couriers farther west before they turned back.
Crook’s camp was today a flurry of activity as the Wyoming Column prepared to move out. Infantry were mounted on mules (much to amusement of the scouts as the soldiers encountered great difficulty with the animals), while the wagons were corralled around excess animals to form a defensive position for the infantry who would remain behind to protect the supply base.
The Deer Medicine Rock
While the government columns had maneuvered, Sitting Bull had been lowing moving his camp down the Rosebud, moving with the grass to keep the pony herds well fed. At some point in the first half of the month of June (sources vary on the exact date) Sitting Bull called for the Sun Dance, one of the most important spiritual and social events to the Sioux nations. This was organized near the sacred Deer Medicine Rock, and took place over twelve days with dancing, spiritual fasting and purification rituals alongside social and courtship events. As the Dance reached its climax, Sitting Bull himself underwent a purification ritual before his brother, Jumping Bull, removed fifty pieces of flash from the Chief. Sitting Bull then danced with his face turned toward the sun until he entered a trance. In a vision from the Great Spirit the Chief saw soldiers falling facedown into the Sioux village, landing facedown. This was taken as a portent of a great victory in the near future, and the hostile bands prepared for the coming battle.
Research Trip
On the May 2026 research trip, the author drove by the Deer Medicine Rock on the evening of the second day. The rock itself, as well as the site of the Sun Dance proper, is located on private property just outside the boundaries of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and is not accessible, but is visible from the public highway in the area.
1. Dakota Column - CUSTER - Yellowstone River
2. Wyoming Column - CROOK -Goose Creek
3. Montana Column - GIBBON - Yellowstone River
4. 7th Cavalry Scout - RENO - Tongue River
5. Sioux Encampment - SITTING BULL - Rosebud Creek